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>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-has-north-korea-warned-of-turning-the-pacific-into-a-firing-range-563952/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-daughter-ju-ae-attend-sports-event-ju-ae-spotted-for-first-time-at-non-military-event-563441/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

“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;

&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-north-korea-bans-women-from-having-same-name-as-kims-daughter-562456/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

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)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korean-leaders-chairs-key-party-meet-kim-jong-un-calls-for-bigger-nuclear-arsenal-548410/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-fineprint-south-korean-president-yoon-suk-yeol-announces-new-drone-unit-547164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-virus-shocking-videos-emerge-from-china-546853/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

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

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

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

In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness". President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that his administration would advance the creation of a military unit specialising in drones.

Five North Korean drones crossed into South Korea on Monday, following which Seoul scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters. This was the first such intrusion since 2017, Reuters reported.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-deploys-jets-fires-warning-shots-following-incursion-by-north-korean-drones-546675">Seoul deploys jets, fires warning shots following incursion by North Korean drones</a>

On Monday, for about five hours, the North Korean drones flew over several South Korean cities including the capital Seoul. The South Korean defences fired warning shots but couldn't bring down any of Pyongyang's drones.

"The incident showed a substantial lack of our military’s preparedness and training for the past several years, and clearly confirmed the need for more intense readiness and training," Yoon is reported to have told a cabinet meeting.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-did-north-korea-become-the-worlds-most-isolated-country-375342">Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country?</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-did-north-korea-become-the-worlds-most-isolated-country-375342/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Yoon blamed the unpreparedness for his predecessor’s "dangerous" North Korea policy, which relied on Pyongyang’s "good intentions" and a 2018 inter-Korean military pact banning hostile activities in the border areas.

"We have been planning to establish a drone unit to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities, and will now expedite the plan as much as possible," he added, vowing to boost its surveillance and reconnaissance capability with cutting-edge stealthy drones.

The South Korean military said it chased one of the five drones over the greater Seoul area, but could not aggressively attack it because of concerns over civilian safety.

"We operated detecting, tracking, and shooting assets but there were areas where there might be civilian damage,” an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told a briefing on Tuesday, December 27. “So there were difficulties in actually carrying out operations."

The incident was the latest airspace intrusion by unmanned aerial vehicles from North Korea.

In 2017, a North Korean drone that South Korean media said was on a spy mission crashed and was found on a mountain near the border. In 2014, a North Korean drone was discovered on a South Korean border island.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in past has publicly shown interest in drones. He also pledged at a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party last year to develop new reconnaissance drones capable of flying up to 500 km (311 miles).

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness".

In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness". President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that his administration would advance the creation of a military unit specialising in drones. Five North Korean drones crossed into South Korea on Monday, following which Seoul scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters. This was the first such intrusion since 2017, Reuters reported. ALSO READ | Seoul deploys jets, fires warning shots following incursion by North Korean drones On Monday, for about five hours, the North Korean drones flew over several South Korean cities including the capital Seoul. The South Korean defences fired warning shots but couldn't bring down any of Pyongyang's drones. "The incident showed a substantial lack of our military’s preparedness and training for the past several years, and clearly confirmed the need for more intense readiness and training," Yoon is reported to have told a cabinet meeting. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country? × Yoon blamed the unpreparedness for his predecessor’s "dangerous" North Korea policy, which relied on Pyongyang’s "good intentions" and a 2018 inter-Korean military pact banning hostile activities in the border areas. "We have been planning to establish a drone unit to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities, and will now expedite the plan as much as possible," he added, vowing to boost its surveillance and reconnaissance capability with cutting-edge stealthy drones. The South Korean military said it chased one of the five drones over the greater Seoul area, but could not aggressively attack it because of concerns over civilian safety. "We operated detecting, tracking, and shooting assets but there were areas where there might be civilian damage,” an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told a briefing on Tuesday, December 27. “So there were difficulties in actually carrying out operations." The incident was the latest airspace intrusion by unmanned aerial vehicles from North Korea. In 2017, a North Korean drone that South Korean media said was on a spy mission crashed and was found on a mountain near the border. In 2014, a North Korean drone was discovered on a South Korean border island. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in past has publicly shown interest in drones. He also pledged at a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party last year to develop new reconnaissance drones capable of flying up to 500 km (311 miles). (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.

