Simone Lawson
North Korea's constitution has been amended several times since its adoption in 1972. The amendments are typically considered entirely new constitutions due to the extent of the changes made to the original document. The Socialist Constitution combines strong socialist and nationalist tendencies, reflecting the country's Juche ideology, and credits Kim Il-Sung as the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the father of socialist Korea. The constitution outlines the organization of the government, with the Supreme People's Assembly as the highest institution of state power, and details the national symbols of North Korea, including the national emblem, flag, anthem, and capital city of Pyongyang. Amendments to the constitution require the approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies in the Supreme People's Assembly. This article will explore the specific amendments made to North Korea's constitution and the implications of these changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Amendments | 11 |
| Dates of Amendments | 1992, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, April 2019, August 2019, 2023, and 2024 |
| Amendment Procedure | Approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies in the Supreme People's Assembly |
| Amendment Topics | Head of state selection and removal, head of government selection, treaty ratification, cabinet selection, constitutional interpretation, supreme court selection, supreme/ordinary court judge removal, advisory bodies to the head of state, legislative oversight of the executive, budget bills, constitution amendment procedure, power to pardon |
| National Symbols | National emblem, national flag ("Aegukka"), national anthem ("Aegukka"), national capital (Pyongyang) |
| Government Organisation | Supreme People's Assembly as the highest institution of state power, with the power to amend the constitution, adopt or amend laws, elect or recall the President of the State Affairs Commission, elect the Cabinet, elect the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General, approve the state plan for national economic development, approve the national budget, and ratify or annul treaties |
| Worker-Peasant Alliance | Led by the working class, the State shall revolutionize all members of society and assimilate them into the working class through an intensive ideological revolution |
| National Goals | Achieve the complete victory of socialism in the northern half of Korea by strengthening the people's power and performing the ideological, cultural, and technical revolutions; reunify the country on the principles of independence, peaceful reunification, and great national unity |
| Designation of South Korea | Designated as a "hostile state", with the constitution amended to drop unification as a national goal |
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What You'll Learn
- North Korea's constitution has been amended 11 times since 1972
- The Supreme People's Assembly is the highest government institution
- Amendments are approved by two-thirds of the Supreme People's Assembly
- North Korea's constitution combines socialism with nationalism and Juche ideology
- The constitution outlines the organisation of the North Korean government
North Korea's constitution has been amended 11 times since 1972
North Korea's current constitution, the Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, was adopted on 27 December 1972. It has been amended 11 times since then, in 1992, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, April 2019, August 2019, 2023, and 2024. The constitution can be amended with the approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies in the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA). The SPA is the highest institution of state power and exercises legislative power. It consists of deputies elected through universal, equal, and direct suffrage through secret ballot for a five-year term.
The Socialist Constitution replaced North Korea's first constitution, which was approved in 1948. The current constitution was drafted to set into law the expanding socialist policies and the political, economic, and social changes in the country, which were no longer reflected in the 1948 constitution. The Socialist Constitution consists of a preamble and 172 articles organized into seven chapters. It codifies North Korea's basic principles on politics, economy, culture, and national defense, the basic rights and duties of citizens, the organization of the North Korean government, and the country's national symbols.
The amendments to the Socialist Constitution have made significant changes to the original document, and they are usually considered as an entirely new constitution. The amendments have addressed various aspects of North Korea's government and policies. For example, the amendment in 1992 solidified Kim Jong Il's position as the successor to Kim Il Sung by making the National Defence Commission a separate institution from the Central People's Committee. The 1998 amendment included provisions for supreme court selection, supreme/ordinary court judge removal, advisory bodies to the head of state, constitutional interpretation, and the power to pardon.
The most recent amendments to the Socialist Constitution were made in 2023 and 2024. While the specific changes made in these amendments are not yet clear, they likely reflect the evolving political, economic, and social landscape of North Korea. It is important to note that North Korea is also governed by the Ten Principles for the Establishment of a Monolithic Ideological System, which some claim have come to supersede the constitution and serve as the supreme law of the country.
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The Supreme People's Assembly is the highest government institution
The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) is the highest government institution in North Korea, also known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). The SPA is the legislature of North Korea and the only branch of government, with all other state organs subservient to it. It consists of one deputy from each of North Korea's 687 constituencies, elected to five-year terms by universal adult suffrage.
The SPA is tasked with various powers, including the passing of laws, the election of the Cabinet, the Supreme Court, and the Procurator General. It also has the power to amend the constitution, adopt or amend laws, elect or recall the President of the State Affairs Commission, and approve the national budget. The assembly typically does not legislate directly but delegates that task to a smaller Standing Committee, which exercises power when the SPA is in recess. The Standing Committee consists of the Chairman, vice-chairmen, a secretary-general, and other members, all elected by the SPA.
The SPA is meant to represent the interests of all Korean people and is guided by the Juche idea, a world outlook centred on people and achieving independence for the masses. The constitution identifies the SPA as the "highest organ of state power," and all state positions, including the President of the State Affairs Commission and, in theory, the Premier of the Cabinet, trace their authority to it.
While the SPA is vested with great powers on paper, in practice, it exists primarily to approve decisions made by the ruling party, and it has little to no real power of its own. The country operates under one-man leadership, with Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader, holding most of the power. The 1998 amendments to the constitution, for example, abolished the posts of President of North Korea, Central People's Committee, and Standing Committee of the SPA, transferring their powers to a new body, the Presidium of the SPA, which is headed by a chairman.
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Amendments are approved by two-thirds of the Supreme People's Assembly
The Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the constitution of North Korea. It was approved by the 6th Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) in 1972 and has been amended several times since then. The SPA is the highest institution of state power in North Korea and holds legislative power. It has the authority to amend the constitution, adopt or amend laws, elect or recall the President and members of the State Affairs Commission, and perform various other functions.
