North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a military satellite facility on Tuesday from&nbsp;where the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1 will be launched. According to the report, Kim has also authorised the non-permanent satellite-launching preparatory committee's next stages in the action plan.&nbsp;

The committee is a group dedicated to launching North Korea's first military intelligence satellite.&nbsp;

The state media reported earlier this year that Pyongyang has completed building its first military spy satellite and final preparations to launch the satellite were underway.&nbsp;

So far, there is no information regarding the scheduled date of the launch.&nbsp;

But the report noted that Kim has said that the successful launch of the military reconnaissance satellite is an "urgent requirement of the prevailing security environment of the country".&nbsp;

Last year in December, a report by the state media said that North Korea has executed an "important final-stage" test of launching a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit at its rocket launching site, with plans to finish preparations for the project by April.&nbsp;

The KCNA had reported that the test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground to "evaluate the capabilities of satellite photography, data transmission system, and ground control system".&nbsp;

KCNA said that on Tuesday, "after acquainting himself in detail with the work of the committee, (Kim) inspected the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1, which is ready for loading after undergoing the final general assembly check and space environment test".&nbsp;

One of Kim's primary defence goals for 2021 was the building of a military reconnaissance satellite.&nbsp;Experts in South Korea questioned the results at the time, claiming that the quality of the black-and-white photographs given by North Korea – reportedly captured from a satellite – was poor.&nbsp;

Analysts have said that Pyongyang might face issues while doing satellite reconnaissance with its own technology and without high-tech help from Russia or China.&nbsp;

Yang Moo-jin, who is the president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told news agency AFP last month that "since North Korea's reconnaissance satellites are an important factor in the event of a nuclear pre-emptive strike, they pose a significant threat to the South".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a military satellite facility on Tuesday from where the military reconnaissance satellite No.

North Korea's state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Kim Jong Un inspected a military satellite facility on Tuesday from where the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1 will be launched. According to the report, Kim has also authorised the non-permanent satellite-launching preparatory committee's next stages in the action plan. The committee is a group dedicated to launching North Korea's first military intelligence satellite. The state media reported earlier this year that Pyongyang has completed building its first military spy satellite and final preparations to launch the satellite were underway. So far, there is no information regarding the scheduled date of the launch. But the report noted that Kim has said that the successful launch of the military reconnaissance satellite is an "urgent requirement of the prevailing security environment of the country". Last year in December, a report by the state media said that North Korea has executed an "important final-stage" test of launching a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit at its rocket launching site, with plans to finish preparations for the project by April. The KCNA had reported that the test was carried out at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground to "evaluate the capabilities of satellite photography, data transmission system, and ground control system". KCNA said that on Tuesday, "after acquainting himself in detail with the work of the committee, (Kim) inspected the military reconnaissance satellite No. 1, which is ready for loading after undergoing the final general assembly check and space environment test". One of Kim's primary defence goals for 2021 was the building of a military reconnaissance satellite. Experts in South Korea questioned the results at the time, claiming that the quality of the black-and-white photographs given by North Korea – reportedly captured from a satellite – was poor. Analysts have said that Pyongyang might face issues while doing satellite reconnaissance with its own technology and without high-tech help from Russia or China. Yang Moo-jin, who is the president of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, told news agency AFP last month that "since North Korea's reconnaissance satellites are an important factor in the event of a nuclear pre-emptive strike, they pose a significant threat to the South". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea is about to launch its 1st spy satellite as Kim Jong Un seen on site

An agreement between the United States and South Korea, which is aimed at strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang, has been criticised by North Korea, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (May 1) citing state media KCNA. North Korea has reacted angrily to the Yoon-Biden summit as it warned that the meeting consolidated its conviction to perfect its "nuclear war deterrent".&nbsp;

The response comes after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his US counterpart Joe Biden met in Washington last week to discuss issues of mutual interest.&nbsp;

Washington and Seoul vowed that North Korea would face a nuclear response and there would be an "end" of the leadership, in case it uses its own arsenal.&nbsp;

In its report, KCNA cited Choe Ju Hyon, terming him an international security analyst, as saying that the agreement stipulated the allies' willingness to take "the most hostile and aggressive action" against North Korea.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/suspected-isis-chief-killed-in-syria-says-turkey-president-587671">Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president</a>&nbsp;

The report added that the deployment of American strategic assets has placed the situation of the Korean peninsula in a "quagmire of instability," and was intended to build "aggressive and exclusive military blocs" in the region.&nbsp;

KCNA said, "It is just aimed to dodge the responsibility for the worst-ever nuclear-related crimes it has committed by systematically destroying and violating the nuclear non-proliferation system, and in particular, pushing the situation of the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war."&nbsp;

"It is the hegemonic sinister aim pursued by the U.S. to turn the whole of South Korea into its biggest nuclear war outpost in the Far East and effectively use it for attaining its strategy for dominating the world," it added.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Kim's sister on the US-South Korea summit&nbsp;</h2>

In response to the crucial summit, Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong said that the North was convinced that a nuclear deterrent "should be brought to further perfection".&nbsp;

As quoted by KCNA, Kim said, "The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them."&nbsp;

She further noted that the agreement would "only result in making peace and security of Northeast Asia and the world be exposed to more serious danger, and it is an act that can thus never be welcome".&nbsp;

North Korea has indicated it will not consider giving up nuclear weapons it views as insurance against regime change and has continued to work on its banned nuclear and missile programmes, despite sanctions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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An agreement between the United States and South Korea, which is aimed at strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang, has been criticised by North Korea, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (May 1) citing state media KCNA.

An agreement between the United States and South Korea, which is aimed at strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang, has been criticised by North Korea, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (May 1) citing state media KCNA. North Korea has reacted angrily to the Yoon-Biden summit as it warned that the meeting consolidated its conviction to perfect its "nuclear war deterrent". The response comes after South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and his US counterpart Joe Biden met in Washington last week to discuss issues of mutual interest. Washington and Seoul vowed that North Korea would face a nuclear response and there would be an "end" of the leadership, in case it uses its own arsenal. In its report, KCNA cited Choe Ju Hyon, terming him an international security analyst, as saying that the agreement stipulated the allies' willingness to take "the most hostile and aggressive action" against North Korea. ALSO READ | Suspected ISIS chief, codename Abu Hussein al-Qurashi, killed in Syria: Turkey president The report added that the deployment of American strategic assets has placed the situation of the Korean peninsula in a "quagmire of instability," and was intended to build "aggressive and exclusive military blocs" in the region. KCNA said, "It is just aimed to dodge the responsibility for the worst-ever nuclear-related crimes it has committed by systematically destroying and violating the nuclear non-proliferation system, and in particular, pushing the situation of the Korean Peninsula to the brink of a nuclear war." "It is the hegemonic sinister aim pursued by the U.S. to turn the whole of South Korea into its biggest nuclear war outpost in the Far East and effectively use it for attaining its strategy for dominating the world," it added. Watch this report: × Kim's sister on the US-South Korea summit In response to the crucial summit, Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong said that the North was convinced that a nuclear deterrent "should be brought to further perfection". As quoted by KCNA, Kim said, "The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them." She further noted that the agreement would "only result in making peace and security of Northeast Asia and the world be exposed to more serious danger, and it is an act that can thus never be welcome". North Korea has indicated it will not consider giving up nuclear weapons it views as insurance against regime change and has continued to work on its banned nuclear and missile programmes, despite sanctions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea slams US-South Korea summit, says it will lead situation to 'brink of a nuclear war'

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.&nbsp;

Kim said that the new agreement&nbsp;aimed at&nbsp;strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang would lead to 'more serious danger' in the region.&nbsp;

“When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” she was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA.&nbsp;

"The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them," she added.&nbsp;

“The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength."

<h2>Why did Kim's sister lash out?</h2>

The statement by&nbsp;Kim Yo Jong comes in the backdrop of Biden saying Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Biden made the comment after signing the Washington Declaration while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeo was on a US visit earlier this week.&nbsp;

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

This is not the first instance when&nbsp;Pyongyang's top leaders have hurled such derogatory words at&nbsp;the US president. In 2017, Kim Jong Un called then-president Donald Trump a&nbsp;“mentally deranged U.S. dotard” while both were engaged in exchanging verbal threats.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse

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<h2>What is the Washington Declaration?</h2>

Under the declaration, Seoul&nbsp;will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.

The US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea as part of the agreement. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nuclear-weapons-for-south-korea-yoon-and-biden-set-to-ink-landmark-agreement-586416">ALSO READ |&nbsp;US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement</a>

Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached fruition. However, no immediate plan exists to station nuclear weapons in South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has issued a warning to the US and South Korea for signing a new nuclear weapons agreement and called President Joe Biden 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements. Kim said that the new agreement aimed at strengthening deterrence against Pyongyang would lead to 'more serious danger' in the region. “When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” she was quoted as saying by state news agency KCNA. "The more the enemies are dead set on staging nuclear war exercises, and the more nuclear assets they deploy in the vicinity of the Korean peninsula, the stronger the exercise of our right to self-defence will become in direct proportion to them," she added. “The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength." Why did Kim's sister lash out? The statement by Kim Yo Jong comes in the backdrop of Biden saying Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. Biden made the comment after signing the Washington Declaration while South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeo was on a US visit earlier this week. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had said. This is not the first instance when Pyongyang's top leaders have hurled such derogatory words at the US president. In 2017, Kim Jong Un called then-president Donald Trump a “mentally deranged U.S. dotard” while both were engaged in exchanging verbal threats. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × What is the Washington Declaration? Under the declaration, Seoul will not be developing its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. The US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea as part of the agreement. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. ALSO READ | US nuclear weapons for S Korea? Yoon, Biden ink landmark agreement Notably, this is the first time since the US withdrew all of its nuclear weapons from South Korea in 1991 that talks about such an agreement have reached fruition. However, no immediate plan exists to station nuclear weapons in South Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Kim Jong Un’s sister calls Joe Biden ‘senile’, blasts US-S Korea for new nuclear deal

Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response. Beijing warned&nbsp;not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling for the parties to play a constructive role.&nbsp;

"All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said&nbsp;foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning.