South Korean president lambasts his own country's military over failure to destroy North Korean drones

North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts.

Days after Tokyo unveiled its ambitious military buildup that as per Reuters stands to be its biggest since World War two, Pyongyang said that Japan's strategy effectively formalised a "new aggression policy" and stands to fundamentally change the regional security environment.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-south-korea-military-says-north-korea-fired-unidentified-ballistic-missile-544137">South Korea military says North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missile</a>

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-south-korea-military-says-north-korea-fired-unidentified-ballistic-missile-544137/embed" width="560"></iframe>

"Japan is bringing a serious security crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in the East Asia region by adopting a new security strategy that effectively acknowledges its pre-emptive strike capabilities against other countries," said a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson.&nbsp;

"Japan will soon learn with a shudder it has made a clearly wrong and very dangerous choice," warned the North as it denounced the Japanese military buildup as a "serious challenge" to international peace adding that it is in violation of the UN charter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tests-fires-first-spy-satellite-a-day-after-launching-ballistic-missiles-544351">North Korea completes 'important' test for a spy satellite, confirms state media</a>

"We make it clear once again that we have the right to take bold and decisive military measures to protect our fundamental rights ... in response to the complicated regional security environment."

In a separate statement Kim Yo Jong, sister of the &nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un addressed the reports of North developing a spy satellite and said that her country's attempts to develop the equipment were a "pressing priority" with a direct link to Pyongyang's security.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fired-unidentified-ballistic-missile-towards-japan-sea-south-korea-544132" target="_blank">North Korea fired two ballistic missile into the East sea: Japan and South Korea</a>

As per a KCNA report, she also said that neighbour South Korea would "cry out for some kind of international cooperation and try hard to impose additional sanctions on us," adding that with her nation's right to survival and development being threatened, "why are we afraid of sanctions ... and why would we stop?"

Pyongyang also slammed the United States for "exalting and instigating" pacifist Japan's "rearmament and re-invasion plan" saying that given this Washington has no right to question North Korea's efforts to bolster its defences.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts.

North Korea has denounced Japan's new security strategy and has vowed action to show just how "wrong" Japan's choice is. The nation also said that international sanctions will not stop its efforts to step up its own security efforts. Days after Tokyo unveiled its ambitious military buildup that as per Reuters stands to be its biggest since World War two, Pyongyang said that Japan's strategy effectively formalised a "new aggression policy" and stands to fundamentally change the regional security environment. Watch | South Korea military says North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missile "Japan is bringing a serious security crisis on the Korean Peninsula and in the East Asia region by adopting a new security strategy that effectively acknowledges its pre-emptive strike capabilities against other countries," said a North Korean foreign ministry spokesperson. "Japan will soon learn with a shudder it has made a clearly wrong and very dangerous choice," warned the North as it denounced the Japanese military buildup as a "serious challenge" to international peace adding that it is in violation of the UN charter. Also read | North Korea completes 'important' test for a spy satellite, confirms state media "We make it clear once again that we have the right to take bold and decisive military measures to protect our fundamental rights ... in response to the complicated regional security environment." In a separate statement Kim Yo Jong, sister of the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un addressed the reports of North developing a spy satellite and said that her country's attempts to develop the equipment were a "pressing priority" with a direct link to Pyongyang's security. Also read | North Korea fired two ballistic missile into the East sea: Japan and South Korea As per a KCNA report, she also said that neighbour South Korea would "cry out for some kind of international cooperation and try hard to impose additional sanctions on us," adding that with her nation's right to survival and development being threatened, "why are we afraid of sanctions ... and why would we stop?" Pyongyang also slammed the United States for "exalting and instigating" pacifist Japan's "rearmament and re-invasion plan" saying that given this Washington has no right to question North Korea's efforts to bolster its defences. (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 denounces Japan's military buildup, warns it will 'shudder' over wrong choice

A day after firing two ballistic missiles, North Korean state agency on Monday confirmed that an 'important, final phase' test for the development of a first-of-its-kind spy satellite that Kim Jong-un wants to be readied by April 2023 was completed.

