North Korea has made a significant constitutional change after 54 years, marking a major shift in its position towards South Korea while further strengthening the authority of leader Kim Jong Un. The revised constitution, reportedly released on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, refers to South Korea as a separate neighbouring nation rather than territory belonging to Pyongyang.

According to reports, the constitutional changes reflect a major departure from North Korea's long-standing position on the Korean Peninsula. While Pyongyang had traditionally claimed South Korea as part of its territory, the revised document reportedly identifies the Republic of Korea as a neighbouring country.

South Korea Recognised as a Separate Neighbour

According to South Korean newspaper Korea JoongAng Daily, Article 2 of North Korea's revised constitution mentions neighbouring countries, including China and Russia to the north and the Republic of Korea to the south.

Notably, the new constitution reportedly does not include language describing South Korea as North Korea's principal or permanent enemy.

The development is being viewed as a significant political and ideological shift, particularly considering the history of conflict between the two Koreas. The Korean War began in 1950, and the two countries have remained technically at war because no formal peace treaty has been signed.

Kim Jong Un Gains Greater Nuclear Authority

The constitutional amendments have also strengthened Kim Jong Un's control over North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.

Under the revised provisions, the State Affairs Commission is reportedly responsible for commanding the country's nuclear forces and making decisions regarding their use. Kim Jong Un, who chairs the commission, therefore retains centralised authority over the nuclear arsenal.

Reports also indicate that Kim has been granted the power to determine who will exercise nuclear command authority after him, potentially giving him greater control over the future succession of the country's nuclear leadership.

The changes are being interpreted as an effort to ensure that North Korea's nuclear command structure remains operational even if its leader is targeted in an attack.

North Korea's Nuclear Arsenal

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, North Korea is estimated to possess around 50 assembled nuclear warheads, while it may have sufficient fissile material to produce additional weapons.

The country is reportedly aiming to expand its nuclear arsenal significantly in the coming years, with estimates suggesting a possible target of 90 warheads by 2030.

Changes to Government and Recruitment Provisions

The revised constitution has reportedly amended Articles 121 and 156.

Article 121 relates to the functioning and control of the Cabinet, while Article 156 concerns provisions associated with recruitment and appointments, including judicial and law-enforcement positions.

The amendments are being viewed as part of a broader effort to consolidate political authority and restructure North Korea's governance system.

Could This Open the Door to Future Peace Talks?

North Korea's decision to recognise South Korea as a separate neighbouring country has triggered speculation about the future of relations between the two countries.

Some observers believe the constitutional shift could create a new framework for diplomatic engagement, although it does not automatically indicate that Pyongyang is ready for peace negotiations.

Meanwhile, North Korea continues to oppose efforts by the United States to dismantle its nuclear programme.

The latest developments are also being viewed against the backdrop of growing international tensions and concerns in Pyongyang over the possibility of military intervention against its leadership.

For now, the constitutional amendments represent a major change in North Korea's political position, its relationship with South Korea and the structure of Kim Jong Un's nuclear authority.