Korea

North’s leader Kim Jong-un says South-U.S. military drills show countries’ ‘will to ignite a war’

Kim Jong-un condemned the South Korea-U.S. military drills as a clear signal of a “will to ignite war,” vowing stronger military action and expanded naval power.

Lee calls for phased steps to implement existing inter-Korean pacts to restore ties with North

President Lee Jae Myung directed ministries to take phased steps to revive inter-Korean agreements, stressing restored trust and peaceful engagement with North Korea.

Kim Jong-un focuses on ties with Russia, avoids mention of U.S. relations in Liberation Day speech

On Liberation Day, Kim Jong-un avoided mention of U.S. ties and instead underscored the growing DPRK-Russia friendship, hosting a senior Russian delegation in Pyongyang.

Kim Yo-jong rejects Seoul’s conciliatory gestures, calls them a ‘shabby, deceptive farce’

North Korea’s Kim Yo-jong rejected South Korea’s recent conciliatory gestures, calling them a “shabby, deceptive farce,” and reaffirmed Pyongyang’s refusal to engage with Seoul or Washington under current conditions.

Kim Jong-un, Putin hold ‘strategy session’ by phone before U.S.-Russia summit

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a rare, publicly acknowledged phone call ahead of the U.S.-Russia summit, signaling close coordination on Ukraine and broader strategic issues.

Kim Keon Hee arrested, marking first time an ex-presidential couple is simultaneously jailed

A Seoul court arrested Kim Keon Hee on multiple charges, marking the first time in South Korea’s history that a former presidential couple is jailed simultaneously.

North Korea vows ‘resolute counteraction posture’ to South Korea-U.S. military drills

North Korea has warned of a “resolute counteraction posture” against ongoing U.S.-South Korea military drills, despite Seoul’s partial schedule changes.

U.S. notes Kim Yo-jong’s suggestion of talks beyond denuclearization

A U.S. official said President Trump remains open to negotiations with North Korea to fulfill goals set in the 2018 Singapore Summit with Kim Jong-un.

North Korean swims to South by sea, second defection under Lee administration

A North Korean man swam across the West Sea to defect to South Korea, becoming the second confirmed defector under the Lee Jae-myung administration.

Ex-first lady questioned by special counsel in historic appearance

Former First Lady Kim Keon Hee made history on August 6 by becoming the first Korean first lady to appear publicly as a suspect in a criminal investigation. Her questioning centered on allegations of stock manipulation tied to Deutsch Motors.