A day after firing two ballistic missiles, North Korean state agency on Monday confirmed that an 'important, final phase' test for the development of a first-of-its-kind spy satellite that Kim Jong-un wants to be readied by April 2023 was completed. According to KCNA, National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA) conducted the satellite test at the Sohae satellite launching station in Cholsan, North Pyongan province. “We confirmed important technical indicators such as camera operating technology in the space environment, data processing and transmission ability of the communication devices, tracking and control accuracy of the ground control system,” said NADA, adding that the launch took from a 'lofted angle to an altitude of 500 kilometres. It termed the results “an important success which has gone through the final gateway process of the launch of reconnaissance satellite.” Two black-and-white, low-resolution images of Seoul and Incheon, the two big cities in South Korea were captured by the satellite. However, experts analysing the photos said they were of extremely low-quality given the military standards. WATCH | BREAKING: South Korea military says North Korea fired unidentified ballistic missile × On Sunday, the South Korean military claimed that Pyongyang had fired an "unidentified ballistic missile" towards the sea off the Korean Peninsula's east coast. "North Korea's ballistic missiles were launched at steep angles and landed in the East Sea," it added. Notably, the South Korean presidential office in a statement said that Seoul convened a National Security Council (NSC) meeting over the missile launch and "strongly condemned" Pyongyang for escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Reports stated that the missile was fueled by a high-thrust solid-fuel engine which will allow the North to facilitate quicker and more mobile launch of such ballistic missiles. Read more: North Korea fired two ballistic missile into the East sea: Japan and South Korea Throughout the year, North Korea has carried an unprecedented launch of ballistic missiles with heavy rhetoric from Kim Jong-un and his sister Kim Yo-jong. Despite repeated condemnation from US and its allies, North Korea has refused to tame its missile programme. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea completes 'important' test for a spy satellite, confirms state media

North Korea has tested a high-thrust solid-fuel engine that experts said would allow quicker and more mobile launch of ballistic missiles. The test, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, took place on Thursday at North Korea’s Sohae Satellite Launching Ground.

North Korea tests 'high-thrust solid-fuel motor'

North Korea has tested a "high-thrust solid-fuel motor", state media reported on Friday, as the isolated country seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speeds up its nuclear and missile programmes.

North Korea's official news agency KCNA said that the test proved the motor's reliability and stability.

North Korea has been working to build more solid-fuel missiles, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time.

After overseeing the test, Kim expressed "expectation that another new-type strategic weapon would be made in the shortest span of time," according to KCNA.

<img alt="Kim Jong Un" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7d946ba-5ad4-4e0d-a192-9de454144cf4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2022-12-15T225824Z_1_LYNXMPEIBE155_RTROPTP_4_NORTHKOREA-MISSILES.JPG" />

This year, North Korea has conducted unprecedented number of missile tests. These included an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland

In March, Kim visited the Sohae site and called for expansion of the facility which has been used to test various missile technologies, including static rocket engines and space launch vehicles.

The latest test comes as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials during which he vowed an all-out effort to stop North Korea's nuclear programme.

(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 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

North Korea has tested a "high-thrust solid-fuel motor", state media reported on Friday, as the isolated country seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speeds up its nuclear and missile programmes.

North Korea has tested a "high-thrust solid-fuel motor", state media reported on Friday, as the isolated country seeks to develop a new strategic weapon and speeds up its nuclear and missile programmes. North Korea's official news agency KCNA said that the test proved the motor's reliability and stability. North Korea has been working to build more solid-fuel missiles, which are more stable and can be launched with almost no warning or preparation time. After overseeing the test, Kim expressed "expectation that another new-type strategic weapon would be made in the shortest span of time," according to KCNA. This year, North Korea has conducted unprecedented number of missile tests. These included an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland In March, Kim visited the Sohae site and called for expansion of the facility which has been used to test various missile technologies, including static rocket engines and space launch vehicles. The latest test comes as International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi is in Seoul for talks with South Korean officials during which he vowed an all-out effort to stop North Korea's nuclear programme. (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 ×

