Constitution of North Korea (1972, rev. 1998)

For works with similar titles, see Constitution of North Korea.

This is the amended and supplemented Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, that was adopted in December 1972, was amended in 1992 and 1998 and was adopted on Sept. 5, 1998 by the first session of the Supreme People's Assembly. This is the official English translation by the government of North Korea; see the source.

Preamble

The Democratic People`s Republic of Korea is a self-reliant socialist state that has realized the ideas and leadership of Kim Il Sung.

The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung is the founder of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the father of socialist Korea. Comrade Kim Il Sung authored the immortal Juche idea and, by organizing and leading the anti-Japanese revolutionary struggle under its banner, created the glorious revolutionary traditions and achieved the historic cause of the restoration of national sovereignty.

On the basis of laying a solid foundation for the building of an independent and sovereign State in the political, economic, cultural, and military fields, he founded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Having put forward Juche-oriented revolutionary lines, Comrade Kim Il Sung wisely led various stages of social revolution and construction to strengthen and develop the Republic into a socialist country centred on the masses, into a socialist State which is independent, self-sufficient and self-reliant in defense.

Comrade Kim Il Sung elucidated the fundamental principles of nation building and State activities, established the best State and social system, the best mode of politics and system and methods of administering society, and laid solid foundations for the prosperity of the socialist motherland and for the continuation and consummation of the revolutionary cause of Juche. Regarding “The people are my God” as his maxim, Comrade Kim Il Sung always mixed with the people, devoted his whole life for them and turned the whole of society into a large family which is united in one mind by taking care of the people and leading them through his noble benevolent politics. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung is the sun of the nation and the lodestar of national reunification. Regarding the reunification of the country as the supreme national task, Comrade Kim Il Sung devoted all his efforts and care for its realization.

He made the Republic a powerful bastion for national reunification. At the same time, he set forth the fundamental principle and ways of national reunification and developed the movement for national reunification into a nationwide movement, opening the way for achieving the cause of reunification through the united efforts of the whole nation. The great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung clarified the basic ideals of the foreign policy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. On the basis of this, he expanded and developed the country's foreign relations and ensured that the international prestige of the Republic was exalted. As a veteran statesman in the world, Comrade Kim Il Sung opened up the new era of independence, carried out energetic activities for the strengthening and development of the socialist movement and the non-aligned movement as well as for world peace and for friendship among the peoples and made an imperishable contribution to the cause of human independence. Comrade Kim Il Sung was a genius in ideology and theory, a master of leadership, an ever-victorious iron-willed brilliant commander, a great revolutionary and politician and a great man.

The great idea of Comrade Kim Il Sung and the great achievements made under his leadership are the lasting treasures of the Korean revolution and the basic guarantee for the prosperity of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Under the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Korean people will hold the great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung in high esteem as the eternal President of the Republic and carry the revolutionary cause of Juche through to completion by defending and carrying forward the idea and achievements of Comrade Kim Il Sung. The Socialist Constitution of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall be called Kim Il Sung's Constitution, the codification of the great leader Comrade Kim Il Sung's Juche-oriented ideas on and exploits in State building.

CHAPTER I. POLITICS

Article 1.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is an independent socialist State representing the interests of all the Korean people.

Article 2.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a revolutionary State which has inherited the brilliant traditions formed during the glorious revolutionary struggle against the imperialist aggressors, in the struggle to achieve the liberation of the homeland and the freedom and well-being of the people.

Article 3.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is guided in its activities by the Juche idea, a world outlook centred on people, a revolutionary ideology for achieving the independence of the masses of people.

Article 4.

The sovereignty of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea resides in the workers, peasants, working intellectuals and all other working people.

The working people exercise power through their representative organs―the Supreme People's Assembly and local People's Assemblies at all levels.

Article 5.

All State organs in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are formed and function on the principle of democratic centralism.

Article 6.

The organs of State power at all levels, from the county People's Assembly to the Supreme People's Assembly, are elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

Article 7.

Deputies to the organs of State power at all levels have close ties with their constituents and are accountable to them for their work.

The electors may recall the deputies they have elected if the latter are not to be trusted.

Article 8.

The social system of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a people-centered system under which the working people are the masters of everything and everything in society serves the working people.

The State shall defend and protect the interests of the workers, peasants, working intellectuals and all other working people who have been freed from exploitation and oppression and become masters of the State and society.

Article 9.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall strive to achieve the complete victory of socialism in the northern half of Korea by strengthening the people's power and vigorously performing the three revolutions-the ideological, technical and cultural-and reunify the country on the principle of independence, peaceful reunification and great national unity.