Targetting the US for attempting to drive up&nbsp;friction between parties, Ning added,&nbsp;"What the US is doing ... provokes confrontation between camps, undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries."

She suggested that USA's moves "aggravate tensions on the peninsula, undermine regional peace and stability, and run counter to the goal of denuclearisation on the peninsula."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-spells-out-kim-jong-uns-end-with-south-korean-leader-586451">ALSO READ |&nbsp;Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader</a>

What did the US say?

On his six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met Biden on Wednesday at the White House. During a joint presser after the meeting, Biden said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Yoon said&nbsp;peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons.

"Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," he added.

<h2>Washington declaration on nuclear weapons</h2>

The statement came on the same day as the two sides signed the Washington Declaration under which&nbsp;South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea.&nbsp;

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US&nbsp;sign declaration | WION Pulse

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As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response.

Hours after US President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk Yeol asserted it would be the end of any North Korean regime if it used nuclear weapons against the allies, China has issued a response. Beijing warned not to 'provoke confrontation' with North Korea while calling for the parties to play a constructive role. "All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning. Targetting the US for attempting to drive up friction between parties, Ning added, "What the US is doing ... provokes confrontation between camps, undermines the nuclear non-proliferation regime and the strategic interests of other countries." She suggested that USA's moves "aggravate tensions on the peninsula, undermine regional peace and stability, and run counter to the goal of denuclearisation on the peninsula." ALSO READ | Joe Biden spells out Kim Jong-Un's 'end' with South Korean leader What did the US say? On his six-day state visit to the US, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol met Biden on Wednesday at the White House. During a joint presser after the meeting, Biden said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," he said. Meanwhile, Yoon said peace with North Korea would come through strength and vowed that any response to a nuclear attack would include US atomic weapons. "Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically," he added. Washington declaration on nuclear weapons The statement came on the same day as the two sides signed the Washington Declaration under which South Korea will not develop its own nuclear weapons but the US will aid in the use of them in any potential conflict with North Korea. ALSO WATCH | Biden-Yoon meet in White House; South Korea, US sign declaration | WION Pulse × As part of the agreement, the US will also deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea. Additionally, there will be a routine visit of aircraft carriers and bombers to the region to send a message to the enemy, informed officials. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

China warns US, South Korea against 'provoking confrontation' with North Korea

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all latest news and top headlines from all across the globe -Want a peaceful resolution to Ukraine crisis, says Beijing. Meanwhile South Korea calls for North Korea to stop threatening neighbors.

South Korea calls for North Korea to stop threatening neighbors

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to go ahead with the launch of the first spy satellite as planned, state media reported on Wednesday (April 19).&nbsp;

Kim said that the satellite launch will boost the nation's capability of military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features, in order to counter "threats" from the United States and South Korea.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters mentioned that a state media photo showed Kim, accompanied by his daughter, talking to officials in front of a blurred image of an apparent satellite.

Last year in December, North Korea conducted what it called an important "final phase" test for a spy satellite. It also said it would complete preparations for the launch by April.&nbsp;

State news agency KCNA said that during a visit to the National Aerospace Development Agency on Tuesday, Kim demanded that the satellite be launched on time and that other reconnaissance satellites be launched in various orbits to improve the nation's monitoring capabilities.&nbsp;

"Securing real-time information about the hostile forces' military scenario" is the "most important" task," Kim said, also denouncing the deployment of US strategic assets in the region as an attempt "to turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war."&nbsp;

"He (Kim) said that possession of such satellites is a primary task to be indispensably fulfilled to bolster up the armed forces of the DPRK ... and belongs to its sovereignty and legitimate right to self-defence," KCNA said, using the initials of the country's official name.

According to the state media, Kim also said that "as the US and South Korea are scheming to further tighten their military posture against the DPRK ... it is quite natural for the DPRK to develop its military deterrence strong enough to cope with the serious security environment at present and in the future."&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to go ahead with the launch of the first spy satellite as planned, state media reported on Wednesday (April 19).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered officials to go ahead with the launch of the first spy satellite as planned, state media reported on Wednesday (April 19). Kim said that the satellite launch will boost the nation's capability of military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features, in order to counter "threats" from the United States and South Korea. News agency Reuters mentioned that a state media photo showed Kim, accompanied by his daughter, talking to officials in front of a blurred image of an apparent satellite. Last year in December, North Korea conducted what it called an important "final phase" test for a spy satellite. It also said it would complete preparations for the launch by April. State news agency KCNA said that during a visit to the National Aerospace Development Agency on Tuesday, Kim demanded that the satellite be launched on time and that other reconnaissance satellites be launched in various orbits to improve the nation's monitoring capabilities. "Securing real-time information about the hostile forces' military scenario" is the "most important" task," Kim said, also denouncing the deployment of US strategic assets in the region as an attempt "to turn South Korea into an advanced base for aggression and an arsenal for war." "He (Kim) said that possession of such satellites is a primary task to be indispensably fulfilled to bolster up the armed forces of the DPRK ... and belongs to its sovereignty and legitimate right to self-defence," KCNA said, using the initials of the country's official name. According to the state media, Kim also said that "as the US and South Korea are scheming to further tighten their military posture against the DPRK ... it is quite natural for the DPRK to develop its military deterrence strong enough to cope with the serious security environment at present and in the future." (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders spy satellite launch as planned

Fox News on Tuesday (April 18) reached a &nbsp;$787.5 million settlement in a defamation case brought by voting technology firm Dominion that alleged the media network knowingly aired false claims linking its machines to a conspiracy to undermine the 2020 US presidential election. In a statement, Fox News said it was pleased to have ended the dispute and acknowledged the court's rulings which found claims about Dominion to be false. North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un ordered officials to go ahead with the launch of the first spy satellite as planned. Kim said the satellite launch would boost North Korea's capability of military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features to counter threats from the United States and South Korea. And Brazilian President&nbsp;Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been accused of parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda, condemned the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity by Russia and again called for mediation to end the war.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fox-news-dominion-avoid-trial-settle-lawsuit-over-on-air-2020-election-lies-583875">Fox News-Dominion avoid trial, settle $1.6bn lawsuit over on-air 'stolen' election claim for $787.5m</a>

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Fox News and the voting equipment company Dominion settled a defamation lawsuit which accused Fox of knowingly broadcasting contested information that Dominion was involved in a plot to steal the 2020 election.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-orders-spy-satellite-launch-as-planned-583897">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders spy satellite launch as planned</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/03/20/339759-kim.jpg?imwidth=1920" />

Kim demanded that the satellite be launched on time and that other reconnaissance satellites be launched in various orbits to improve the nation's monitoring capabilities.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-lula-condemns-invasion-of-ukraine-again-calls-for-mediation-to-end-war-583922">Brazilian President Lula condemns invasion of Ukraine, again calls for mediation to end war</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/19/346303-2023-04-18t154636z1lynxmpej3h0nqrtroptp4latam-politics-today.JPG?imwidth=1920" />

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (April 18) condemned the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity by Russia and again called for mediation to end the war, a peace initiative that has been criticised by Kyiv. Lula insisted that while his government condemned Russia's offensive, it also defended a negotiated political solution to the conflict.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/usa-teacher-arrested-for-encouraging-students-to-fight-inside-classroom-583888">USA: Teacher arrested for encouraging students to fight inside classroom</a>

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WATCH | Saudi Foreign Minister meets Syria's Assad on first trip to Damascus since war

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Fox News on Tuesday (April 18) reached a $787.5 million settlement in a defamation case brought by voting technology firm Dominion that alleged the media network knowingly aired false claims linking its machines to a conspiracy to undermine the 2020 US presidential election.

Fox News on Tuesday (April 18) reached a $787.5 million settlement in a defamation case brought by voting technology firm Dominion that alleged the media network knowingly aired false claims linking its machines to a conspiracy to undermine the 2020 US presidential election. In a statement, Fox News said it was pleased to have ended the dispute and acknowledged the court's rulings which found claims about Dominion to be false. North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un ordered officials to go ahead with the launch of the first spy satellite as planned. Kim said the satellite launch would boost North Korea's capability of military observation of a region to locate an enemy or ascertain strategic features to counter threats from the United States and South Korea. And Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva, who has been accused of parroting Russian and Chinese propaganda, condemned the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity by Russia and again called for mediation to end the war. Click on the headlines to read more Fox News-Dominion avoid trial, settle $1.6bn lawsuit over on-air 'stolen' election claim for $787.5m Fox News and the voting equipment company Dominion settled a defamation lawsuit which accused Fox of knowingly broadcasting contested information that Dominion was involved in a plot to steal the 2020 election. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un orders spy satellite launch as planned Kim demanded that the satellite be launched on time and that other reconnaissance satellites be launched in various orbits to improve the nation's monitoring capabilities. Brazilian President Lula condemns invasion of Ukraine, again calls for mediation to end war Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Tuesday (April 18) condemned the violation of Ukraine's territorial integrity by Russia and again called for mediation to end the war, a peace initiative that has been criticised by Kyiv. Lula insisted that while his government condemned Russia's offensive, it also defended a negotiated political solution to the conflict. USA: Teacher arrested for encouraging students to fight inside classroom WATCH | Saudi Foreign Minister meets Syria's Assad on first trip to Damascus since war ×

Morning brief: Fox News, Dominion settle defamation lawsuit, Kim orders spy satellite launch as planned

A "unspecified ballistic missile" was shot by North Korea, according to the military in Seoul. Although the missile's specifics were unknown, Japan wrongly believed it would approach the island after it was launched, leading to an evacuation order for residents of the northern island of Hokkaido, which was later revoked, according to news agency Reuters.