North Korea: Kim Jong Un oversees 'high-thrust solid-fuel motor' test at satellite launch site

Two dogs - gifted by North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un to South Korea four years back - have now ended up in a zoo in Gwangju after a dispute over who should finance the caring of the canines, a report by the Associated Press said Monday.&nbsp;

Last Friday, Gomi and Songgang - the two white Pungsan hunting dogs, were moved to the zoo run by a local government&nbsp;after a temporary stay at a veterinary hospital in Daeju, according to zoo officials.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-lac-intrusion-attempt-set-to-rock-indian-parliament-542512">After India's intervention shunned PLA, Beijing calls situation 'stable'</a>

The canines were gifted by Kim Jong Un to then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018 following their summit talks in North Korea's capital city of Pyongyang. During his tenure as President, Moon Jae-in raised Gomi and Songgang at the presidential residence.&nbsp;

However, he gave up the canines in November citing a lack of financial support from his successor President Yoon Suk Yeol. Moon's office accused the current South Korean government of refusing to cover the cost of the dogs' food and veterinary care.&nbsp;

Denying the accusation, President Yoon's office said it never prevented Moon Jae-in from keeping the dogs, and discussions regarding providing financial support were still ongoing, the Associated Press further reported.&nbsp;

On Monday, Gwangju's mayor Kang Gijung said the two canines were a symbol of peace "and South-North Korean reconciliation and cooperation."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-oldest-known-pair-of-jeans-in-the-world-fetches-114000-in-auction-542705">Oldest known pair of jeans in the world fetches $114,000 in auction</a>

"We will raise them well like we cultivate a seed for peace,” Gjung added, according to his office.&nbsp;

Gomi and Songgang have six offsprings, all of them born after they came to South Korea. Byeol, one of the offspring, has been raised at the Gwangju zoo since 2019 and the remaining five are in other zoos and a public facility in South Korea.

Officials from the Gwangju zoo have said that they will try to raise Byeol and her parents together, though they are currently kept separately as they don't recognise each other.&nbsp;

(With inputs from the Associated Press)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

Two dogs - gifted by North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un to South Korea four years back - have now ended up in a zoo in Gwangju after a dispute over who should finance the caring of the canines, a report by the Associated Press said Monday.

Two dogs - gifted by North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong Un to South Korea four years back - have now ended up in a zoo in Gwangju after a dispute over who should finance the caring of the canines, a report by the Associated Press said Monday. Last Friday, Gomi and Songgang - the two white Pungsan hunting dogs, were moved to the zoo run by a local government after a temporary stay at a veterinary hospital in Daeju, according to zoo officials. Also read | After India's intervention shunned PLA, Beijing calls situation 'stable' The canines were gifted by Kim Jong Un to then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018 following their summit talks in North Korea's capital city of Pyongyang. During his tenure as President, Moon Jae-in raised Gomi and Songgang at the presidential residence. However, he gave up the canines in November citing a lack of financial support from his successor President Yoon Suk Yeol. Moon's office accused the current South Korean government of refusing to cover the cost of the dogs' food and veterinary care. Denying the accusation, President Yoon's office said it never prevented Moon Jae-in from keeping the dogs, and discussions regarding providing financial support were still ongoing, the Associated Press further reported. On Monday, Gwangju's mayor Kang Gijung said the two canines were a symbol of peace "and South-North Korean reconciliation and cooperation." Also read | Oldest known pair of jeans in the world fetches $114,000 in auction "We will raise them well like we cultivate a seed for peace,” Gjung added, according to his office. Gomi and Songgang have six offsprings, all of them born after they came to South Korea. Byeol, one of the offspring, has been raised at the Gwangju zoo since 2019 and the remaining five are in other zoos and a public facility in South Korea. Officials from the Gwangju zoo have said that they will try to raise Byeol and her parents together, though they are currently kept separately as they don't recognise each other. (With inputs from the Associated Press)

