North Korea’s New Constitutional Amendment on Nuclear Retaliation

North Korea has reportedly modified its constitution to mandate a nuclear response if leader Kim Jong Un is killed. This change appears amidst escalating global tensions, particularly after the recent assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in conflicts that involved Israel and the U.S.

The amendment was approved during a session of North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly that took place in Pyongyang on March 22. It includes specific protocols for retaliating should Kim be eliminated. Essentially, the policy indicates that if there’s an attack on the state’s nuclear command system, an immediate nuclear strike will occur.

It’s noteworthy that earlier, Khamenei was killed during an Israeli operation in Tehran, a situation that has likely heightened anxieties for North Korea. The South Korean National Intelligence Service has shared this update with government officials recently.

In addition to this, the constitution now defines North Korea’s territory as distinct from that of South Korea, eliminating any mention of reunification. This marks the first instance where territorial delineations have been included in their constitution, which, I think, reflects Kim’s increasing pressure to solidify the division between the two Koreas.

Just last month, Kim emphasized his commitment to enhancing the country’s nuclear arsenal while also maintaining aggression toward South Korea, branding it as the “most hostile enemy.”

Notably, Kim Jong Un has accused the United States of “state terrorism,” hinting at a potential shift toward a more confrontational stance against U.S. actions as international tensions continue to rise.