The constitution can be amended with the approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies in the SPA. This process has been followed for all amendments to the Socialist Constitution, including those in 1992, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2019. The SPA sets up committees, such as the legislation and budget committees, which assist in planning and implementing state policies and bills.
The process of amending the constitution through the SPA is significant, as it allows for changes to be made to the country's fundamental laws with the approval of a significant majority of the deputies. This ensures that any modifications to the constitution have a broad level of support within the highest institution of state power. The SPA's role in amending the constitution is crucial for maintaining the stability and effectiveness of North Korea's legal and governmental framework.
One notable amendment occurred in 1998, following the death of Kim Il-Sung in 1994. This amendment introduced changes to the government system and enshrined Kim Il Sung as the eternal President, with the constitution being named the "Kim Il-sung Constitution". Another amendment in 2010 renamed the Central Court as the Supreme Court and the Central Public Prosecutors Office as the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office.
The SPA's power to amend the constitution is an essential aspect of North Korea's political system, allowing for the evolution of laws and policies to meet the changing needs of the country. The requirement for a two-thirds majority ensures that amendments are carefully considered and have the support of a significant portion of the deputies.
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North Korea's constitution combines socialism with nationalism and Juche ideology
North Korea's constitution, officially named the Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, combines socialism with nationalism and Juche ideology. The constitution is made up of a preamble and 172 articles, which are organised into seven chapters. It is considered unique for its blend of socialist and nationalist tendencies, along with its incorporation of Juche, an ideology that emphasises equality and mutual respect among nations, with each state having the right to self-determination.
The preamble characterises North Korea as the "socialist state of Juche", acknowledging the contributions of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il in shaping the nation's ideology and political structure. Kim Il Sung, the founder of North Korea, is credited with introducing the Juche idea, which shifted the country towards socialism. Kim Jong Il, through his Songun policy, further developed Juche and transformed North Korea into a politico-ideological power, a nuclear state, and a military force.
The constitution's blend of socialism and Juche is evident in various provisions. For instance, Article 52 mentions Juche-oriented art and literature with nationalist form and socialist content, encouraging ideological and artistic expression while engaging the masses in cultural activities. The state is also tasked with providing cultural facilities, promoting the national language, and ensuring access to healthcare and a hygienic environment, reflecting a socialist commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
The constitution's nationalist character is further emphasised in Chapter 7, which designates North Korea's national symbols, including the emblem, flag, anthem, and capital city of Pyongyang. Additionally, the constitution underscores the importance of the Korean people's unique traits, echoing the sentiments of earlier Korean nationalists. This nationalist ideology, combined with Juche's emphasis on self-determination, has led to North Korea's perception as a "'hermit kingdom'", signifying its strong sense of national sovereignty and independence.
The constitution also outlines the organisational structure of North Korea's government. It establishes the Supreme People's Assembly as the highest institution of state power, with the authority to amend the constitution, adopt laws, and elect key officials. The Assembly's Standing Committee exercises power during recess periods and manages foreign relations. The constitution further defines the roles of the Cabinet, the Supreme Court, and other governing bodies, reflecting the country's commitment to socialism, nationalism, and Juche in its political and social framework.
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The constitution outlines the organisation of the North Korean government
The Constitution of North Korea, officially named the Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, outlines the organisation of the country's government. The constitution was first adopted in 1948 and has since undergone several amendments, with the most recent revisions being made in 2023 and 2024.
The constitution establishes the Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) as the highest institution of state power, tasked with legislative functions. The SPA is responsible for passing laws, electing key officials, and representing the country in foreign relations. It consists of deputies elected through universal suffrage for five-year terms. The SPA also sets up committees such as the legislation and budget committees, which assist in policy planning and implementation.
The head of government is the Premier, who is assisted by vice-premiers and a Cabinet, with its members appointed by the SPA. The President of the SPA serves as the titular head of state, while the country's leadership is effectively concentrated in a single individual, currently Kim Jong-un, who holds positions such as Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army and Chairman of the State Affairs Commission.
Chapter 6 of the Socialist Constitution outlines the organisation of the government in 80 articles divided into eight sections. It describes the roles and responsibilities of the Supreme People's Assembly, including its power to amend the constitution, adopt or amend laws, elect or recall high-ranking officials, approve the national budget, and ratify treaties.
The constitution also addresses the economic, cultural, and national defence structures of North Korea. It emphasises the country's socialist nature and outlines principles such as public education, revolutionary culture, and an independent national economy. Additionally, it establishes the rights and duties of citizens, including their participation in work, defence of the country, and adherence to state laws and socialist standards.
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Frequently asked questions
The 1948 constitution was amended five times, in 1954 (twice), 1955, 1956 and 1962. The Socialist Constitution of 1972 has been amended eleven times, in 1992, 1998, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2016, April 2019, August 2019, 2023 and 2024.
Amendments to the constitution are approved by more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies in the Supreme People's Assembly. The Supreme People's Assembly is the highest institution of state power and exercises legislative power.
The Supreme People's Assembly is the highest government institution in North Korea. It passes laws, elects the Cabinet, the Supreme Court and the Procurator General. The assembly consists of deputies elected through universal, equal and direct suffrage through secret ballot for a five-year term.
The Socialist Constitution combines strong socialist and nationalist tendencies and references the country's Juche ideology. The constitution outlines the organisation of the government and designates the national symbols of North Korea, including the national emblem, flag, anthem and capital city. It also provides for the establishment of committees such as the legislation committee and the budget committee.
In 2022, North Korea amended its constitution to designate South Korea as a "hostile state", removing unification as a national goal. This was a significant shift in the country's foreign policy and was seen as a response to perceived threats from South Korea and the United States.