North Korea fires ballistic missile, Japan lodges protest

During his recent remarks, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the expansion of the country’s war deterrence capabilities in a “more practical and offensive” way, reported the state media, on Tuesday (April 11). This was said in the context of what Kim has called “frantic” aggression by the United States and South Korea.&nbsp;

The report by Pyongyang’s state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), said that these remarks were made on Monday when Kim attended a meeting of the Central Military Commission to discuss ways to “cope with the escalating moves of the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet traitors to unleash a war of aggression.”&nbsp;

This also comes as North Korea has tested a record number of missiles and weapons, since the beginning of this year, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-another-nuclear-capable-underwater-drone-580303">recently tested</a> nuclear-capable underwater drones, claimed the state media. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have been conducting military drills more frequently, which led North Korea, days earlier, to accuse Washington of escalating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-us-south-korea-drills-driving-tensions-in-korean-peninsula-to-brink-of-nuclear-war-579606">North Korea says US-South Korea drills driving tensions in Korean Peninsula to 'brink of nuclear war'</a>

During his remarks, on Monday, Kim also ordered that the country’s deterrence capabilities be strengthened with “increasing speed” and in a “more practical and offensive” manner, reported the KCNA. It added, that the meeting also discusses “practical matters and measures for machinery to prepare various military action proposals that no means and ways of counteraction are available to the enemy.”

North Korea cuts communication with South Korea amid drills with US

The South Korean Unification Ministry said on Monday that North Korea has not responded to their regularly held calls, the fourth straight day, on the inter-Korean liaison communications channel. The calls in question usually take&nbsp;place between 9:00 am (local time) and 5:00 pm (local time).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/n-korea-fires-two-short-range-missiles-antagonised-by-us-south-korea-military-drills-576047">North Korea fires two short-range missiles, antagonised by US-South Korea military drills</a>

In a news-briefing spokesman Koo Byoung-sam told reporters that Seoul is “weighing the possibility of a unilateral cut-off” by Pyongyang, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp;

The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region, however, this is reportedly not the first time that North Korea has shut the communications links in displays of anger. The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon, as per Bloomberg.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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During his recent remarks, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the expansion of the country’s war deterrence capabilities in a “more practical and offensive” way, reported the state media, on Tuesday (April 11).

During his recent remarks, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the expansion of the country’s war deterrence capabilities in a “more practical and offensive” way, reported the state media, on Tuesday (April 11). This was said in the context of what Kim has called “frantic” aggression by the United States and South Korea. The report by Pyongyang’s state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), said that these remarks were made on Monday when Kim attended a meeting of the Central Military Commission to discuss ways to “cope with the escalating moves of the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet traitors to unleash a war of aggression.” This also comes as North Korea has tested a record number of missiles and weapons, since the beginning of this year, including the recently tested nuclear-capable underwater drones, claimed the state media. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have been conducting military drills more frequently, which led North Korea, days earlier, to accuse Washington of escalating the tensions in the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war. ALSO READ | North Korea says US-South Korea drills driving tensions in Korean Peninsula to 'brink of nuclear war' During his remarks, on Monday, Kim also ordered that the country’s deterrence capabilities be strengthened with “increasing speed” and in a “more practical and offensive” manner, reported the KCNA. It added, that the meeting also discusses “practical matters and measures for machinery to prepare various military action proposals that no means and ways of counteraction are available to the enemy.” North Korea cuts communication with South Korea amid drills with US The South Korean Unification Ministry said on Monday that North Korea has not responded to their regularly held calls, the fourth straight day, on the inter-Korean liaison communications channel. The calls in question usually take place between 9:00 am (local time) and 5:00 pm (local time). ALSO READ | North Korea fires two short-range missiles, antagonised by US-South Korea military drills In a news-briefing spokesman Koo Byoung-sam told reporters that Seoul is “weighing the possibility of a unilateral cut-off” by Pyongyang, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day, reported Bloomberg. The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region, however, this is reportedly not the first time that North Korea has shut the communications links in displays of anger. The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon, as per Bloomberg. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea

North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles.&nbsp;

<h2>What are underwater drones?</h2>

Underwater drones are Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). They can be operated underwater without a human occupant and have been deemed the war-machines for future warfare. The first underwater drones surfaced from humanity's scientific prowess in the 1950s. In 1957, the first unmanned underwater vehicle was created in the United States to research the Arctic waters.&nbsp;

<h2>Underwater drones and nuclear warheads: How do they operate?</h2>

The US Navy first deployed underwater drones from submarines in 2015. The Russian-origin Poseidon, is world's most talked-about underwater drone and is one of the six Russian strategic weapons announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test

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In January 2023, it was reported that the first batch of the Poseidon weapons had been manufactured.

Typical depth of the drone may be about 50–100 metres (160–330 ft) for increased stealth features in low-speed stealth mode. Low depth in stealth mode is preferred because sound waves move to the ocean floor and reduce radius of detection. Submarines use the same strategy in silent running mode.

<h2>Which countries have underwater drones with nuclear warheads?</h2>

North Korea's recent demonstration of its underwater drones with nuclear warheads is yet to be decisively verified. The United States, and by extension all 31 NATO countries, possess underwater nuclear-powered drones. The Russian Federation, too, possesses underwater drones with nuclear warheads.

<h2>North Korea's recent demonstrations</h2>

The North Korean drone is named “Haeil,” a Korean word meaning tidal waves or tsunamis.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-another-nuclear-capable-underwater-drone-580303">North Korea claims to have tested another nuclear-capable underwater attack drone</a>

The state media reported that the drone was deployed Tuesday off the North’s eastern coast. It reportedly travelled underwater for nearly 60 hours, and detonated a test warhead at a target standing for an enemy port. North Korean state media added that the attack drone can be “deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation.” 
 
(With inputs from agencies) 
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North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles.

North Korea claimed twice in a row this week that it tested underwater drones capable of carrying a nuclear warhead and unleashing a "radioactive tsunami". Pyongyang's purported actions have put the spotlight on how exactly these underwater drones are different from conventional nuclear warhead-carrying projectiles. What are underwater drones? Underwater drones are Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs). They can be operated underwater without a human occupant and have been deemed the war-machines for future warfare. The first underwater drones surfaced from humanity's scientific prowess in the 1950s. In 1957, the first unmanned underwater vehicle was created in the United States to research the Arctic waters. Underwater drones and nuclear warheads: How do they operate? The US Navy first deployed underwater drones from submarines in 2015. The Russian-origin Poseidon, is world's most talked-about underwater drone and is one of the six Russian strategic weapons announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin in March 2018. ALSO WATCH | North Korea: Pyongyang claims another successful underwater drone test × In January 2023, it was reported that the first batch of the Poseidon weapons had been manufactured. Typical depth of the drone may be about 50–100 metres (160–330 ft) for increased stealth features in low-speed stealth mode. Low depth in stealth mode is preferred because sound waves move to the ocean floor and reduce radius of detection. Submarines use the same strategy in silent running mode. Which countries have underwater drones with nuclear warheads? North Korea's recent demonstration of its underwater drones with nuclear warheads is yet to be decisively verified. The United States, and by extension all 31 NATO countries, possess underwater nuclear-powered drones. The Russian Federation, too, possesses underwater drones with nuclear warheads. North Korea's recent demonstrations The North Korean drone is named “Haeil,” a Korean word meaning tidal waves or tsunamis. ALSO READ | North Korea claims to have tested another nuclear-capable underwater attack drone The state media reported that the drone was deployed Tuesday off the North’s eastern coast. It reportedly travelled underwater for nearly 60 hours, and detonated a test warhead at a target standing for an enemy port. North Korean state media added that the attack drone can be “deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea's underwater nuclear-powered drones: What are they and which other countries have them?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un's powerful sister accused Ukraine of calling for nuclear weapons. Kim Yo Jong backed her assertion on the basis of an online petition in Ukraine which was signed by almost 1,000 signatures so far.

North Korea accuses Kyiv of having nuclear ambitions

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia.

The city has a population of more than 200,000 people. According to the report, Kim Jong Un asked the officials to carry out searches for the lost bullets throughout the city after the ammunition went missing when the military was withdrawn.

The report quoted a source who lives in Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, as stating, "The city… will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paranoid-kim-jong-un-orders-increase-in-production-of-weapons-grade-nuclear-materials-576427">Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials</a>

“They withdrew completely between February 25 and March 10, but an extensive investigation is underway because of a loss of bullets during the evacuation process,” the report stated.

“During the withdrawal, when the soldiers realised they had lost the bullets, they tried to find it themselves instead of reporting it,” it further added.

Later, the soldiers informed the authorities that they feel it is not possible to find the bullets on their own due to which Kim Jong Un decided the entire city must be put under lockdown.

WATCH | Gravitas: North Korea invents underwater drone that can cause a 'Nuclear Tsunami'

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“Last week, orders were issued to factories, farms, social groups and neighbourhood watch units in the province to actively cooperate with the ammunition-related investigation,” said the report, adding that the government authorities were "lying to spread fear among residents".