Article 10.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea rests on the politico-ideological unity of all the people based on the worker-peasant alliance led by the working class.

The State shall revolutionize all the members of society, and assimilate them to the working class by intensifying the ideological revolution, and shall turn the whole of society into a collective, united in a comradely way.

Article 11.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall conduct all activities under the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Article 12.

The State shall adhere to the class line, strengthen the dictatorship of people's democracy and firmly defend the people's power and socialist system against all subversive acts of hostile elements at home and abroad.

Article 13.

The State shall implement the mass line and apply the Chongsanri spirit and Chongsanri method to all its activities, the spirit and method by which superiors assist their subordinates, mix with the masses to find solutions to problems and rouse them to conscious enthusiasm preferentially through political work, work with people.

Article 14.

The State shall powerfully conduct the Three-Revolution Red Flag Movement and other mass movements and accelerate the building of socialism to the maximum.

Article 15.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall champion the democratic national rights of Koreans overseas and their rights recognized by the international law as well as their interests.

Article 16.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall guarantee the legal rights and interests of foreigners in its region.

Article 17.

Independence, peace and friendship are the basic ideals of the foreign policy and the principles of external activities of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The State shall establish diplomatic as well as political, economic and cultural relations with all friendly countries, on principles of complete equality, independence, mutual respect, noninterference in each other's affairs and mutual benefit. The State shall promote unity with the world public defending independence, resolutely support and encourage the struggle of all peoples who oppose all forms of aggression and interference and fight for their countries' independence and national and class emancipation.

Article 18.

The law of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea reflects the wishes and interests of the working people and is a basic instrument for State administration.

Respect for the law and its strict adherence and execution is the duty of all institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens. The State shall perfect the system of socialist law and promote the socialist law-abiding life.

CHAPTER II. THE ECONOMY

Article 19.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea relies on the socialist production relations and on the foundation of an independent national economy.

Article 20.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the means of production are owned by the State and social, cooperative organizations.

Article 21.

The property of the State belongs to the entire people.

There is no limit to the property which the State can own. All natural resources of the country, railways, air transport service and communications establishments, as well as major factories and enterprises, ports and banks are owned solely by the State. The State shall protect and develop on a preferential basis State property playing the leading role in the economic development of the country.

Article 22.

The property of social, cooperative organizations is collectively owned by the working people involved in the organizations concerned.

Land, farm machines, ships, as well as small and medium-size factories and enterprises may be owned by social, cooperative organizations. The State shall protect the property of social, cooperative organizations.

Article 23.

The State shall enhance the ideological consciousness and the technical and cultural level of the peasants, increase the role of the property of the entire people in leading the cooperative property so as to combine the two forms of property in an organic way, shall consolidate and develop the socialist cooperative economic system by improving the guidance and management of the cooperative economy and gradually transform the property of cooperative organizations into the property of the people as a whole based on the voluntary will of all their members.

Article 24.

Private property is property owned and consumed by individual citizens.

Private property is derived from socialist distribution according to work done and from fringe benefits granted by the State and society. The products of individual sideline activities including those from the kitchen gardens, as well as the income from other legal economic activities shall also be private property. The State shall protect private property and guarantee the right to inherit it by law.

Article 25.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea regards the steady improvement of the material and cultural standards of the people as the supreme principle of its activities.

The increasing material wealth of society in our country, where taxes have been abolished, is used entirely to promote the well-being of the working people. The State shall provide all working people with every condition for obtaining food, clothing and housing.

Article 26.

The independent national economy in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a solid foundation for the people's happy socialist life and for the country's prosperity.

The State, adhering to the socialist line of building an independent national economy, shall endeavour to promote the national economy onto a Juche-oriented, modern and scientific basis so as to make the national economy highly developed, Juche-oriented economy and build material and technical foundations commensurate with a completely socialist society.

Article 27.

The technical revolution is a basic link for developing the socialist economy.

The State shall conduct all economic activities giving primary preference to technical development, push ahead with scientific and technical development and the technical renovation of the national economy and vigorously launch the mass technical innovation movement so as to free the working people from difficult, tiresome labour and to narrow down the distinctions between physical and mental labour.

Article 28.

The State shall industrialize and modernize agriculture through the rural technical revolution and improve the role of the county and its guidance and assistance to rural areas in order to eliminate the difference between town and country and the class distinction between workers and peasants.

The State shall undertake, at its own expense, the building of production facilities for the cooperative farms and modern houses in the countryside.

Article 29.

Socialism and communism are built by the creative labour of the working people.

