North Korea drops reunification goal from constitution, defines separate state

North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly approved a constitutional amendment that removes all references to the reunification of the Korean Peninsula. The revised text defines the country’s territory as bordering South Korea, China and Russia, and mentions the Republic of Korea only to describe the southern border.

The amendment also elevates Kim Jong‑un’s status, naming him the head of state and commander of the nuclear forces, and adds a clause that the state will develop its nuclear program to ensure survival and stability. As one analyst noted, “the constitution no longer mentions reunification,” reflecting Kim’s policy of two separate hostile states.