Two dogs gifted by Kim Jong Un to South Korea end up in zoo. Here's why

North Korean state media reported on Sunday that as per leader Kim Jong Un, the country's ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear force.&nbsp;Kim's remarks came as he promoted dozens of military officers, who were involved in the recent launch of North Korea's largest ballistic missile.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-willing-to-work-with-kim-jong-un-for-regional-and-global-peace-kcna-537582">Also read |&nbsp;Xi Jinping willing to work with Kim Jong Un for regional and global peace: KCNA</a>

The announcement was made days after Kim had inspected a test of the country's new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Kim also called Hwasong-17 "world's strongest strategic weapon".

As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Kim said in the order promoting the officers that building the nuclear force is for reliably protecting the dignity and sovereignty of the state and also the people.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Kim Jong-un's nuclear ambitions: Plans to posses 'World's most powerful Nuclear force'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-uns-nuclear-ambitions-plans-to-posses-worlds-most-powerful-nuclear-force-537814/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He further said that "its (North Korea's) ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful strategic force, the absolute force unprecedented in the century."&nbsp;

Without providing detailed information, Kim said that North Korean scientists have made a "wonderful leap forward in the development of the technology of mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles."&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-warns-us-and-its-south-korean-stooges-additional-sanctions-would-invite-hostility-536933">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea warns 'US and its South Korean stooges' additional sanctions would invite hostility</a>

KCNA reported in another statement that North Korea's powerful Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly awarded the Hwasong-17 missile the title of "DPRK Hero and Gold Star Medal and Order of National Flag 1st Class".&nbsp;

"(The missile) clearly proved before the world that the DPRK is a full-fledged nuclear power capable of standing against the nuclear supremacy of the US imperialists and fully demonstrated its might as the most powerful ICBM state," KCNA said.&nbsp;

At the location,&nbsp;a photo session was conducted with the North Korean leader&nbsp;and other officials including scientists and technicians who contributed to the Hwasongpho-17 test fire on Nov 18.&nbsp;

Kim appeared with his beloved daughter, making the second appearance at the photo venue, KCNA reported.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korean state media reported on Sunday that as per leader Kim Jong Un, the country's ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear force. Kim's remarks came as he promoted dozens of military officers, who were involved in the recent launch of North Korea's largest ballistic missile.

North Korean state media reported on Sunday that as per leader Kim Jong Un, the country's ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful nuclear force. Kim's remarks came as he promoted dozens of military officers, who were involved in the recent launch of North Korea's largest ballistic missile. Also read | Xi Jinping willing to work with Kim Jong Un for regional and global peace: KCNA The announcement was made days after Kim had inspected a test of the country's new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). Kim also called Hwasong-17 "world's strongest strategic weapon". As quoted by the news agency Reuters, Kim said in the order promoting the officers that building the nuclear force is for reliably protecting the dignity and sovereignty of the state and also the people. Watch | Kim Jong-un's nuclear ambitions: Plans to posses 'World's most powerful Nuclear force' He further said that "its (North Korea's) ultimate goal is to possess the world's most powerful strategic force, the absolute force unprecedented in the century." Without providing detailed information, Kim said that North Korean scientists have made a "wonderful leap forward in the development of the technology of mounting nuclear warheads on ballistic missiles." Also read | North Korea warns 'US and its South Korean stooges' additional sanctions would invite hostility KCNA reported in another statement that North Korea's powerful Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly awarded the Hwasong-17 missile the title of "DPRK Hero and Gold Star Medal and Order of National Flag 1st Class". "(The missile) clearly proved before the world that the DPRK is a full-fledged nuclear power capable of standing against the nuclear supremacy of the US imperialists and fully demonstrated its might as the most powerful ICBM state," KCNA said. At the location, a photo session was conducted with the North Korean leader and other officials including scientists and technicians who contributed to the Hwasongpho-17 test fire on Nov 18. Kim appeared with his beloved daughter, making the second appearance at the photo venue, KCNA reported. (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.

