North Korea is preparing to formalize a significant constitutional amendment that will redefine its relationship with South Korea, officially labeling the South as a “hostile” nation. This move, which is expected to be ratified by the Supreme People’s Assembly, could dismantle decades of diplomacy and escalate military tensions between the two Koreas. The amendment will alter the current language in the constitution, which previously sought peaceful reunification, and replace it with clauses that position North Korea as a “separate socialist state.”
The revised constitution is also expected to establish a new maritime boundary in the Yellow Sea, rejecting the existing Northern Limit Line (NLL), the boundary recognized by the South. Analysts warn that this could lead to increased military clashes, as previous disputes in this area have resulted in casualties. While the constitutional change marks a symbolic shift, experts note the difficulty of enforcing a new sea border, given that South Korea currently controls the contested waters.
The constitutional shift comes amid North Korea’s growing military cooperation with Russia. Following a June agreement between Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin, analysts expect the Supreme People’s Assembly to ratify a defense partnership treaty with Russia. Meanwhile, North Korea has condemned NATO for criticizing its military ties with Russia, accusing the alliance of overstepping in the Asia-Pacific region and warning of “tragic consequences.” Unconfirmed reports from Ukraine suggest that North Korean military officers were recently killed in a Ukrainian missile strike, signaling deeper involvement in the ongoing conflict.