“They tried to put pressure on the residents by bluffing that the withdrawal was a manoeuvre related to the safety of Kim Jong Un from reactionary forces,” the report stated.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has put the entire city of Hyesan under lockdown to find the 653 assault rifle bullets which were misplaced by the soldiers on March 7, according to a report published by Radio Free Asia. The city has a population of more than 200,000 people. According to the report, Kim Jong Un asked the officials to carry out searches for the lost bullets throughout the city after the ammunition went missing when the military was withdrawn. The report quoted a source who lives in Ryanggang, where Hyesan is located, as stating, "The city… will remain on lockdown until all 653 bullets are found." ALSO READ | Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials “They withdrew completely between February 25 and March 10, but an extensive investigation is underway because of a loss of bullets during the evacuation process,” the report stated. “During the withdrawal, when the soldiers realised they had lost the bullets, they tried to find it themselves instead of reporting it,” it further added. Later, the soldiers informed the authorities that they feel it is not possible to find the bullets on their own due to which Kim Jong Un decided the entire city must be put under lockdown. WATCH | Gravitas: North Korea invents underwater drone that can cause a 'Nuclear Tsunami' “Last week, orders were issued to factories, farms, social groups and neighbourhood watch units in the province to actively cooperate with the ammunition-related investigation,” said the report, adding that the government authorities were "lying to spread fear among residents". “They tried to put pressure on the residents by bluffing that the withdrawal was a manoeuvre related to the safety of Kim Jong Un from reactionary forces,” the report stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

A Kim Jong Un-styled treasure hunt? N Korean city went into lockdown to find 653 lost bullets

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to stockpile the arsenal, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has called for an increase in the production of weapons-grade nuclear materials to stockpile the arsenal, according to state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Kim made the remark a day after North Korea launched two short-range missiles towards the East Sea that landed just outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. Kim gave the call for ramping up production while inspecting the country's new nuclear weapons programme. Terming the decision a 'far-sighted way' to boost the production 'exponentially', the state media reported that Kim also took a view of the technology used for mounting warheads on ballistic missiles and nuclear counterattack plans. It added that N Korea's policy of expanding the nuclear stockpile was 'solely aimed' at defending the country, regional peace and stability. ALSO WATCH | North Korean missile could hit US in 33 mins, says study; find gaps in US missile defence Last year in September, N Korea passed a law that allows it to execute nuclear strikes if enemy forces launch an attack against its leadership. The law effectively makes its nuclear-armed status "irreversible" and bars any talks on de-nuclearisation. "If the command and control system of the national nuclear force is in danger of an attack by hostile forces, a nuclear strike is automatically carried out immediately." ALSO READ | North Korea passes law that makes nuclear status ‘irreversible’; Kim says won’t give up nukes Kim's attempt to increase the nuclear stockpile comes in the backdrop of the US and S Korea completing their biggest military drill in the past five years. The exercise started on March 13 and concluded last Thursday. At the time, Kim said the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks at any time to deter war. He went on to slam the US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets. Consequently, N Korea managed to conduct multiple missile launches, including the firing of an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) into the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Paranoid Kim Jong Un orders increase in production of weapons-grade nuclear materials

North Korea as per state media reports published on Thursday, has tested an underwater nuclear drone that is capable of unleashing a "radioactive tsunami," which could destroy enemy naval vessels and ports. The new weapon system, as per reports, was deployed during the drills that the nation conducted from Tuesday to Thursday.

Blaming joint military drills by South Korea and the US for driving tensions in the Korean peninsula to an "irreversibly dangerous point," the nation said that these required Pyongyang's forces to "gird themselves for an all-out war and bolster up its nuclear force both in quality and quantity on a priority basis."&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea fires cruise missiles into sea of Japan

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As per KCNA news agency, the North Korean military deployed the weapon system dubbed "Haeil", or tsunami, which is capable of setting off a "super-scale" destructive wave. The North Korean drone reportedly cruised for 59 hours and 12 minutes at a depth of 80 to 150 metres (260-500 feet).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-calls-for-nuclear-attack-readiness-against-us-south-korea-573731">N Korea’s Kim Jong Un attends nuclear attack drill, calls for readiness against US, S Korea</a>

"This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," reported KCNA.

Kim Jong Un, the North Korean supreme leader, "guided" the drills and said that the exercise should serve as a warning to the United States and South Korea.

"He expressed his will to make the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet regime plunge into despair for their choice through the high-profile demonstration of the powerful war deterrence," KCNA said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/kim-ju-ae-is-secretly-resented-in-north-korea-because-of-her-physical-appearance-574082">North Koreans secretly hate Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae. Here's why</a>

Additionally, KCNA verified that North Korea launched cruise missiles on Wednesday that were equipped with "test warheads simulating a nuclear warhead." This exercise served as a demonstration of another military attack ability and confirmed the dependability of control devices and detonators in a mid-air&nbsp;explosion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea as per state media reports published on Thursday, has tested an underwater nuclear drone that is capable of unleashing a "radioactive tsunami," which could destroy enemy naval vessels and ports.

North Korea as per state media reports published on Thursday, has tested an underwater nuclear drone that is capable of unleashing a "radioactive tsunami," which could destroy enemy naval vessels and ports. The new weapon system, as per reports, was deployed during the drills that the nation conducted from Tuesday to Thursday. Blaming joint military drills by South Korea and the US for driving tensions in the Korean peninsula to an "irreversibly dangerous point," the nation said that these required Pyongyang's forces to "gird themselves for an all-out war and bolster up its nuclear force both in quality and quantity on a priority basis." Watch | North Korea fires cruise missiles into sea of Japan As per KCNA news agency, the North Korean military deployed the weapon system dubbed "Haeil", or tsunami, which is capable of setting off a "super-scale" destructive wave. The North Korean drone reportedly cruised for 59 hours and 12 minutes at a depth of 80 to 150 metres (260-500 feet). Also read | N Korea’s Kim Jong Un attends nuclear attack drill, calls for readiness against US, S Korea "This nuclear underwater attack drone can be deployed at any coast and port or towed by a surface ship for operation," reported KCNA. Kim Jong Un, the North Korean supreme leader, "guided" the drills and said that the exercise should serve as a warning to the United States and South Korea. "He expressed his will to make the US imperialists and the South Korean puppet regime plunge into despair for their choice through the high-profile demonstration of the powerful war deterrence," KCNA said. Also read | North Koreans secretly hate Kim Jong Un's daughter Kim Ju Ae. Here's why Additionally, KCNA verified that North Korea launched cruise missiles on Wednesday that were equipped with "test warheads simulating a nuclear warhead." This exercise served as a demonstration of another military attack ability and confirmed the dependability of control devices and detonators in a mid-air explosion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea tests underwater nuclear drone capable of unleashing 'radioactive tsunami'

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said that the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks any time to deter war, and slammed US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets, state media KCNA said on Monday.

Kim’s remarks came as he attended a missile test simulating a nuclear attack, with his daughter in tow.

The hermit country launched a short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan over the weekend, the latest in a barrage of weapons test.

KCNA said that the exercise was aimed at bolstering North Korea's "war deterrence and nuclear counterattack capability" on Saturday and Sunday to send strong warnings against the allies.

Kim, who oversaw the test, asserted that the missile launch exercise bolstered the military's actual war capability and highlighted the need to ensure its readiness posture for any "immediate and overwhelming nuclear counterattack" through such drills.

"The present situation, in which the enemies are getting ever more pronounced in their moves for aggression against the DPRK, urgently requires the DPRK to bolster up its nuclear war deterrence exponentially," KCNA quoted him as saying.

DPRK, which stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is the official name of North Korea.

<h2>North Korea test-fires short-range&nbsp;ballistic missile amid U.S.-South Korea military drills</h2>

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In the exercises, a ballistic missile equipped with a mock nuclear warhead flew 800 km (497 miles) before hitting a target at the altitude of 800 m (0.5 mile) under the scenario of a tactical nuclear attack, KCNA said.

The North Korean leader said that the nuclear force of the country will “strongly deter, control and manage the enemy's reckless moves and provocations with its high war readiness, and carry out its important mission without hesitation in case of any unwanted situation."

During the test launch, Kim and his daughter saw the soaring missile before it hit the target.

On Sunday, the air forces of the United States and South Korea on Sunday (March 19) conducted a combined air drill led by B-1B bombers. This drill was part of the ongoing joint drills dubbed "Freedom Shield 23."

A video by South Korea's defence ministry showed two bombers flying in with South Korean F-35A jets and American F-16.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said that the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks any time to deter war, and slammed US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets, state media KCNA said on Monday.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un said that the country should be ready to launch nuclear attacks any time to deter war, and slammed US and South Korea for expanding military ties involving American nuclear assets, state media KCNA said on Monday. Kim’s remarks came as he attended a missile test simulating a nuclear attack, with his daughter in tow. The hermit country launched a short-range ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan over the weekend, the latest in a barrage of weapons test. KCNA said that the exercise was aimed at bolstering North Korea's "war deterrence and nuclear counterattack capability" on Saturday and Sunday to send strong warnings against the allies. Kim, who oversaw the test, asserted that the missile launch exercise bolstered the military's actual war capability and highlighted the need to ensure its readiness posture for any "immediate and overwhelming nuclear counterattack" through such drills. "The present situation, in which the enemies are getting ever more pronounced in their moves for aggression against the DPRK, urgently requires the DPRK to bolster up its nuclear war deterrence exponentially," KCNA quoted him as saying. DPRK, which stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, is the official name of North Korea. North Korea test-fires short-range ballistic missile amid U.S.-South Korea military drills In the exercises, a ballistic missile equipped with a mock nuclear warhead flew 800 km (497 miles) before hitting a target at the altitude of 800 m (0.5 mile) under the scenario of a tactical nuclear attack, KCNA said. The North Korean leader said that the nuclear force of the country will “strongly deter, control and manage the enemy's reckless moves and provocations with its high war readiness, and carry out its important mission without hesitation in case of any unwanted situation." During the test launch, Kim and his daughter saw the soaring missile before it hit the target. On Sunday, the air forces of the United States and South Korea on Sunday (March 19) conducted a combined air drill led by B-1B bombers. This drill was part of the ongoing joint drills dubbed "Freedom Shield 23." A video by South Korea's defence ministry showed two bombers flying in with South Korean F-35A jets and American F-16. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

N Korea’s Kim Jong Un attends nuclear attack drill, calls for readiness against US, S Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for the country to stand ready to conduct nuclear attacks at any time to deter war, accusing the U.S. and South Korea of expanding joint military drills involving American nuclear assets.