Labour in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is the independent and creative labour of the working people, freed from exploitation and oppression. The State renders the labour of our working people, who do not worry about unemployment, more joyful and worthwhile, so that they willingly work with enthusiasm and creativeness for society, the collective and themselves.

Article 30.

The working day shall be eight hours.

The length of the working day shall be reduced by the State in arduous trades and other special categories of work. The State shall guarantee that the working hours are fully utilized through proper organization of labour and enforcement of labour discipline.

Article 31.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the minimum working age is 16 years.

The State shall prohibit the employment of children under the minimum working age.

Article 32.

The State shall firmly adhere to the principle of properly combining political guidance with economic and technical guidance, the unified guidance of the State with the creativeness of each unit, unitary direction with democracy, political and moral incentive with material incentive in the guidance and management of the socialist economy.

Article 33.

The State shall direct and manage the national economy through the Taean work system, a socialist form of economic management whereby the economy is operated and managed scientifically and rationally on the basis of collective effort of the producer masses, and through the system of agricultural guidance whereby agricultural management is conducted by industrial methods.

The State shall enforce the self-financing system in economic management to meet the requirements of the Taean work system and make proper use of such economic levers as cost, price and profit.

Article 34.

The national economy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a planned economy.

The State shall draw up and implement the plans for the development of the national economy in accordance with the laws of socialist economic development so that the balance of accumulation and consumption can be maintained correctly, economic construction accelerated, the people's living standard steadily raised and the nation's defense capability strengthened. The State shall ensure a high rate of growth in production and a balanced development of the national economy by implementing unified and detailed planning.

Article 35.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall compile and implement the State budget according to the national economic development plan.

The State shall systematically increase its accumulations and expand and develop socialist property by intensifying the campaign for increased production and greater economy, and by exercising strict financial control in all spheres.

Article 36.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea foreign trade shall be conducted by the State or social, cooperative organizations.

The State shall develop foreign trade on the principles of complete equality and mutual benefit.

Article 37.

The State shall encourage institutions, enterprises and organizations in our country to joint ventures and cooperation of enterprise with foreign corporations and individuals as well as the establishment and operation of a variety of enterprise in special economic zones.

Article 38.

The State shall pursue a tariff policy to protect the independent national economy.

CHAPTER III. CULTURE

Article 39.

Socialist culture, which is flourishing and developing in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, contributes to the improvement of the creative ability of all the people and to meeting their sound cultural and aesthetic demands.

Article 40.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall, by carrying out a thorough cultural revolution, train all the people to be builders of socialism and communism equipped with a profound knowledge of nature and society and a high level of culture and technology, thus making the whole of society intellectual.

Article 41.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall develop a truly popular, revolutionary culture which serves the socialist working people.

In building a socialist national culture, the State shall oppose the cultural infiltration of imperialism and any tendency to return to the past, protect its national cultural heritage, and develop it in keeping with the existing socialist situation.

Article 42.

The State shall eliminate the way of life inherited from the outmoded society and establish a new socialist way of life in every sphere.

Article 43.

The State shall put the principles of socialist education into practice and raise the new generation to be steadfast revolutionaries who will fight for society and the people, to be people of a new communist type who are knowledgeable, morally sound and physically healthy.

Article 44.

The State shall give precedence to public education and the training of cadres for the nation and combine general education with technological education, and education with productive labour.

Article 45.

The State shall develop universal compulsory eleven-year education which includes a compulsory one-year preschool education at a high level in accordance with the trend of modern science and technology and the practical requirements of socialist construction.

Article 46.

The State shall train competent technicians and experts by enhancing the regular educational system as well as different forms of study while working, and by improving the scientific and theoretical levels of technical education and education on social science and basic science.

Article 47.

The State shall provide education to all pupils and students free of charge and grant allowances to students of universities and colleges.

Article 48.

The State shall strengthen social education and provide the working people with all available conditions for study.

Article 49.

The State shall maintain all children of preschool age in creches and kindergartens at State and public expense.

Article 50.

The State shall establish Juche in scientific research, introduce advanced science and technology in every possible way, open up new areas of science and technology and raise the country's science and technology to the world level.

Article 51.

The State shall elaborate a correct plan to develop science and technology, set up a strict discipline to implement it, and strengthen creative cooperation among scientists, technicians and producers.

Article 52.

The State shall develop a Juche-oriented, revolutionary art and literature, national in form and socialist in content.

The State shall encourage creative workers and artists to produce works of high ideological and artistic value and enlist the working masses widely in literary and artistic activity.

Article 53.

