The Constitutional Development of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea through the Prism of Constitutional Amendments

The study of the principal issues of the constitutional development of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is an important task of both theoretical and practical significance. The modern legal system of the DPRK, including its Constitution and legislation, has been shaped by specific political and historical factors, including the legacy of customary law, Confucian norms, socialist ideology, Juche ideas, and the unique conditions in which this state functions. The development of constitutional law in the DPRK has passed through several key stages since the adoption of its first Constitution in 1948. Each new version of the Constitution has reflected changing socio-economic, cultural, and political realities, as well as the ideological positions of the country’s leadership, including the adoption of the 1972 Constitution and its subsequent amendments. In the context of international relations, the study of this subject is particularly relevant for states seeking to establish contacts with the DPRK. The legal framework and mechanisms of legal regulation developed under the conditions of the DPRK’s unique socio-economic and political development must be taken into account in the course of diplomatic negotiations and economic cooperation. The study of the constitutional development of the DPRK not only deepens our understanding of the specific features of this state, but also contributes to the formation of a more balanced approach to engagement with it in the international arena. Understanding the legal foundations on which DPRK statehood is built makes it possible to identify potential avenues for further rapprochement and cooperation, which undoubtedly makes a thorough and careful analysis necessary. The study of constitutional rhetoric provides a key to understanding ideological shifts, such as the transition from Juche and Songun ideology to the ideas of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism. No less significant is the question of how constitutional norms adapt to the challenges of globalization and international pressure. The analysis conducted makes it possible to critically assess the thesis that the Basic Law is merely declaratory and to identify its actual functions in legitimizing the regime. Consideration of these aspects is necessary for forming a comprehensive picture of the political and legal system of the DPRK, one that goes beyond superficial interpretations.

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