Kim Jong Un calls for nuclear attack readiness against U.S, South Korea

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is planning to make his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, his potential successor, Sky News has reported, adding that he is looking to portray his family as a dynasty like the British Royal Family.

A veteran foreign correspondent and expert on North Korea, Jean H Lee, told the British news channel that the Korean dictator has been making his daughter, believed to be 10 years old, appear in public at&nbsp;events which have themes related to “weapons” and “missiles”.

So far, Kim Ju Ae has made six public appearances. Talking about one of the memorable events she attended, Lee recalled her appearance at a military banquet to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's army in February.

"When you look at these pictures, she's front and centre. She is there. It's like this tableau of father, mother, and daughter. And I think what people noticed, of course, first and foremost was, 'Oh my gosh, he's presenting his daughter'. What does that mean?", Lee, who reported from inside North Korea from 2008 to 2017, said on&nbsp;the latest episode of the Sky News Daily podcast.

The veteran journalist pointed out that it was similar to when the dictator's grandfather presented his wife and young son, Kim Jong Un's father Kim Jong Il, at the military parade on the same day 75 years earlier.

When asked if North Korea, a conservative and patriarchal country, will allow a female leader to helm the post, Lee said that there have been a number of women working in high offices in the secretive country.

"We've had female rulers in societies at times where many women had no rights. Queen Victoria, for example," Lee said.

"But I do think one thing about North Korea that's very interesting is that women do take on leadership roles. It's a communist or it's a socialist country," she added.

(With inputs from agencies) 
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North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is planning to make his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, his potential successor, Sky News has reported, adding that he is looking to portray his family as a dynasty like the British Royal Family.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un is planning to make his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, his potential successor, Sky News has reported, adding that he is looking to portray his family as a dynasty like the British Royal Family. A veteran foreign correspondent and expert on North Korea, Jean H Lee, told the British news channel that the Korean dictator has been making his daughter, believed to be 10 years old, appear in public at events which have themes related to “weapons” and “missiles”. So far, Kim Ju Ae has made six public appearances. Talking about one of the memorable events she attended, Lee recalled her appearance at a military banquet to mark the 75th anniversary of the country's army in February. "When you look at these pictures, she's front and centre. She is there. It's like this tableau of father, mother, and daughter. And I think what people noticed, of course, first and foremost was, 'Oh my gosh, he's presenting his daughter'. What does that mean?", Lee, who reported from inside North Korea from 2008 to 2017, said on the latest episode of the Sky News Daily podcast. The veteran journalist pointed out that it was similar to when the dictator's grandfather presented his wife and young son, Kim Jong Un's father Kim Jong Il, at the military parade on the same day 75 years earlier. When asked if North Korea, a conservative and patriarchal country, will allow a female leader to helm the post, Lee said that there have been a number of women working in high offices in the secretive country. "We've had female rulers in societies at times where many women had no rights. Queen Victoria, for example," Lee said. "But I do think one thing about North Korea that's very interesting is that women do take on leadership roles. It's a communist or it's a socialist country," she added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un intends to hand over power to daughter in long term

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported. The conference suggests that the country’s food shortage is worsening.&nbsp;

Kim also highlighted the importance of stable agricultural production while addressing the seventh enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The North Korean leader also said that reaching grain production targets should be the top priority.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-food-crisis-leader-kim-jong-un-asks-people-to-eat-less-until-2025-424602">North Korea food crisis: Leader Kim Jong Un asks people to 'eat less' until 2025</a>

The high-level meeting with senior party officials of the ruling WPK which began on Sunday reviewed the last year’s work on state goals. The state media also said that the plenary meeting will identify immediate and important tasks on issues related to agriculture and economic development.&nbsp;

The KCNA report did not elaborate on the kind of measures which will be implemented, but the North Korean leader has said that they need to take place in the next few years. According to experts on the subject, North Korea is currently reliant on collective farming, which typically includes a number of small farmers producing crops with joint labour, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/even-as-the-nation-reels-from-hunger-north-korean-state-paper-calls-outside-aid-poisoned-candy-564875">Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy'</a>

Multiple reports from the South Korean media have claimed that people in North Korea are dying of hunger. However, not only are they unconfirmed but experts also believe that there is no indication of mass deaths or famine in Pyongyang. While the extent of food shortages in North Korea remains unclear, a US-based website 38 North Project claimed that food insecurity has been the worst in the country since the widespread famine in the 1990s.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-of-famine-in-north-korea-as-bad-as-1990s-amid-mounting-food-insecurity-426894">Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity</a>

Pyongyang’s pursuit of self-sufficiency has meant that almost all the grain is produced domestically which has left the country vulnerable, said the 38 North Project, reported Reuters. Last week, North Korea’s official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking “poisoned candy”. This comes as the country finds itself amid mounting international sanctions and supply shortages due to COVID-19-related restrictions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday (February 27) opened a key political conference addressing agriculture where he urged officials to devise a “fundamental transformation” for production in the sector, state media reported. The conference suggests that the country’s food shortage is worsening. Kim also highlighted the importance of stable agricultural production while addressing the seventh enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The North Korean leader also said that reaching grain production targets should be the top priority. ALSO READ | North Korea food crisis: Leader Kim Jong Un asks people to 'eat less' until 2025 The high-level meeting with senior party officials of the ruling WPK which began on Sunday reviewed the last year’s work on state goals. The state media also said that the plenary meeting will identify immediate and important tasks on issues related to agriculture and economic development. The KCNA report did not elaborate on the kind of measures which will be implemented, but the North Korean leader has said that they need to take place in the next few years. According to experts on the subject, North Korea is currently reliant on collective farming, which typically includes a number of small farmers producing crops with joint labour, reported Reuters. ALSO READ | Even as the nation reels from hunger, North Korean state paper calls outside aid 'poisoned candy' Multiple reports from the South Korean media have claimed that people in North Korea are dying of hunger. However, not only are they unconfirmed but experts also believe that there is no indication of mass deaths or famine in Pyongyang. While the extent of food shortages in North Korea remains unclear, a US-based website 38 North Project claimed that food insecurity has been the worst in the country since the widespread famine in the 1990s. ALSO READ | Reports of famine in North Korea as bad as 1990s amid mounting food insecurity Pyongyang’s pursuit of self-sufficiency has meant that almost all the grain is produced domestically which has left the country vulnerable, said the 38 North Project, reported Reuters. Last week, North Korea’s official newspaper said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages equals taking “poisoned candy”. This comes as the country finds itself amid mounting international sanctions and supply shortages due to COVID-19-related restrictions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korean leader Kim holds rare meeting on agriculture amid reports of food shortage in country

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is scurrying to solve the food crisis in the country. The authoritarian leader on Monday held a rare political conference, which continued on Tuesday to engineer solutions to increase agricultural production, according to state media reports. The food shortage crisis in North Korea is worsening and Kim has dubbed hitting 'grain production' targets as the major priority. Though the reports did not detail what measures Kim's government would take, they suggested that changes were in the offing. The meeting by Kim comes a few weeks after South Korea’s Unification Ministry stated that the food situation in their neighbourhood 'seemed to have deteriorated'. Some unsubstantiated reports have claimed that an unknown number of North Koreans have died due to starvation but there is no concrete indication that famine has set in the country. Gravitas Plus: How does North Korea finance its missile tests? However, a report published by US-based monitoring project 38 North in January stated that the situation was grim in the country. “Food availability has likely fallen below the bare minimum with regard to human needs,” read the report. “Achieving adequate agricultural output in North Korea’s unfavourable soils has, ironically, generated a heavy reliance on imported goods and left the country exposed to global shocks, diplomatic conflicts, and adverse weather,” it added. Ostracised by most countries across the globe, North Korea is a pariah state where the authoritarian regime of Kim Jong Un uses almost all the revenue for its missile programmes instead of food production or public welfare. Read more: North Korea stole record crypto assets and currencies in 2022: UN report The international sanctions coupled with pandemic isolation and in-house mismanagement may have contributed heavily to the food shortage situation, according to experts. The gravity of the matter can be understood by the fact that it was the first time that a plenary session was convened, only to discuss agricultural matters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea's Kim Jong Un sweats over food shortage, holds rare meeting on agricultural practices

North Korea is threatening to punish parents for letting their children watch foreign films. Parents will be sent to labour camps for six months, while children will be imprisoned for five years for watching western media. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Kim Jong-Un's crackdown on western media

Millions of citizens in North Korea, South Korea, Japan and China live at the risk of being exposed to radioactive material spread through groundwater from a Pyongyang-operated underground nuclear test site, a Seoul-based human rights group said in a report on Tuesday.&nbsp;The study by Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group said radioactive materials could have spread across eight cities and counties near the site, housing over one&nbsp;million North Koreans.&nbsp;It also said that neighbouring South Korea, China and Japan might be at risk due partly to agricultural and fisheries products smuggled from the North.

Between 2006 and 2017, North Korea secretly conducted six tests of nuclear weapons at the Punggye-ri site, about 50 km north of the capital Pyongyang,&nbsp;in the mountainous North Hamgyong Province, according to the US and South Korean governments.

<h2>North Korean nuclear spillage: How bad is it?</h2>

The Transitional Justice Working Group reportedly&nbsp;worked with nuclear and medical experts and defectors and used open-source intelligence and publicly available government and UN&nbsp;reports for the study. The study&nbsp;was backed by the National Endowment for Democracy, a non-profit corporation funded by the US Congress.

"This report is significant in showing that North Korea's nuclear tests could threaten the right to life and health of not only the North Korean people but also of those in South Korea and other neighbouring countries," Hubert Young-hwan Lee, the group's chief and a co-author was quoted as saying by Reuters.

