Published：May 6, 05:05Last updated：May 7, 09:09

North Korea Drops Reunification from Constitution

May. 6, 2026 05:05

North Korea's revised constitution defines its territory and drops references to reunification with South Korea. The changes reflect Kim Jong-un's policy of treating the two Koreas as separate states. The document no longer identifies South Korea as a "primary foe."

Summarized

12News

9Media

May. 7, 2026 07:33

North Korea has amended its constitution to formally grant leader Kim Jong Un authority over the country’s nuclear weapons. This move solidifies Kim’s control over the nation’s military capabilities, as highlighted in a news broadcast featuring Pyongyang’s nuclear-capable intercontinental ballistic missiles.

May. 7, 2026 09:09

North Korea has formally adopted a 'two states' doctrine in its constitution, eliminating previous mentions of reunification. This constitutional change was reported on May 7, 2026, but the content does not discuss its implications.

North Korea has officially removed references to reunification with South Korea from its constitution, marking a significant shift in its policy stance. The revised constitution, revealed on May 6, 2026, reflects Kim Jong Un's strategy of treating the two Koreas as separate states. This change aligns with his 2023 policy shift and solidifies Pyongyang's stance on maintaining separation from the South. The document no longer identifies South Korea as a "primary foe" but emphasizes North Korea's sovereignty and territorial integrityYonhap News Agency+2.

🏛️ Constitutional Changes

The amendments, believed to have been made during the Supreme People's Assembly in March 2026, remove phrases like "peaceful unification" and explicitly refer to South Korea as a "separate country." The revised text defines North Korea's territory exclusively within the northern part of the Korean Peninsula, dropping any mention of shared heritage or reunification goalsDeutsche Welle+2.

🕊️ Policy Implications

This constitutional revision underscores Kim Jong Un's hardening stance on inter-Korean relations. While the document avoids hostile language, it reinforces the "two hostile states" doctrine, signaling a departure from decades of reunification rhetoric. South Korea's Cheong Wa Dae has stated it will review the changes but maintain its "peaceful coexistence" policyAsahi Shimbun+2.

🔍 South Korea's Response

South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported that North Korea has significantly toned down its hostility in the revised constitution. The NIS views this as a move to maintain the status quo rather than adopt an offensive posture. Despite the changes, Seoul reaffirmed its commitment to diplomatic engagementYonhap News Agency+1.

Kim Jong UnNorth KoreaSouth KoreaCheong Wa DaeSupreme People's Assembly