North Korea shortens its flag for first time in 78 years as Kim Jong Un reshapes national symbols

The amended constitution, published on North Korea's state-run Naenara website, changes the flag's height-to-width ratio from 1:2 to 1:1.65, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on November 13.

The change makes the flag noticeably less elongated, although its familiar design remains intact: a broad red central stripe, narrow white and blue stripes, and a red five-pointed star inside a white circle.

According to The Wall Street Journal, the original flag was designed in Moscow and presented to North Korea's founding leader, Kim Il Sung, by Soviet officials.

The flag's proportions reportedly caused practical problems from the beginning. During parliamentary discussions in 1948, an official proposed making it shorter, but the suggestion was rejected. The long fabric could fold in ways that obscured the red star.

North Korean propaganda subsequently attributed the flag's creation to Kim Il Sung, downplaying its Soviet origins, the Journal reported.

The revised constitution retains the official symbolism of the flag's colors. The red stripe honors those who fought against Japanese colonial rule, while the white elements represent loyalty to the country's leadership and ruling Workers' Party. The blue stripes symbolize sovereignty and revolutionary ideals.

Observers cited by Yonhap suggested that the change may be part of Kim Jong Un's broader effort to establish a distinct national identity under his leadership.

Kim, who initially cultivated an image resembling that of his grandfather, has increasingly departed from some of his predecessors' policies and symbols, including changes to the national anthem and North Korea's longstanding approach to reunification with South Korea.