10.05.2026 11:30
North Korea's constitutional amendment has paved the way for automatic nuclear retaliation in the event of an attack on its leadership or nuclear command system. While experts assess that the regulation effectively covers a possible assassination scenario against Kim Jong Un, the Pyongyang administration argues that its nuclear status is "irreversible."
With a change in North Korea's constitution, automatic nuclear retaliation has been enabled in the event of an attack on the country's nuclear command system or targeting of its leadership. Analyses in the foreign press assessed that the regulation effectively covers a possible assassination scenario against Kim Jong Un.
“AUTOMATIC AND IMMEDIATE RESPONSE” DETAIL
The new regulation states that if the nuclear forces' command and control system comes under threat, a nuclear strike will be carried out “automatically and immediately.” According to experts, since North Korea's nuclear decision-making mechanism is largely dependent on Kim Jong Un, this step implies automatic retaliation in the event of the leader's death.
NUCLEAR AUTHORITY FULLY IN KIM JONG UN'S HANDS
The Pyongyang administration also constitutionally guaranteed Kim Jong Un's full authority over nuclear weapons. The North Korean government argues that the country's nuclear status is now “irreversible.”
TENSIONS WITH SOUTH KOREA DEEPEN
North Korea has also formally abandoned the goal of reunification with South Korea in its latest constitutional amendments. Experts note that the Pyongyang administration now positions South Korea as a permanent enemy.