The State shall provide sufficient modern cultural facilities to meet the demands of the people who want to continually improve themselves, both mentally and physically, so that the working people may enjoy a socialist cultured, aesthetic life to their hearts' content.

Article 54.

The State shall safeguard our language from all attempts to obliterate it and shall develop it to meet present-day needs.

Article 55.

The State shall thoroughly prepare the people for work and national defense by popularizing physical culture and sport and making it their daily regime, and augment sporting skills to meet our country's reality and the trend in modern sporting skills.

Article 56.

The State shall protect people's lives and improve the working people's health by consolidating and developing the system of universal free medical service and improving the district doctor system and the system of preventive medicine.

Article 57.

The State shall adopt measures to protect the environment in preference to production, preserve and promote the natural environment and prevent environmental pollution so as to provide the people with a hygienic environment and working conditions.

CHAPTER IV. NATIONAL DEFENSE

Article 58.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea rests on the people's nationwide defense system.

Article 59.

The mission of the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is to safeguard the interests of the working people, to defend the socialist system and the gains of the revolution from aggression and to protect the freedom, independence and peace of the country.

Article 60.

The State shall implement the line of self-reliant defense, the import of which is to train the army into a cadre army and modernize the army, arm the entire people and fortify the country on the basis of equipping the army and the people politically and ideologically.

Article 61.

The State shall strengthen military and mass discipline in the army and promote the display of the noble traditional trait of unity between officers and men and unity between the army and the people.

CHAPTER V. FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF CITIZENS

Article 62.

The terms for becoming a citizen of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea are defined by the Law on Nationality.

A citizen is under the protection of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea regardless of the domicile.

Article 63.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the rights and duties of citizens are based on the collectivist principle, “One for all and all for one.”

Article 64.

The State shall effectively guarantee genuine democratic rights and liberties as well as the material and cultural well-being of all its citizens.

In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the rights and freedom of citizens shall be amplified with the consolidation and development of the socialist system.

Article 65.

Citizens enjoy equal rights in all spheres of State and public activity.

Article 66.

All citizens who have reached the age of 17 have the right to elect and to be elected, irrespective of sex, race, occupation, length of residence, property status, education, party affiliation, political views or religion.

Citizens serving in the armed forces also have the right to elect and to be elected. A person who has been disenfranchised by a Court decision and a person legally certified insane do not have the right to elect or to be elected.

Article 67.

Citizens are guaranteed freedom of speech, of the press, of assembly, demonstration and association.

The State shall guarantee conditions for the free activity of democratic political parties and social organizations.

Article 68.

Citizens have freedom of religious beliefs.

This right is granted by approving the construction of religious buildings and the holding of religious ceremonies. Religion must not be used as a pretext for drawing in foreign forces or for harming the State and social order.

Article 69.

Citizens are entitled to submit complaints and petitions.

The State shall fairly investigate and deal with complaints and petitions as fixed by law.

Article 70.

Citizens have the right to work.

All able-bodied citizens choose occupations in accordance with their wishes and skills and are provided with stable jobs and working conditions. Citizens work according to their abilities and are paid in accordance with the quantity and quality of their work.

Article 71.

Citizens have the right to relaxation.

This right is ensured by the establishment of the working hours, the provision of holidays, paid leave, accommodation at health resorts and holiday homes at State expense and by a growing network of cultural facilities.

Article 72.

Citizens are entitled to free medical care, and all persons who are no longer able to work because of old age, illness or a physical disability, the old and children who have no means of support are all entitled to material assistance.

This right is ensured by free medical care, an expanding network of hospitals, sanatoria and other medical institutions, State social insurance and other social security systems.

Article 73.

Citizens have the right to education.

This right is ensured by an advanced educational system and by the educational measures enacted by the State for the benefit of the people.

Article 74.

Citizens are free to engage in scientific, literary and artistic pursuits.

The State shall grant benefits to inventors and innovators. Copyright, inventions and patents shall be protected by law.

Article 75.

Citizens have freedom of residence and travel.

Article 76.

Revolutionary fighters, the families of revolutionary and patriotic martyrs, the families of soldiers of the People's Army and disabled soldiers enjoy the special protection of the State and society.

Article 77.

Women are accorded an equal social status and rights with men.

The State shall afford special protection to mothers and children by providing maternity leave, reduced working hours for mothers with many children, a wide network of maternity hospitals, creches and kindergartens, and other measures. The State shall provide all conditions for a woman to play a full role in society.

Article 78.

Marriage and the family shall be protected by the State.

The State pays great attention to consolidating the family, the basic unit of social life.

Article 79.

