PYONGYANG: North Korea has made its first official change to the proportions of its national flag since the country’s establishment in 1948, introducing a constitutional amendment that alters the flag’s shape while keeping its traditional design and colours intact.
The change was revealed in the country’s newly published constitution, which was made available through the official state propaganda website, Naenara, according to a report published by Express.pk on November 13.
Under the revised Article 166, North Korea has changed the height-to-width ratio of its national flag from 1:2 to 1:1.65. The adjustment means the flag will now appear slightly shorter and wider than its previous version.
Although the change may seem minor, it marks a notable development in a national symbol that has remained visually consistent for nearly eight decades.
The constitutional amendment specifically addresses the flag’s dimensions, without introducing any changes to its established colours or central design.
North Korea’s flag continues to feature a broad red horizontal stripe running through the middle, representing its distinctive national identity. Thin white stripes border the red section on both sides, followed by blue stripes along the upper and lower edges.
The red, white and blue combination remains unchanged under the revised constitutional provisions.
The decision is particularly noteworthy because the flag has served as one of the country’s most recognisable national symbols since North Korea was founded in 1948.
Unlike changes involving national emblems, colours or other symbolic elements, the latest revision focuses entirely on the flag’s physical proportions.
The amendment also highlights how even seemingly small constitutional adjustments can affect long-established national symbols.
While the revised dimensions give North Korea’s flag a slightly different appearance, its familiar colours and overall design remain preserved.
For the first time in 78 years, however, the country’s national flag will officially have a different shape.
