North Korea revises the constitution and changes the ratio of the North Korean flag... For the first time since the founding of the country in 1948 (comprehensive)

It has been confirmed that North Korea revised its constitution and changed the width-to-height ratio of its national flag.

This is the first time that the proportions of the flag have changed since the establishment of the North Korean regime in 1948.

According to the revised constitution released on the 13th by North Korea's foreign propaganda media 'Naenara', Article 166, the regulation regarding the national flag, states that "the ratio of the length and width of the flag is 1:1.65."

This is a change from the 1 to 2 ratio of height and width stipulated in the existing constitution, and the horizontal length of the flag has become shorter than the vertical length.

From 1948 to the Constitution revised at the 9th Session of the 14th Supreme People's Assembly in September 2023, the vertical and horizontal ratio of the flag was specified as 1:2.

The basic components of the artificial flag were maintained.

The revised constitution explained the national flag as "a wide red stripe in the center of the flag, a thin white stripe at the bottom and top, followed by a blue stripe, and a red five-pointed star within a white circle on the side of the red flag," which is similar to the existing constitution.

Naenara's website explained that the red stripe of the flag symbolizes "the red blood shed by the anti-Japanese revolutionary fighters who sacrificed themselves to fight for the freedom, independence, and people's sovereignty of the motherland."

He added that the white circle and two white strips symbolize “the loyalty of our people who uphold the leadership of the party and the leader with a pure heart,” and that the two blue strips at the bottom and top symbolize “the revolutionary spirit of our people and the sovereignty of the republic, who hold high the banner of anti-imperialism and independence and struggle for world peace, friendship and unity.”

The change in the proportions of the flag, which has been maintained for decades, can be interpreted as an extension of the trend in which Chairman Kim Jong-un has inherited the legacy of previous leaders while emphasizing his own ruling line and national identity since coming to power.

In particular, while Chairman Kim was pursuing a break with South Korea by declaring 'two hostile countries', he abandoned the name of the national anthem in 2024 and adopted the 'National Anthem Act'.

Chairman Kim's 'two hostile countries' line has been reflected in national symbols, such as changing 'Samcheonri', which means the entire Korean Peninsula, to 'this world' in the lyrics.

This flag change is also interpreted as an attempt to build a new national image suitable for the Kim Jong-un era by modifying detailed specifications while maintaining the basic form, such as the existing red star and color.

North Korea has recently been promoting patriotism among its citizens by producing 'national flag goods' such as gym uniforms, bags, and hats using the national flag.

Chosun Shinbo, the organ of the General Association of Koreans in Japan (Chosun Chongryon), introduced on the 13th that the 'Pine' schoolbag, which resembles the North Korean flag, was making its debut at the 'National Clothing and Shoes Exhibition - 2026' and is attracting attention.

Kim Eun-jeong, a draftsman at the Pyongyang Bag Factory, told the Chosun Shinbo, "Ever since I was young, I always looked at the bags I carried, and I wanted to contribute to fostering patriotism by loving and cherishing our dignified national flag."

The Labor Party's official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, also reported on the 8th, "The Seongyo Knitting Factory and Dansang Sports Clothing Factory, which have been producing sports uniforms, sportswear, and T-shirts in the shape of the national flag for several years, are increasing production every year."