Citizens are guaranteed inviolability of the person and the home and privacy of correspondence.

No citizens can be placed under control or be arrested nor can their homes be searched without a legal warrant.

Article 80.

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall grant the right of asylum to foreign nationals persecuted for struggling for peace and democracy, national independence and socialism or for the freedom of scientific and cultural pursuits.

Article 81.

Citizens shall firmly safeguard the political and ideological unity and solidarity of the people. Citizens shall cherish their organization and collective and work devotedly for the good of society and the people.

Article 82.

Citizens shall strictly observe the laws of the State and the socialist standards of life and defend their honour and dignity as citizens of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Article 83.

Work is the noble duty and honour of a citizen.

Citizens shall willingly and conscientiously participate in work and strictly observe labour discipline and the working hours.

Article 84.

Citizens shall take good care of the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations, combat all forms of misappropriation and waste and manage the nation's economy diligently as the masters.

The property of the State and social, cooperative organizations is inviolable.

Article 85.

Citizens shall constantly increase their revolutionary vigilance and devotedly fight for the security of the State.

Article 86.

National defense is the supreme duty and honor of citizens.

Citizens shall defend the country and serve in the army as required by law.

CHAPTER VI. STATE ORGAN

SECTION 1. THE SUPREME PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

Article 87.

The Supreme People's Assembly is the highest organ of State power in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Article 88.

Legislative power is exercised by the Supreme People's Assembly. The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly may also exercise legislative power when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session.

Article 89.

The Supreme People's Assembly is composed of deputies elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

Article 90.

The Supreme People's Assembly is elected for a term of five years. A new Supreme People's Assembly is elected according to the decision of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly prior to the expiry of its term of office. When unavoidable circumstances render an election impossible, the term of office is prolonged until the election.

Article 91.

The Supreme People's Assembly has the authority to:

1. amend or supplement the Constitution;
2. adopt, amend or supplement laws;
3. approve the major laws adopted by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session;
4. establish the basic principles of the State's domestic and foreign policies;
5. elect or recall the Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea;
6. elect or recall the President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly;
7. elect or recall the First Vice-Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and members of the National Defense Commission on the recommendation of the Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea;
8. elect or recall the Vice-Presidents, Honorary Vice-Presidents, Secretary-General and members of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly;
9. elect or recall the Premier of the Cabinet;
10. appoint the Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members of the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Premier of the Cabinet;
11. appoint or remove the Prosecutor General of the Central Public Prosecutors Office;
12. elect or recall the President of the Central Court;
13. elect or recall the Chairmen, Vice-Chairmen and members of the Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly;
14. deliberate and approve the reports on the State plan for the development of the national economy and on its implementation;
15. deliberate and approve the State budget and the report on its implementation;
16. hear a report on the work of the Cabinet and the central bodies, when necessary, and adopt measures;
17. decide on ratification and nullification of treaties suggested to the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 92.

The Supreme People's Assembly holds regular and extraordinary sessions. Regular sessions are convened once or twice a year by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. Extraordinary sessions are convened when the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly deems them necessary, or at the request of a minimum of one-third of the total number of deputies.

Article 93.

The Supreme People's Assembly requires a quorum of at least two-thirds of the total number of deputies in order to meet.

Article 94.

The Supreme People's Assembly elects its Chairman and Vice-Chairmen. The Chairman presides over the sessions.

Article 95.

Items to be considered at the Supreme People's Assembly are submitted by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, the Cabinet and the Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly. Items can also be presented by deputies.

Article 96.

The first session of each Supreme People's Assembly elects a Credentials Committee and, on hearing the Committee's report, adopts a decision confirming the credentials of deputies.

Article 97.

The Supreme People's Assembly issues laws, ordinances and decisions. Laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People's Assembly are adopted when more than half of the deputies attending signify approval by a show of hands. The Constitution is amended or supplemented with the approval of more than two-thirds of the total number of deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 98.

The Supreme People's Assembly appoints the Bills Committee, the Budget Committee and other Committees. The Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly consist of Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and members. The Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly assist in the work of the Supreme People's Assembly; they plan or deliberate the State policy and bills and take measures for their implementation. The Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly work under the guidance of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly during the intervals of sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 99.

Deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly are guaranteed inviolability. No deputy to the Supreme People's Assembly can be arrested or punished without the consent of the Supreme People's Assembly or, when it is not in session, without the consent of its Presidium, unless he is caught in action.

SECTION 2. THE NATIONAL DEFENSE COMMISSION

Article 100.

The National Defense Commission is the highest military leadership body of State power and the organ of overall administration of national defense.

