PYONGYANG: North Korea’s parliament has adopted a new law concerning the national anthem, a move believed to align with leader Kim Jong-un’s stance on inter-Korean relations as “two hostile states.” The adoption took place during a session of the Standing Committee of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly, according to state media reports.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported the committee’s 33rd session was held on Thursday in Pyongyang. While specific details of the new law were not disclosed, observers suggest that it likely dictates the manner in which the anthem should be performed or presented during official events.
The revision of the national anthem follows changes made after Kim Jong-un characterized the relationship between North and South Korea as one of hostility late last year. Experts speculate that the revised anthem may have excluded references to the entire Korean Peninsula, reflecting the current political climate.
Hong Min, a senior research fello
w at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted, “There have been laws on the national flag, national emblem and nationality, but no specific law on the national anthem until now. This law appears to regulate that.” Despite being the highest legislative body under North Korea’s constitution, the Supreme People’s Assembly is largely seen as a rubber-stamp institution for decisions made by the ruling party.