<h2>North Korean nuclear spillage: Previous evidence of radioactive spread in spotlight</h2>

In 2015, South Korea's food safety agency detected nine times the standard level of radioactive caesium isotopes in imported hedgehog mushrooms. These mushrooms were being sold as Chinese produce though their actual origin was North Korea. Tokyo and Beijing have sped up radiation monitoring after Pyongyang's nuclear tests. Between&nbsp;2017 and 2018, South Korea tested 40 defectors from the regions near the North Korean nuclear test site, of which at least nine showed abnormalities linked with exposure to nuclear radiation.

Reports say that in 2018 when North Korea invited foreign press to witness the destruction of some tunnels at&nbsp;Punggye-ri nuclear test site, it confiscated the radiation detectors. North Korea has rejected the concerns about radioactive spillage.

The rights group has urged a resumption of testing and an international enquiry into the radiation risks for communities around Punggye-ri. Seoul and Washington have said Pyongyang could be preparing for a seventh nuclear test.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-has-north-korea-warned-of-turning-the-pacific-into-a-firing-range-563952">Why has North Korea warned of turning the Pacific into a 'firing range'?</a>

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Meanwhile, the tensions in the Korean peninsula escalated after&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;first fired a ballistic missile toward the sea off its east coast on Saturday (February 18), according to South&nbsp;Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, before conducting two more similar launches on Monday. Japan has sought an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council over the matter.&nbsp;

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Millions of citizens in North Korea, South Korea, Japan and China live at the risk of being exposed to radioactive material spread through groundwater from a Pyongyang-operated underground nuclear test site, a Seoul-based human rights group said in a report on Tuesday.

Millions of citizens in North Korea, South Korea, Japan and China live at the risk of being exposed to radioactive material spread through groundwater from a Pyongyang-operated underground nuclear test site, a Seoul-based human rights group said in a report on Tuesday. The study by Seoul-based Transitional Justice Working Group said radioactive materials could have spread across eight cities and counties near the site, housing over one million North Koreans. It also said that neighbouring South Korea, China and Japan might be at risk due partly to agricultural and fisheries products smuggled from the North. Between 2006 and 2017, North Korea secretly conducted six tests of nuclear weapons at the Punggye-ri site, about 50 km north of the capital Pyongyang, in the mountainous North Hamgyong Province, according to the US and South Korean governments. North Korean nuclear spillage: How bad is it? The Transitional Justice Working Group reportedly worked with nuclear and medical experts and defectors and used open-source intelligence and publicly available government and UN reports for the study. The study was backed by the National Endowment for Democracy, a non-profit corporation funded by the US Congress. "This report is significant in showing that North Korea's nuclear tests could threaten the right to life and health of not only the North Korean people but also of those in South Korea and other neighbouring countries," Hubert Young-hwan Lee, the group's chief and a co-author was quoted as saying by Reuters. North Korean nuclear spillage: Previous evidence of radioactive spread in spotlight In 2015, South Korea's food safety agency detected nine times the standard level of radioactive caesium isotopes in imported hedgehog mushrooms. These mushrooms were being sold as Chinese produce though their actual origin was North Korea. Tokyo and Beijing have sped up radiation monitoring after Pyongyang's nuclear tests. Between 2017 and 2018, South Korea tested 40 defectors from the regions near the North Korean nuclear test site, of which at least nine showed abnormalities linked with exposure to nuclear radiation. Reports say that in 2018 when North Korea invited foreign press to witness the destruction of some tunnels at Punggye-ri nuclear test site, it confiscated the radiation detectors. North Korea has rejected the concerns about radioactive spillage. The rights group has urged a resumption of testing and an international enquiry into the radiation risks for communities around Punggye-ri. Seoul and Washington have said Pyongyang could be preparing for a seventh nuclear test. ALSO WATCH | Why has North Korea warned of turning the Pacific into a 'firing range'? × Meanwhile, the tensions in the Korean peninsula escalated after North Korea first fired a ballistic missile toward the sea off its east coast on Saturday (February 18), according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, before conducting two more similar launches on Monday. Japan has sought an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council over the matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Millions at nuclear radiation risk in North Korea and neighbouring countries, suggests latest US-backed study

The world knows little about Kim Jong Un's family, children per se, but recent public appearances of his daughter have intrigued people across the world, especially those who speculate who will be the next North Korean leader—the heir of this dynasty-ruled nuclear-armed nation.

The world knows little about Kim Jong Un's family, children per se, but recent public appearances of his daughter have intrigued people across the world, especially those who speculate who will be the next North Korean leader—the heir of this dynasty-ruled nuclear-armed nation. Kim's daughter, who is identified by some source-based media reports as Kim Ju Ae, is believed to be 10 years old and was recently spotted inspecting a guard of honour, among other high-profile appearances. She was then seen alongside her father watching a sports event, which was also attended by senior government officials and her aunt, Kim Yo Jong. What do we know about Kim's daughter with absolute certainty? Basically, nothing! Not even her birth date. But when she was spotted smiling, happy, stroking her father's face, it definitely looked cute and genuine. ALSO READ | Is North Korea banning women from having same name as Kim's daughter? What do we know about Kim Jong Un's children? Ju's image went viral when she was seen with her father almost three months ago at the launch of North Korea's most powerful intercontinental ballistic missile. Previously, former NBA star Dennis Rodman had confirmed her existence, who claimed to have met Kim's baby daughter, named Ju Ae, during a 2013 visit to North Korea. According to media reports, Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju have three children — two girls and a boy. Ju is believed to be Kim's second child. Although her name hasn't been officially confirmed, the South Korean spy agency and some experts identify her as Ju Ae. Apart from her, there is no information available regarding his other daughter and son. WATCH | Kim Jong-un, daughter Ju Ae attend sports event; Ju Ae spotted for first time at non-military event × What's behind the recent appearances? And why North Korea is sharing the photos with the world? We can say... what happens in North Korea, stays in North Korea. The world sees of North Korea, what the nation and its state-controlled media want to show to the world. The nation will show missile launches, but won't reveal the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, if the deadly virus really entered the nation. North Korea, especially the Kim regime is obsessively secretive with its various policies, hence the recent act of releasing Ju Ae's images via state media is all the more mysterious. Some media reports claim that the North Korean leader is trying to brand himself as a family guy and as a feminist to avoid the fear of not losing behind in this "modern world". But will North Korea accept a female leader? As quoted by the news agency AFP, Bronwen Dalton, who is the head of the department of management at the University of Technology Sydney's business school, said that when it comes to women assuming political leadership roles, North Korea's glass ceiling has been bulletproof. But she also agreed that change is afoot and the nation's leadership is trying to "maintain its legitimacy by creating a new version of womanhood" that reflects social changes in the country over recent decades. North Korea was forced to adjust its archaic version of an ideal woman to some extent as the younger generations have "grown up buying and selling in markets, using mobile phones and accessing foreign media content". In the current scenario, leadership has the representation of high-profile women, including foreign minister Choe Son-hui and Kim's younger sister Kim Yo Jong, who is a regime spokeswoman. But the leadership is predominantly male. Dalton told the news agency that Kim is "presiding over a propaganda apparatus forging a new narrative on the place of women". But also added that crucially, the most important role of all North Korean women is "devotion to their 'father' Kim Jong Un", and Ju Ae is perfect with this. Image: Kim Ju Ae attends a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of North Korea's army, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea February 8, 2023, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Credit: Reuters. Image: Kim Jong Un reacts as he watches sport games in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this photo released on February 17, 2023 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Credit: Reuters. Is Ju Ae the heir to Kim Jong Un's throne? Some experts argue that the way Kim's "beloved" and "respected" daughter has been projected, it looks like she is apparently the heir. However, these are mere claims as North Korea is yet to confirm. As quoted by the news agency AFP, Cheong Seong-chang, who is a researcher at South Korea's Sejong Institute, said that recent developments indicate North Korea has started building a "personality cult" around Ju Ae. Cheong added that it "signals that she has been designated as the de facto successor even though she doesn't hold the official 'successor' status yet". Referring to the images in which Kim's daughter can be seen sitting next to him, surrounded by the nation's top brass, Cheong said that it suggests that Kim Ju Ae will "become the supreme commander of the military in the future". Image: Kim Jong Un, his wife Ri Sol Ju and their daughter Kim Ju Ae attend a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea February 8, 2023, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Credit: Reuters. South Korea says... Amid the releases of photos in the media for public, South Korea said that it's too early to say whether the recently unveiled daughter of the North Korean leader is being groomed as his successor. Kwon Youngse, who is Unification Minister and South Korea's top official on North Korea, was asked about Kim's daughter during a parliamentary committee meeting in Seoul. Kwon told lawmakers: "There are views that (her appearances) are aimed at talking about a hereditary power transition." "But considering Kim Jong Un’s age and the fact that North Korea has a much more patriarchal nature than ours, there are also lots of questions about whether North Korea having a woman (prepared to) inherit power now is indeed right," Kwon added. Conclusion The main motive behind her public appearances remains a mystery, but she has definitely emerged as someone who could be assigned a leadership role by her father. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Kim Jong Un's daughter is seen more than ever. Why now?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter were caught on camera attending a sports event on Friday (February 17) in a rare public appearance. In attendance, along with Kim, were high-ranking officials. The sports game was held between the staff of the cabinet and the Ministry of National Defence. A video showed Kim Jong and his daughter cheering for participants. The friendly sports event was held to mark the Day of the Shining Star, the 81st birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father who died in 2011.&nbsp;

The sports event also saw a tug-of-war match, among other highlights. Sitting in the VIP section, the father-daughter duo was seen smiling and clapping along with others. Believed to be around 10 years old, Kim's daughter brought "joy and excitement" to the match, local media asserted.&nbsp;

Fresh visuals of the North Korean leader with his daughter have yet again raised speculation if she is being groomed for a crucial role in the coming years. She was last seen with her father at the mega military parade on February 9. While she has not been named by the state media, she has been identified as Ju Ae in some reports.