Article 101.

The National Defense Commission consists of the Chairman, the First Vice-Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and members.

The term of office of the National Defense Commission is the same as that of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 102.

The Chairman of the National Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea commands and directs all the armed forces and guides national defense as a whole.

Article 103.

The National Defense Commission has the duties and authority to:

1. direct the whole armed forces and defense upbuilding of the State;
2. establish or abolish central bodies in the field of national defense;
3. appoint or remove important military cadres;
4. enact military ranks and confer military ranks higher than a general;
5. proclaim a state of war and mobilization order in the country.

Article 104.

The National Defense Commission issues decisions and orders.

Article 105.

The National Defense Commission is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly.

SECTION 3. THE PRESIDIUM OF THE SUPREME PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

Article 106.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly is the highest organ of State power when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session.

Article 107.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly consists of the President, Vice-Presidents, Secretary-General and members.

Article 108.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly may have a few Honorary Vice-Presidents.

Honorary Vice-Presidents of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly may be the deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly who have participated in the work of State building for a long time and rendered distinguished service.

Article 109.

The term of office of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly is the same as that of the Supreme People's Assembly.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly continues its work until the Presidium is newly elected, even after the term of the Supreme People's Assembly expires.

Article 110.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly has the duties and authority to:

1. convene sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly;
2. 2. deliberate and adopt amendments and supplements to the new bills and regulations raised in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly and to the current laws and regulations and obtain the approval of the next session of the Supreme People's Assembly for major laws which are adopted and enforced;
3. deliberate and approve the State plan for the development of the national economy, the State budget and the plan for their regulation raised for unavoidable reasons in the intervals between sessions of the Supreme People's Assembly;
4. interpret the Constitution as well as current laws and regulations;
5. supervise law observance by the State organs and take relevant measures;
6. rescind the decisions and directives of State bodies which run counter to the Constitution, the laws, ordinances and decisions of the Supreme People's Assembly, the decisions and orders of the National Defense Commission, the decrees, decisions and directives of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and suspend the implementation of the unwarranted decisions of local people's assemblies;
7. conduct the election of deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly and organize the elections of deputies to the local People's Assemblies;
8. work with the deputies to the Supreme People's Assembly;
9. work with the Committees of the Supreme People's Assembly;
10. set up or abolish Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet;
11. appoint or remove Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members of the Cabinet on the recommendation of the Premier of the Cabinet, when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session;
12. appoint or remove members of Committees of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly;
13. elect or recall the Judges and People's Assessors of the Central Court;
14. approve or nullify treaties concluded with other countries;
15. decide and make public the appointment or recall of diplomatic representatives to other countries;
16. institute decorations, medals, titles of honour and diplomatic ranks and confer decorations, medals and titles of honour;
17. grant general amnesties and special pardon;
18. establish or alter administrative units and districts.

Article 111.

The President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly organizes and guides the work of the Presidium.

The President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly represents the State and receives the credentials and letters of recall of diplomatic representatives accredited by foreign states.

Article 112.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee.

The Plenary Meeting consists of all the members. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the President, Vice-Presidents and Secretary-General.

Article 113.

The Plenary Meeting of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly deliberates and decides on important matters arising in fulfilling the duties of the Presidium and exercising its authority.

The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on matters entrusted to it by the Plenary Meeting.

Article 114.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly issues decrees, decisions and directives.

Article 115.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly establishes the Committees to assist it in its work.

Article 116.

The Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly.

SECTION 4. THE CABINET

Article 117.

The Cabinet is the administrative and executive body of the highest State power and organ of overall State administration.

Article 118.

The Cabinet consists of the Premier, Vice-Premiers, Chairmen, Ministers and other members as required.

The term of office of the Cabinet is the same as that of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 119.

The Cabinet has the duties and authority to:

1. adopt measures for the implementation of the State policies;
2. adopt, amend or supplement the regulations on State administration on the basis of the Constitution and the laws;
3. direct the work of the Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet, organs directly under its authority and local people's committees;
4. establish or abolish organs directly under its authority, major administrative and economic bodies and enterprises, and adopt measures for improving State administration bodies;
5. draft the State plan for the development of the national economy and adopt measures to put it into effect;
6. compile the State budget and adopt measures to implement it;
7. organize and execute the work of industries, agriculture, construction, transport, communications, commerce, trade, land administration, municipal administration, education, science, culture, health service, physical culture and sport, labour administration, protection of environment, sightseeing, and so on;
8. adopt measures to strengthen the monetary and banking system;
9. inspect and control the establishment of order in State administration;
10. adopt measures to maintain public order, protect the property and interests of the State and social, cooperative organizations, and safeguard the rights of citizens;
11. conclude treaties with foreign countries and conduct external affairs;
12. rescind the decisions and directives of administrative and economic bodies which run counter to the decisions and directives of the Cabinet.

