Even more power for Kim Jong Un: North Korea's dictator has been given even more power and dignity by the country's parliament. According to the regime, the constitution was changed to consolidate the "monolithic position of the ruler." The changes and additions were submitted to the Supreme People's Assembly - North Korea's powerless parliament - for approval at a meeting, state media reports.
The changes include Kim's dictatorial power as chairman of the State Affairs Commission, which is the highest decision-making body in the foreclosed country. South Korean media see the intentions to place Kim's authority on a broader legal footing and to delineate his powers.
Chairman of the People's Assembly Bureau, Choe Ryong Hae, was quoted by the North Korean media as saying that Kim's legal status, in which he "represents our state, has been further consolidated." The purpose was "to ensure the monolithic leadership of the supreme ruler over all state affairs". Kim is now the "Supreme Leader of the Party, the State and the Armed Forces of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea".
North Korea's parliament had already confirmed Kim at a meeting in April as chairman of the commission and thus on the highest state post. Also, Kim had gained a new title as "supreme representative of the whole Korean people".
The People's Assembly is considered a fake parliament abroad. The deputies usually meet only once or twice a year, discussing budget, personnel and policy issues. It largely ratifies decisions of the Workers' Party.