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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“Attendees (at the event( made a firm resolution...to make this year a year of great change for the republic’s development path,” North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday (February 18).&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ballistic-missile-fired-by-north-korea-says-south-korea-563367">Ahead of Seoul-Washington joint tabletop exercise, North Korea fires ICBM-class missile</a>

The young girl was also seen last year in November at an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) test.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter were caught on camera attending a sports event on Friday (February 17) in a rare public appearance. In attendance, along with Kim, were high-ranking officials.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter were caught on camera attending a sports event on Friday (February 17) in a rare public appearance. In attendance, along with Kim, were high-ranking officials. The sports game was held between the staff of the cabinet and the Ministry of National Defence. A video showed Kim Jong and his daughter cheering for participants. The friendly sports event was held to mark the Day of the Shining Star, the 81st birth anniversary of Chairman Kim Jong Il, the current leader's father who died in 2011. The sports event also saw a tug-of-war match, among other highlights. Sitting in the VIP section, the father-daughter duo was seen smiling and clapping along with others. Believed to be around 10 years old, Kim's daughter brought "joy and excitement" to the match, local media asserted. Fresh visuals of the North Korean leader with his daughter have yet again raised speculation if she is being groomed for a crucial role in the coming years. She was last seen with her father at the mega military parade on February 9. While she has not been named by the state media, she has been identified as Ju Ae in some reports. Watch this report: × “Attendees (at the event( made a firm resolution...to make this year a year of great change for the republic’s development path,” North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Saturday (February 18). Also read: Ahead of Seoul-Washington joint tabletop exercise, North Korea fires ICBM-class missile The young girl was also seen last year in November at an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) test. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH: Kim Jong Un’s daughter attends sports event in a rare public appearance

Parents in North Korea won't be able to name their girl child similar to Kim Jong Un's 10-year-old daughter, media reports claimed, further adding that those with similar names are being pressured to change.&nbsp;

Reports suggested the move can be seen as the North Korean leader's attempt to maintain the exclusivity of the name of his daughter, Ju-ae, who was recently seen with her father attending a military parade.

Media reports mentioned Radio Free Asia, which quoted two anonymous sources — one living in North Pyongyang and the other living in South Pyongyang — as saying that the local government authorities have issued orders for women named Ju-ae to change their birth certificates.&nbsp;As quoted, one source said: "Yesterday, the Ministry of Security in Jeongju City summoned women registered with the resident registration department under the name 'Ju Ae' to the Ministry of Safety to change their names."&nbsp;

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North Korea has unveiled new postage stamps featuring leader Kim Jong Un's daughter. His daughter's appearance is seen as a sign of her rise as heir apparent of the nuclear-armed nation.&nbsp;

But South Korea on Wednesday said that it's too early to say whether the recently unveiled daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being groomed as her father's successor.&nbsp;

Kwon Youngse, who is Unification Minister and South Korea's top official on North Korea, was asked about Kim's daughter during a parliamentary committee meeting in Seoul.&nbsp;

Kwon told lawmakers: "There are views that (her appearances) are aimed at talking about a hereditary power transition. But considering Kim Jong Un’s age and the fact that North Korea has a much more patriarchal nature than ours, there are also lots of questions about whether North Korea having a woman (prepared to) inherit power now is indeed right."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Parents in North Korea won't be able to name their girl child similar to Kim Jong Un's 10-year-old daughter, media reports claimed, further adding that those with similar names are being pressured to change.

Parents in North Korea won't be able to name their girl child similar to Kim Jong Un's 10-year-old daughter, media reports claimed, further adding that those with similar names are being pressured to change. Reports suggested the move can be seen as the North Korean leader's attempt to maintain the exclusivity of the name of his daughter, Ju-ae, who was recently seen with her father attending a military parade. Media reports mentioned Radio Free Asia, which quoted two anonymous sources — one living in North Pyongyang and the other living in South Pyongyang — as saying that the local government authorities have issued orders for women named Ju-ae to change their birth certificates. As quoted, one source said: "Yesterday, the Ministry of Security in Jeongju City summoned women registered with the resident registration department under the name 'Ju Ae' to the Ministry of Safety to change their names." Watch this report: × North Korea has unveiled new postage stamps featuring leader Kim Jong Un's daughter. His daughter's appearance is seen as a sign of her rise as heir apparent of the nuclear-armed nation. But South Korea on Wednesday said that it's too early to say whether the recently unveiled daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being groomed as her father's successor. Kwon Youngse, who is Unification Minister and South Korea's top official on North Korea, was asked about Kim's daughter during a parliamentary committee meeting in Seoul. Kwon told lawmakers: "There are views that (her appearances) are aimed at talking about a hereditary power transition. But considering Kim Jong Un’s age and the fact that North Korea has a much more patriarchal nature than ours, there are also lots of questions about whether North Korea having a woman (prepared to) inherit power now is indeed right." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Is North Korea banning women from having same name as Kim's daughter?

North Korea has banned women from having the same name as Kim Jong-Un's daughter Kim Ju-Ae. Is this an indication that she has been anointed the heir? Priyanka Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: North Korea bans women from having same name as Kim's daughter

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a nighttime military parade on Wednesday (February 8) which displayed multiple long-range missiles, including what analysts said could be a new, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). According to the state news agency KCNA on Thursday, the parade was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army. The KCNA said that the ICBM showed Pyongyang's greatest nuclear strike ability, adding, the parade also featured tactical nuclear units.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un attended the parade with his wife Ri Sol Ju, and daughter Ju Ae, news agency AFP reported citing state media photographs. The supreme leader wore a black coat and fedora- a dress which was favoured by his grandfather and North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung. Kim Jon Un inspected rows of soldiers holding bayonets, and standing flanked by his top generals, saluting as troops and missile units parade past.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-second-most-powerful-man-after-kim-jong-un-replaced-548696">North Korea's second most powerful man after Kim Jong Un replaced</a>

Columns of missiles were paraded through Kim Il Sung Square. Among the systems on display was the largest ICBM yet, the Hwasong-17, followed by what some analysts said could be the new solid-fuel ICBM, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Joseph Dempsey, a research associate for defence and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said, "Following the apparent Hwasong-17 ICBM pairs are four unidentified but apparently similarly sized canisterised systems."

Ankit Panda from the American think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the canistered ICBM might be seen during a parade and which has so far not been tested, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-stole-record-crypto-assets-and-currencies-in-2022-un-report-559536">North Korea stole record crypto assets and currencies in 2022: UN report</a>

The news agency further pointed out that developing a solid-fuel ICBM has been seen as a key goal for Pyongyang as it could make its nuclear missiles harder to spot and destroy during a conflict. It is not yet clear how close the suspected new missile could be to testing as North Korea has sometimes displayed mockups during the parades.&nbsp;

North Korea has held four night-time military parades in recent years including the one on Wednesday, AFP reported. This comes after the country vowed to expand and intensify military drills to ensure readiness for war. Earlier, Kim Jong Un had called for an &nbsp;"exponential" increase in the nuclear arsenal, including mass-producing tactical nuclear weapons and developing new missiles for nuclear counterstrikes.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a nighttime military parade on Wednesday (February 8) which displayed multiple long-range missiles, including what analysts said could be a new, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a nighttime military parade on Wednesday (February 8) which displayed multiple long-range missiles, including what analysts said could be a new, solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). According to the state news agency KCNA on Thursday, the parade was held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army. The KCNA said that the ICBM showed Pyongyang's greatest nuclear strike ability, adding, the parade also featured tactical nuclear units. Kim Jong Un attended the parade with his wife Ri Sol Ju, and daughter Ju Ae, news agency AFP reported citing state media photographs. The supreme leader wore a black coat and fedora- a dress which was favoured by his grandfather and North Korea's founding leader Kim Il Sung. Kim Jon Un inspected rows of soldiers holding bayonets, and standing flanked by his top generals, saluting as troops and missile units parade past. ALSO READ | North Korea's second most powerful man after Kim Jong Un replaced Columns of missiles were paraded through Kim Il Sung Square. Among the systems on display was the largest ICBM yet, the Hwasong-17, followed by what some analysts said could be the new solid-fuel ICBM, news agency Reuters reported. Taking to Twitter on Thursday, Joseph Dempsey, a research associate for defence and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) said, "Following the apparent Hwasong-17 ICBM pairs are four unidentified but apparently similarly sized canisterised systems." Ankit Panda from the American think tank Carnegie Endowment for International Peace said the canistered ICBM might be seen during a parade and which has so far not been tested, Reuters reported. ALSO READ | North Korea stole record crypto assets and currencies in 2022: UN report The news agency further pointed out that developing a solid-fuel ICBM has been seen as a key goal for Pyongyang as it could make its nuclear missiles harder to spot and destroy during a conflict. It is not yet clear how close the suspected new missile could be to testing as North Korea has sometimes displayed mockups during the parades. North Korea has held four night-time military parades in recent years including the one on Wednesday, AFP reported. This comes after the country vowed to expand and intensify military drills to ensure readiness for war. Earlier, Kim Jong Un had called for an "exponential" increase in the nuclear arsenal, including mass-producing tactical nuclear weapons and developing new missiles for nuclear counterstrikes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea shows off largest-ever number of nuclear missiles at nighttime parade

A new report says that North Korea's Kim Jong Un uses a secret force to keep people in line with Pyongyang's ideology. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Meet North Korea's secret police 'Gruppa'

North Korea has sacked Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful military official after leader Kim Jong Un. Pak was replaced by Ri Yong Gil at the committee's annual meeting last week. Watch further to know more.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sacks key Military official

North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil.