Article 120.

The Premier of the Cabinet organizes and guides the work of the Cabinet.

The Premier of the Cabinet represents the Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Article 121.

The Cabinet convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee.

The Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet consists of all the members of the Cabinet. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the Premier, Vice-Premiers and other members of the Cabinet appointed by the Premier.

Article 122.

The Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet deliberates and decides on the new and important administrative and economic matters.

The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on the matters entrusted to it by the Plenary Meeting of the Cabinet.

Article 123.

The Cabinet issues decisions and directives.

Article 124.

The Cabinet may have nonpermanent committees to assist it in its work.

Article 125.

The Cabinet is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session.

Article 126.

The newly-elected Premier of the Cabinet takes an oath of allegiance on behalf of the members of the Cabinet at the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 127.

The Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet are departmental executive bodies of the Cabinet and central departmental bodies of administration.

Article 128.

The Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet supervise and guide the work of the sectors concerned in a uniform way under the guidance of the Cabinet.

Article 129.

The Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet run committee meetings and cadre meetings.

The committee meeting and cadre meeting deliberate and decide on the measures for the implementation of the decisions and directives of the Cabinet and other important matters.

Article 130.

The Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet issue directives.

SECTION 5. THE LOCAL PEOPLE'S ASSEMBLY

Article 131.

The People's Assembly of the province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) and county is the local organ of State power.

Article 132.

The local People's Assembly consists of deputies elected on the principle of universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot.

Article 133.

The term of office of the People's Assembly of the province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) and county is four years.

A new local People's Assembly is elected according to the decision of the local People's Committee at the corresponding level prior to the expiry of its term of office. When unavoidable circumstances render an election impossible, the term of office is prolonged until the election.

Article 134.

The local People's Assembly has the duties and authority to:

1. deliberate and approve the reports on the local plan for the development of the national economy and on its implementation;
2. deliberate and approve the reports on the local budget and on its implementation;
3. adopt measures to observe State laws in the area concerned;
4. elect or recall the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Secretary and members of the People's Committee at the corresponding level;
5. elect or recall the Judges and People's Assessors of the Court at the corresponding level;
6. rescind unwarranted decisions and directives of the People's Committee at the corresponding level and the People's Assemblies and People's Committees at lower levels.

Article 135.

The local People's Assembly convenes regular and extraordinary sessions.

Regular sessions are convened once or twice a year by the People's Committee at the corresponding level. Extraordinary sessions are convened when the People's Committee at the corresponding level deems them necessary or at the request of a minimum of one-third of the total number of deputies.

Article 136.

The local People's Assembly requires a quorum of at least two-thirds of the total number of deputies in order to meet.

Article 137.

The local People's Assembly elects its Chairman.

The Chairman presides over the sessions.

Article 138.

The local People's Assembly issues decisions.

SECTION 6. THE LOCAL PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE

Article 139.

The People's Committee of the province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) and county exercises the function of the local organ of State power when the People's Assembly at the corresponding level is not in session and the administrative and executive organ of State power at the corresponding level.

Article 140.

The local People's Committee consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen, Secretary and members.

The term of office of the local People's Committee is the same as that of the corresponding People's Assembly.

Article 141.

The local People's Committee has the duties and authority to:

1. convene sessions of the People's Assembly;
2. organize the election of deputies to the People's Assembly;
3. work with the deputies to the People's Assembly;
4. implement the laws, ordinances, decrees, decisions and directives of the corresponding People's Assembly, the People's Assemblies and the People's Committees at higher levels, the Cabinet and the Commissions and Ministries of the Cabinet;
5. organize and carry out all administrative affairs in the given area;
6. draft the local plan for the development of the national economy and adopt measures to implement it;
7. compile the local budget and adopt measures for its implementation;
8. adopt measures to maintain public order, protect the property and interests of the State and social, cooperative organizations and safeguard the rights of citizens in the given area;
9. inspect and control the establishment of order in State administration in the given area;
10. direct the work of the People's Committees at lower levels;
11. rescind unwarranted decisions and directives of the People's Committees at lower levels, and suspend the implementation of unwarranted decisions of the People's Assemblies at lower levels.

Article 142.

The local People's Committee convenes Plenary Meetings and Meetings of the Permanent Committee.

