North Korea Reveals Revised Constitution Reflecting 'Hostile Two States' Policy

North Korea has unveiled a revised constitution reflecting Kim Jong Un's 'hostile two states' policy through its external propaganda outlet. This marks the first public disclosure of constitutional content in approximately two years and eight months.

On November 11, the North Korean propaganda website Naenara published the full text of the 'Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea' in its 'Constitution' section. The document was reportedly amended and supplemented during the first session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly held on March 23.

Previously, Naenara had deactivated its constitution section in March 2024, preventing access to related provisions. Items likely related to unification and the Korean people, such as 'modern history' and 'overseas compatriots,' were also withheld from public view.

This move follows Kim's designation of inter-Korean relations as a 'conflict between two states' during a Workers' Party plenary meeting at the end of 2023. In a speech to the Supreme People's Assembly in January 2024, he directed the removal of terms like 'North-South unification,' 'independence,' 'peaceful unification,' and 'national unity' from the constitution.

The most significant change in the revised constitution is the establishment of territorial provisions. Article 2 defines North Korea's territory as land bordering China and Russia to the north and South Korea to the south, along with the corresponding maritime and airspace. While South Korea is specified as the southern boundary, no specific land or maritime borders are detailed.

Clauses related to national unification that were present in the previous constitution have been removed. However, the document does not explicitly label South Korea as the 'primary hostile nation' or 'unchanging enemy.'

Provisions outlining the Chairman's powers have also been revised. The constitution now provides a basis for the Chairman to command the country's nuclear forces and delegate authority for nuclear weapon use to the National Nuclear Force Command.

Some discrepancies have been noted between the version released by Naenara and the full text obtained by the Ministry of Unification, including the omission of phrases related to cabinet meetings and the election of people's jurors for special courts that were included in the government version.