North Korea Removes Reunification Goal from Constitution

The revision, reflected in a document circulating on Wednesday, represents a sharp break from decades of policy dating back to 1948, when Pyongyang formally committed to pursuing unification.

The change came to light after South Korea’s Unification Ministry shared the document, which was reviewed by Yonhap News Agency and international media. The updated constitution, introduced in March, also includes a new clause defining North Korea’s territory as covering areas bordering China and Russia to the north, “and the Republic of Korea to the south,” using South Korea’s official name.

The revision also redesignates leader Kim Jong Un, in his role as chairman of the State Affairs Commission, as the country’s head of state. Earlier wording had described the position differently, referring to the chairman as the supreme leader representing the state.

In addition, the constitution now explicitly states that command over North Korea’s nuclear forces rests with the chairman of the State Affairs Commission, formalizing Kim’s authority. It also describes North Korea as a “responsible nuclear weapons state.”

Analysts say the changes could reshape relations on the Korean Peninsula. Political scientist Lee Jung Chul of Seoul National University, cited by Yonhap, said the new approach may provide a basis for “peaceful coexistence” between the two Koreas.

Lee also noted that the absence of a clearly defined inter-Korean border in the revised constitution suggests Pyongyang may be seeking to avoid direct confrontation for now.

However, North Korea has adopted an increasingly hardline stance toward Seoul in recent years, rejecting dialogue efforts from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

Kim began shifting policy in late 2023, describing South Korea as the “main enemy,” and later ordered the demolition of a major reunification monument in Pyongyang. In January 2024, he called for a constitutional amendment defining South Korea as the North’s “primary foe and invariable principal enemy,” while asserting that the North’s territory is separate from the South.

Kim has also pledged to expand North Korea’s nuclear arsenal. In April alone, Pyongyang conducted four missile tests, the highest monthly total in more than two years.

At the same time, North Korea has strengthened ties with Russia, reportedly supplying troops and artillery shells to support Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Read: North Korea Ramps up Executions Over Foreign Media, Says NGO

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