The Plenary Meeting of the local People's Committee consists of all its members. The Meeting of the Permanent Committee consists of the Chairman, Vice-Chairmen and Secretary.

Article 143.

The Plenary Meeting of the local People's Committee deliberates and decides on important matters arising in implementing its duties and exercising its authority.

The Meeting of the Permanent Committee deliberates and decides on the matters entrusted to it by the Plenary Meeting.

Article 144.

The local People's Committee issues decisions and directives.

Article 145.

The local People's Committee may have nonpermanent committees to assist it in its work.

Article 146.

The local People's Committee is accountable to the corresponding People's Assembly.

The local People's Committee is subordinate to the People's Committees at higher levels and the Cabinet.

SECTION 7. THE PUBLIC PROSECUTORS OFFICE AND THE COURT

Article 147.

Investigation and prosecution are conducted by the Central Public Prosecutors Office, the Public Prosecutors Offices of the province (or municipality directly under central authority), city (or district) and county and the Special Public Prosecutors Office.

Article 148.

The term of office of the Prosecutor General of the Central Public Prosecutors Office is the same as that of the Supreme People's Assembly.

Article 149.

Public prosecutors are appointed or removed by the Central Public Prosecutors Office.

Article 150.

The functions of the Public Prosecutors Office are to:

1. ensure the strict observance of State laws by institutions, enterprises, organizations and by citizens;
2. ensure that the decisions and directives of State bodies conform with the Constitution, the laws and ordinances, decisions of the Supreme People's Assembly, the decisions and orders of the National Defense Commission, the decrees, decisions and directives of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, and with the decisions and directives of the Cabinet;
3. expose and institute legal proceedings against criminals and offenders in order to protect the State power of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the socialist system, the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations and personal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution and the people's lives and property.

Article 151.

Investigation and prosecution are conducted under the unified direction of the Central Public Prosecutors Office, and all Public Prosecutors Offices are subordinate to their higher offices and the Central Public Prosecutors Office.

Article 152.

The Central Public Prosecutors Office is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session.

Article 153.

Justice is administered by the Central Court, the Court of the province (or municipality directly under central authority), the People's Court and the Special Court.

Verdicts are delivered in the name of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Article 154.

The term of office of the Chief Justice of the Central Court is the same as that of the Supreme People's Assembly.

The term of office of Judges and People's Assessors of the Central Court, the Court of the province (or municipality directly under central authority) and the People's Court is the same as that of the People's Assembly at the corresponding level.

Article 155.

The Chairman and Judges of the Special Court are appointed or removed by the Central Court.

The People's Assessors of the Special Court are elected by soldiers of the unit concerned or by employees at their meetings.

Article 156.

The functions of the Court are to:

1. protect through judicial procedure the State power and the socialist system established in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the property of the State and social, cooperative organizations, personal rights as guaranteed by the Constitution, and the lives and property of citizens;<
2. ensure that all institutions, enterprises, organizations and citizens abide strictly by State laws and staunchly combat class enemies and all law-breakers;
3. give judgments and findings with regard to property and conduct notarial work.

Article 157.

Justice is administered by a Court consisting of one Judge and two People's Assessors.

In special cases, there may be three Judges.

Article 158.

Court cases are heard in public and the accused is guaranteed the right of defense.

Hearings may be closed to the public as stipulated by law.

Article 159.

Judicial proceedings are conducted in the Korean language.

Foreign citizens may use their own language during court proceedings.

Article 160.

In administering justice, the Court is independent, and judicial proceedings are carried out in strict accordance with the law.

Article 161.

The Central Court is the highest judicial organ of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The Central Court supervises the judicial activities of all the Courts.

Article 162.

The Central Court is accountable to the Supreme People's Assembly and to the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly when the Supreme People's Assembly is not in session.

CHAPTER VII. EMBLEM, FLAG, ANTHEM AND CAPITAL

Article 163.

The national emblem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea bears the design of a grand hydroelectric power station under Mt.

Paektu, the sacred mountain of the revolution, and the beaming light of a five-pointed red star, with ears of rice forming an oval frame, bound with a red ribbon bearing the inscription “The Democratic People's Republic of Korea”.

Article 164.

The national flag of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea consists of a central red panel, bordered both above and below by a narrow white stripe and a broad blue stripe.

The central red panel bears a five-pointed red star within a white circle near the hoist. The ratio of the width to its length is 1:2.

Article 165.

The national anthem of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is “The Patriotic Song”.

Article 166.

The capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is Pyongyang.

Source

• Source of text, from Naenara, the official web port of the DPRK (North Korea)
• Unofficial translation, for comparison