As per a KCNA news agency report, Pak who's the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party and a secretary of the party's Central Committee, was replaced at the committee's annual meeting last week.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korean leaders chairs key party meet; Kim Jong-un calls for bigger Nuclear arsenal

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No reason for the replacement was iven. However, as per Reuters North Korea regularly revamps its leadership and the year-end party has often been used for major policy decisions and reshuffles.

The replacement comes as Kim Jong Un recently announced that the country will be developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles and a large nuclear arsenal, as a way to counter Units States and South Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-kim-jong-un-wants-exponential-increase-in-nuclear-arsenal-548408">North Korea: Kim Jong Un wants ‘exponential increase’ in nuclear arsenal</a>

Pak's replacement, Ri, too is a senior military leader who has held important roles like chief of the army's general staff and defence minister.

According to Oh Gyeong-sup, a fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the recent increase in tension between North Korea and South Kora over Pyongyang's intrusion of drones into Seoul territory could be a factor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-three-unidentified-ballistic-missile-says-south-korea-548212">North Korea fired three ‘unidentified ballistic missiles,’ says South Korea</a>

In response to the intrusion, three drones were reportedly sent across the border by South Korea. However, the North did not respond, which according to Oh could indicate that it did not detect the drones.

Oh speculated that "Pak might have taken responsibility for the failure of security operations."

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil.

North Korea has reportedly sacked the nation's second-highest military official. As per reports by the state media, Pak Jong Chon, the second most powerful leader Kim Jong Un has been replaced with Ri Yong Gil. As per a KCNA news agency report, Pak who's the vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party and a secretary of the party's Central Committee, was replaced at the committee's annual meeting last week. Watch | North Korean leaders chairs key party meet; Kim Jong-un calls for bigger Nuclear arsenal No reason for the replacement was iven. However, as per Reuters North Korea regularly revamps its leadership and the year-end party has often been used for major policy decisions and reshuffles. The replacement comes as Kim Jong Un recently announced that the country will be developing new intercontinental ballistic missiles and a large nuclear arsenal, as a way to counter Units States and South Korea. Also read | North Korea: Kim Jong Un wants ‘exponential increase’ in nuclear arsenal Pak's replacement, Ri, too is a senior military leader who has held important roles like chief of the army's general staff and defence minister. According to Oh Gyeong-sup, a fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul, the recent increase in tension between North Korea and South Kora over Pyongyang's intrusion of drones into Seoul territory could be a factor. Also read | North Korea fired three ‘unidentified ballistic missiles,’ says South Korea In response to the intrusion, three drones were reportedly sent across the border by South Korea. However, the North did not respond, which according to Oh could indicate that it did not detect the drones. Oh speculated that "Pak might have taken responsibility for the failure of security operations." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea's second most powerful man after Kim Jong Un replaced

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday said that the country will boost its readiness to respond to airspace intrusions after five drones of North Korea crossed the border and could not be shot down by the military.&nbsp;Fighter jets were deployed by South Korea's military after the airspace intrusion by North Korea's drones on Monday as one of the drones flew close to the capital.

However, even after carrying out a five-hour-long operation, the North Korean drones were not shot down which led to the South Korean military's widespread criticism and the military issued an apology.

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-plans-to-spend-441-million-until-2027-to-counter-nkorean-drones-547448">South Korea plans to spend $441 million until 2027 to counter N.Korean drones</a>

On Thursday, President Yoon said that the situation was "intolerable" and added that the government should make Pyongyang "realise that provocations are always met with harsh consequences".

"In order for us to achieve peace, we need to make overwhelmingly superior war preparations," he added, while speaking during his visit to the state-run Agency for Defence Development.

"The overall response system against all flying objects invading our airspace, on top of drones, must be re-examined to quickly make up for any deficiencies," he added.

Earlier this week, Yoon criticised the way the incident was handled by the military and called for accelerating the plan for launching a drone unit, in which advanced stealth models will be included for carrying out surveillance on important military facilities in Pyongyang.

The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Thursday said that exercises, focused on drones, will be staged.

WATCH|&nbsp;WION Fineprint: South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol announces new drone unit

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For the first time in five years, the drones of Pyongyang made an air incursion into the airspace of South. This year, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, said that he aims to make his country the most powerful nuclear force in the world, and said that the country is an "irreversible" nuclear state.

President Yoon said that nuclear weapons of North Korea would not affect the response of Seoul to any future provocations by Pyongyang.

"Regardless of whether the opponent has nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction, we should give a clear message to those who are provoking," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday said that the country will boost its readiness to respond to airspace intrusions after five drones of North Korea crossed the border and could not be shot down by the military.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday said that the country will boost its readiness to respond to airspace intrusions after five drones of North Korea crossed the border and could not be shot down by the military. Fighter jets were deployed by South Korea's military after the airspace intrusion by North Korea's drones on Monday as one of the drones flew close to the capital. However, even after carrying out a five-hour-long operation, the North Korean drones were not shot down which led to the South Korean military's widespread criticism and the military issued an apology. ALSO READ| South Korea plans to spend $441 million until 2027 to counter N.Korean drones On Thursday, President Yoon said that the situation was "intolerable" and added that the government should make Pyongyang "realise that provocations are always met with harsh consequences". "In order for us to achieve peace, we need to make overwhelmingly superior war preparations," he added, while speaking during his visit to the state-run Agency for Defence Development. "The overall response system against all flying objects invading our airspace, on top of drones, must be re-examined to quickly make up for any deficiencies," he added. Earlier this week, Yoon criticised the way the incident was handled by the military and called for accelerating the plan for launching a drone unit, in which advanced stealth models will be included for carrying out surveillance on important military facilities in Pyongyang. The South's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Thursday said that exercises, focused on drones, will be staged. WATCH| WION Fineprint: South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol announces new drone unit For the first time in five years, the drones of Pyongyang made an air incursion into the airspace of South. This year, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, said that he aims to make his country the most powerful nuclear force in the world, and said that the country is an "irreversible" nuclear state. President Yoon said that nuclear weapons of North Korea would not affect the response of Seoul to any future provocations by Pyongyang. "Regardless of whether the opponent has nuclear weapons or weapons of mass destruction, we should give a clear message to those who are provoking," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea plans to upgrade preparedness after unchecked North Korea’s drone incursion

Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, commenced a meeting of the Worker's party on Monday to announce the policies for the upcoming year. The key meeting, used by Kim for declaring important policies often, might prolong for a couple of days.&nbsp;

The 8th central committee of the Worker's party constructed a sixth enlarged plenary meeting, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The meeting between the party officials and the government before the end of 2022 marked North Korea launching sudden and unexpected missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM).

On Monday, five drones from North Korea crossed the South Korean territory, prodding Seoul to dispatch fighter aircraft and open fire. South Korea also sent drones for surveillance. However, there is no information on the number of drones shot during the shooting.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-has-fired-two-ballistic-missiles-says-south-korean-military-545868">North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles today, says South Korea military</a>

Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un is currently facing a&nbsp;myriad of national problems, including global boycotts over its weaponry programme, the fallout from the anti-coronavirus lockdown, natural disasters, and economic challenges.&nbsp;

During the meeting, the committee discussed and agreed upon five crucial agendas. Their prime focus would be on necessary policy implementation, the budget for 2022, and the work plan and draft budget for 2023.&nbsp;

As per the reports, Kim Jong Un presented a thorough presentation on the nation's enhancement in multiple aspects. He mentioned politics, the military, the economy, and culture. "He stressed the need to lay out more exciting and confident struggle policies based on valuable facts that achieved practical advance while persevering all difficulties," said KCNA.

Watch|&nbsp;Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Shocking videos emerge from China

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The report stated that the principal objective of the 2023 agenda would be the growth of various industries like metal, chemical, electricity, construction, agriculture, and light.

Agencies reported before the North Korean state media released the leader's speech on New Year's Day. However, in recent years, Kim has made it a tradition to invite party gatherings to declare new policy statements at the year's end.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, commenced a meeting of the Worker's party on Monday to announce the policies for the upcoming year. The key meeting, used by Kim for declaring important policies often, might prolong for a couple of days.

Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, commenced a meeting of the Worker's party on Monday to announce the policies for the upcoming year. The key meeting, used by Kim for declaring important policies often, might prolong for a couple of days. The 8th central committee of the Worker's party constructed a sixth enlarged plenary meeting, Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported. The meeting between the party officials and the government before the end of 2022 marked North Korea launching sudden and unexpected missiles, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM). On Monday, five drones from North Korea crossed the South Korean territory, prodding Seoul to dispatch fighter aircraft and open fire. South Korea also sent drones for surveillance. However, there is no information on the number of drones shot during the shooting. Also read| North Korea fired two more ballistic missiles today, says South Korea military Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un is currently facing a myriad of national problems, including global boycotts over its weaponry programme, the fallout from the anti-coronavirus lockdown, natural disasters, and economic challenges. During the meeting, the committee discussed and agreed upon five crucial agendas. Their prime focus would be on necessary policy implementation, the budget for 2022, and the work plan and draft budget for 2023. As per the reports, Kim Jong Un presented a thorough presentation on the nation's enhancement in multiple aspects. He mentioned politics, the military, the economy, and culture. "He stressed the need to lay out more exciting and confident struggle policies based on valuable facts that achieved practical advance while persevering all difficulties," said KCNA. Watch| Gravitas: Wuhan Virus: Shocking videos emerge from China The report stated that the principal objective of the 2023 agenda would be the growth of various industries like metal, chemical, electricity, construction, agriculture, and light. Agencies reported before the North Korean state media released the leader's speech on New Year's Day. However, in recent years, Kim has made it a tradition to invite party gatherings to declare new policy statements at the year's end. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

North Korea's Kim Jong Un commences key meeting ahead of new year

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