North Korea Adopts Automatic Nuclear Retaliation Policy if Kim Jong Un Is Targeted

North Korea has adopted a constitutional amendment mandating an automatic nuclear strike if leader Kim Jong Un is killed or incapacitated by a foreign attack, South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) informed senior officials on Thursday. The change was enacted during the first session of the 15th Supreme People's Assembly in Pyongyang on March 22, according to the report.

The revised nuclear policy, specifically updated Article 3, states that if the command-and-control system over North Korea's nuclear forces is threatened by hostile forces, a nuclear strike shall be launched 'automatically and immediately.' Kim Jong Un retains direct command of the nuclear arsenal, but the amendment formalizes retaliation procedures in the event of leadership decapitation.

The move follows the recent assassinations of top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, in U.S.-Israeli military operations, which analysts say served as a strategic warning to Pyongyang. Professor Andrei Lankov of Kookmin University said North Korea perceived the efficiency of the decapitation strikes as a direct threat, though he noted such operations are harder to execute in North Korea due to its isolation, restricted internet, and limited surveillance infrastructure.

In parallel, North Korea plans to deploy a new long-range artillery system near the border with South Korea this year. State media reported that Kim Jong Un recently inspected production of a 'new-type 155-millimetre self-propelled gun-howitzer' capable of striking targets over 37 miles away, including central Seoul, which lies about 35 miles from the border.

The new artillery system is expected to be operational this year, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which said it would 'provide significant changes and advantages to our military's ground operations.' The court will resume hearing on Tuesday.