Kim Jong Un Remakes North Korea’s Flag, Ditching Soviet-Era Version

North Korea has changed the aspect ratio of its national flag for the first time since the country's founding in 1948, according to coverage from Yonhap News Agency, The Korea Herald, and Hromadske. The change was enacted through a constitutional amendment, as reported by 헤럴드경제, which notes this is the first alteration to the flag's proportions since the state's founding. Hromadske describes the flag as having been shortened, framing the move as part of Kim Jong Un's reshaping of national symbols. The Korea Herald puts the timeframe at 78 years since the last change. Coverage from وكالة صدى نيوز and Newsweek indicates the flag revision is one component of a new constitution that grants broader powers to the North Korean leader, with Newsweek identifying four major changes in the document. A UPI op-ed connects the constitutional shift to North Korea's rejection of unification, suggesting the move creates an opening for South Korea. Daily Star characterizes the flag change using the term "woke," while 매일경제 reports the discovery of the altered aspect ratio on November 13, 2026. The constitutional changes signal a consolidation of authority under Kim Jong Un, though coverage does not yet specify the exact new dimensions of the flag or the full text of the amended constitution. The symbolism matters because national flags are among the most durable state emblems, and altering one after nearly eight decades indicates a deliberate break from the Soviet-era design that has flown since the country's inception. Readers should watch for official North Korean state media confirmation of the new flag design, details on the remaining constitutional changes beyond the flag and leadership powers, and any response from South Korea or other regional actors following the reported rejection of unification.