North Korea Has Changed Its Flag For The First Time In 78 Years

Why did Kim Jong-un shorten the country's symbol?

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has changed the country’s national flag for the first time in 78 years. The flag is now less elongated, and the red star has been moved closer to the center. The changes are part of a campaign to shape the North Korean leader’s own political image and distance himself from the legacy of his grandfather—the founder of the DPRK Kim Il-sung—writes The Wall Street Journal.

The changes are enshrined in Article 166 of the revised constitution, published on the North Korean propaganda website “Naenara.” According to The Korea Times, the flag’s aspect ratio has changed from 1:2 to 1:1.65.

The main elements have been retained: a wide red stripe, white and blue stripes, and a red five-pointed star within a white circle. According to the official interpretation, the color red symbolizes the blood of those who fought for independence from Japan; white symbolizes the people’s loyalty to the leadership and the ruling party; and blue symbolizes peace, friendship, and the country’s sovereignty.

The previous flag was designed with the participation of Soviet specialists after World War II. However, North Korean propaganda attributed its creation to Kim Il-sung. Now, the revision of the symbols has become part of Kim Jong Un’s broader policy. Earlier, he abandoned the previous policy of reunification with South Korea and changed the national anthem, removing any mention of the Korean Peninsula.

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