Kim says North Korea will have world's strongest nuclear force, makes second appearance with daughter

Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter to his North Korean counterpart has expressed willingness for both countries to work together for regional and global peace, according to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Chinese President Xi Jinping in a letter to his North Korean counterpart has expressed willingness for both countries to work together for regional and global peace, according to Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The message from Xi comes in the backdrop of Pyongyang launching missiles left, right and centre. Last week, North launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with Japan describing it as one of the most powerful tests yet. Moreover, a day after the launch, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will respond to continued threats by using nuclear weapons. “Kim Jong-un solemnly declared that if the enemies continue to pose threats...our party and government will resolutely react to nukes with nuclear weapons and to total confrontation with all-out confrontation,” reported KCNA. WATCH | Xi Jinping writes to Kim Jong-un, stresses on increasing cooperation between China & North Korea × However, what makes Xi's statement more interesting is the fact that it comes after the G20 summit where US President Joe Biden told his Chinese counterpart to rein in North Korea. Biden reportedly told Xi that the US would do what it needs to do to defend itself and its allies South Korea and Japan, hinting at North Korean aggression in the wake of indiscriminate missile launches. "We would have to take certain actions that would be more defensive on our behalf... to send a clear message to North Korea. We are going to defend our allies, as well as American soil and American capacity," said Biden. Ever since Xi cemented his position as the party general secretary for the next five years at the end of the 20th CPC Congress, the ties between the two leaders have somewhat blossomed. Read more: Xi writes to Kim Jong Un, calls for communication, unity and co-operation It was Kim who first congratulated Xi for his extended tenure while the latter wrote back a letter expressing willingness to strengthen the relationship between China and North Korea, (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Xi Jinping willing to work with Kim Jong Un for regional and global peace: KCNA

North Korea has warned that any additional sanctions will add to its "hostility and anger". This comes as South Korea recently announced that it was considering "independent sanctions" on Pyongyang.

As per a report by the North's official media, KCNA, Kim Yo Jung, the sister of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, made this warning and referred to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and "other idiots" as "faithful dogs" of the United States.

Watch | North Korea's missiles: What's Kim planning? | WION Shorts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-missiles-whats-kim-planning-wion-shorts-522706/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"If they think that they can escape from the present dangerous situation through 'sanctions,' they must be really idiots as they do not know how to live in peace and comfort," said Kim Yo Jong.

"We warn the impudent and stupid once again that the desperate sanctions and pressure of the US and its South Korean stooges against the DPRK will add fuel to the latter's hostility and anger," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/messed-up-bring-your-kid-to-work-day-is-kim-jong-uns-recently-revealed-daughter-nkoreas-next-leader-535902">'Messed up bring-your-kid-to-work day': Is Kim Jong Un's recently revealed daughter N.Korea's next leader?</a>

This comes as, amid a greatly heightened number of missile launches by the North, the South Korean foreign ministry on Tuesday said that it was reviewing independent sanctions on Pyongyang. As per a Reuters&nbsp;report, a sanction on the nation's cyber sector is among those being considered.

2022 saw an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests at the hands of North Korea.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-wants-significant-un-measures-over-north-korea-missile-launches-535896">G7 wants 'significant' UN measures over North Korea missile launches</a>

The high number of tests has alarmed the United States which has for months warned that for the first time since 2017 the country could conduct a nuclear bomb test.

Washington has also urged United Nations Security Council to hold Kim Jong Un's nation accountable for its tests. after Russia and China vetoed a May push by the US for UN penalties against the North, Washington has also accused the two nations of "emboldening" Pyongyang.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

North Korea has warned that any additional sanctions will add to its "hostility and anger". This comes as South Korea recently announced that it was considering "independent sanctions" on Pyongyang.

