N. Korea drops unification goal, cements Kim as sole leader in revised party charter

North Korea has revised its ruling Workers' Party charter to officially drop the long-standing goal of national unification with South Korea, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency on September 3. The amendment also strengthens leader Kim Jong Un's status by cementing his position as the sole leader within the revised document.

The policy shift marks a significant departure from Pyongyang's historical stance on inter-Korean relations. By removing references to peaceful unification, the isolated state formally alters its ideological framework concerning its southern neighbor.

This constitutional and institutional realignment consolidates Kim's absolute authority over the ruling party and the state apparatus. The revisions reflect Pyongyang's evolving domestic and foreign policy priorities amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.