Reports indicate that significant amendments have been made to the North Korean constitution regarding national security and the management of nuclear forces. According to The Telegraph, citing a briefing by South Korea's National Intelligence Service, the new norm could force the army to automatically launch a nuclear strike in the event of leader Kim Jong Un's death.
The revised Constitution identifies Kim Jong Un as Chairman of the State Affairs Commission and solidifies his status as the direct head of state. Furthermore, it explicitly stipulates that the Chairman of the State Affairs Commission commands the DPRK's nuclear forces.
The legislation also specifically emphasizes Kim Jong Un's status as the sole commander of nuclear forces. This indicates that centralized control within North Korea's nuclear strategy has been further strengthened.
According to The Telegraph, if the nuclear command system is compromised due to an enemy attack, a nuclear strike is set to be carried out automatically and immediately. This is being assessed as a very sharp signal aimed at deterring potential attacks against the DPRK leadership.
South Korean estimates suggest that North Korea may possess approximately 60 nuclear warheads and nearly 2 tons of highly enriched uranium. If these figures are accurate, Pyongyang's nuclear potential remains a serious factor for regional security.
These constitutional amendments were adopted at the first session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly held in Pyongyang on March 22. The publication notes that this decision may have been influenced by recent international events, including joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
The Telegraph writes that the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several individuals around him as a result of those attacks likely increased the necessity for Pyongyang to further tighten its security guarantees.
For North Korea, nuclear weapons are seen not only as a military tool but also as a factor for regime security, a deterrent against external pressure, and a political guarantee. Therefore, strengthening the command system around Kim Jong Un by law is Pyongyang's latest stern signal to the outside world.
These changes could further complicate the situation on the Korean Peninsula. The rule regarding an automatic nuclear response increases the risk of miscalculation during a potential crisis. In such a scenario, a single mistake could turn a regional conflict into a global crisis.
In short, through these new constitutional amendments, the DPRK is openly signaling that any threat to its leader and nuclear system will be met with a harsh response. This could push the military-political balance in the region into a more dangerous and complex phase.
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