North Korea has warned that any additional sanctions will add to its "hostility and anger". This comes as South Korea recently announced that it was considering "independent sanctions" on Pyongyang. As per a report by the North's official media, KCNA, Kim Yo Jung, the sister of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, made this warning and referred to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and "other idiots" as "faithful dogs" of the United States. Watch | North Korea's missiles: What's Kim planning? | WION Shorts "If they think that they can escape from the present dangerous situation through 'sanctions,' they must be really idiots as they do not know how to live in peace and comfort," said Kim Yo Jong. "We warn the impudent and stupid once again that the desperate sanctions and pressure of the US and its South Korean stooges against the DPRK will add fuel to the latter's hostility and anger," she added. Also read | 'Messed up bring-your-kid-to-work day': Is Kim Jong Un's recently revealed daughter N.Korea's next leader? This comes as, amid a greatly heightened number of missile launches by the North, the South Korean foreign ministry on Tuesday said that it was reviewing independent sanctions on Pyongyang. As per a Reuters report, a sanction on the nation's cyber sector is among those being considered. 2022 saw an unprecedented number of ballistic missile tests at the hands of North Korea. Also read | G7 wants 'significant' UN measures over North Korea missile launches The high number of tests has alarmed the United States which has for months warned that for the first time since 2017 the country could conduct a nuclear bomb test. Washington has also urged United Nations Security Council to hold Kim Jong Un's nation accountable for its tests. after Russia and China vetoed a May push by the US for UN penalties against the North, Washington has also accused the two nations of "emboldening" Pyongyang. (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 warns 'US and its South Korean stooges' additional sanctions would invite hostility

Recently, Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, recently appeared with his daughter during the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts claim is a strong indicator of his "dynastic vision" for North Korea.

On Saturday, for the first time ever, KCNA reported that the leader, "together with his beloved daughter and wife", oversaw the launch.&nbsp;Before this, the state media had never even mentioned Kim's children and the regime hasn't confirmed their existence.

Watch |&nbsp;North Korea fires ballistic missile again, APEC leaders condemn test

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-again-apec-leaders-condemn-test-535623/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cheong Seong-chang of the Center for North Korea Studies at the Sejong Institute in South Korea told AFP that the daughter seen in the photos is most likely Ju Ae, Kim's second kid and the equivalent of a North Korean "princess."

He added that now that her name has been made public, she probably will be allowed to take an active role in government matters and that her presence with Kim would even suggest that she is his chosen successor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-reveals-daughter-at-missile-test-535671">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reveals daughter at missile test</a>

Analyst Soo Kim says that at a time when the North is launching a much higher number of missiles than ever, this could serve as "a symbolic picture of Kim passing the sceptre of rule to the next generation."&nbsp;

This she believes sends "a message to the international community to accept and brace for North Korea's fourth iteration of terror and belligerence".

According to North Korean studies expert Ahn Chan-il, the images could potentially be a part of Pyongyang's meticulously staged effort to portray Kim as a "normal" leader.&nbsp;Ankit Panda, a security expert based in the US, tweeted that it is the "most messed up bring-your-kid-to-work day."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-wants-significant-un-measures-over-north-korea-missile-launches-535896">G7 wants 'significant' UN measures over North Korea missile launches</a>

Seoul's spy agency reports indicate that&nbsp;Kim and&nbsp;his wife Ri Sol Ju have&nbsp;three children. The couple who got married in 2009 reportedly had children&nbsp;in 2010, 2013, and 2017.&nbsp;

The only previous evidence of the children's existence as per AFP came from former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who took a "quixotic" trip to the North in 2013 and claimed he had met a baby daughter of Kim named Ju Ae.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Recently, Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, recently appeared with his daughter during the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts claim is a strong indicator of his "dynastic vision" for North Korea.

