North Korea amends constitution to mandate automatic nuclear response

North Korea has updated its constitution to formalize an automatic nuclear strike response in the event of the assassination of leader Kim Jong Un or a threat to the state's nuclear command and control systems. The decision was approved during a session of the Supreme People's Assembly in Pyongyang. Information regarding this constitutional change was disclosed by the South Korean National Intelligence Service (NIS). Analysts, including Andrei Lankov from Kookmin University, suggest this move is a response to recent international events, specifically operations targeting leadership figures in other regimes. The new mandate eliminates the requirement for political authorization for a retaliatory strike once the specified conditions are met. While intended to strengthen deterrence, experts warn that this policy significantly increases the risk of uncontrolled escalation during a crisis. The measure underscores Pyongyang's stance that any threat to its leadership constitutes an existential threat to the nation.