Recently, Kim Jong Un, the supreme leader of North Korea, recently appeared with his daughter during the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which analysts claim is a strong indicator of his "dynastic vision" for North Korea. On Saturday, for the first time ever, KCNA reported that the leader, "together with his beloved daughter and wife", oversaw the launch. Before this, the state media had never even mentioned Kim's children and the regime hasn't confirmed their existence. Watch | North Korea fires ballistic missile again, APEC leaders condemn test Cheong Seong-chang of the Center for North Korea Studies at the Sejong Institute in South Korea told AFP that the daughter seen in the photos is most likely Ju Ae, Kim's second kid and the equivalent of a North Korean "princess." He added that now that her name has been made public, she probably will be allowed to take an active role in government matters and that her presence with Kim would even suggest that she is his chosen successor. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reveals daughter at missile test Analyst Soo Kim says that at a time when the North is launching a much higher number of missiles than ever, this could serve as "a symbolic picture of Kim passing the sceptre of rule to the next generation." This she believes sends "a message to the international community to accept and brace for North Korea's fourth iteration of terror and belligerence". According to North Korean studies expert Ahn Chan-il, the images could potentially be a part of Pyongyang's meticulously staged effort to portray Kim as a "normal" leader. Ankit Panda, a security expert based in the US, tweeted that it is the "most messed up bring-your-kid-to-work day." Also read | G7 wants 'significant' UN measures over North Korea missile launches Seoul's spy agency reports indicate that Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju have three children. The couple who got married in 2009 reportedly had children in 2010, 2013, and 2017. The only previous evidence of the children's existence as per AFP came from former NBA star Dennis Rodman, who took a "quixotic" trip to the North in 2013 and claimed he had met a baby daughter of Kim named Ju Ae. (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.

'Messed up bring-your-kid-to-work day': Is Kim Jong Un's recently revealed daughter N.Korea's next leader?

Before the launch of the nuclear-armed nation's greatest ballistic missile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un first made his daughter public on Saturday.&nbsp;

State news agency KCNA stated on Saturday that North Korea tested a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday.&nbsp;

The presence of Kim's daughter, whose existence had never before been made public, was an unanticipated addition to the occasion.

According to observers, her sudden appearance boosts the possibility that the fourth generation of Kims may inherit nuclear weapons as well as the leadership of the totalitarian regime.&nbsp;

The girl, who can be seen in photos holding hands with her father and wearing a white puffy coat as they observe the enormous rocket, is unidentified by KCNA.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-support-until-ukraine-has-won-says-uk-pm-rishi-sunak-in-kyiv-535629">Britain will continue support 'until Ukraine has won,' says UK PM Rishi Sunak during visit to Kyiv</a>

Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the U.S.-based Stimson Center said, "This is the first observed occasion where we have seen Kim Jong Un's daughter at a public event. It is highly significant and represents a certain degree of comfort on Kim Jong Un's part that he would bring her out in public in such fashion."

Kim's taking his daughter to an ICBM test and publishing photos of the two of them watching the launch, according to Jenny Town of 38 North, a North Korea research organisation based in Washington, suggests he is not about to yield to pressure to slow down his weapons programmes or resume negotiations.&nbsp;

(with inputs from agencies)

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe>

Before the launch of the nuclear-armed nation's greatest ballistic missile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un first made his daughter public on Saturday. State news agency KCNA stated on Saturday that North Korea tested a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday.

Before the launch of the nuclear-armed nation's greatest ballistic missile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un first made his daughter public on Saturday. State news agency KCNA stated on Saturday that North Korea tested a Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Friday. The presence of Kim's daughter, whose existence had never before been made public, was an unanticipated addition to the occasion. According to observers, her sudden appearance boosts the possibility that the fourth generation of Kims may inherit nuclear weapons as well as the leadership of the totalitarian regime. The girl, who can be seen in photos holding hands with her father and wearing a white puffy coat as they observe the enormous rocket, is unidentified by KCNA. Also Read: Britain will continue support 'until Ukraine has won,' says UK PM Rishi Sunak during visit to Kyiv Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the U.S.-based Stimson Center said, "This is the first observed occasion where we have seen Kim Jong Un's daughter at a public event. It is highly significant and represents a certain degree of comfort on Kim Jong Un's part that he would bring her out in public in such fashion." Kim's taking his daughter to an ICBM test and publishing photos of the two of them watching the launch, according to Jenny Town of 38 North, a North Korea research organisation based in Washington, suggests he is not about to yield to pressure to slow down his weapons programmes or resume negotiations. (with inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reveals daughter at missile test

A day after launching an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will respond to continued threats by using nuclear weapons.

A day after launching an intercontinental ballistic missile that landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said his country will respond to continued threats by using nuclear weapons. On the same day, images of Kim with his young daughter in public for the first time were released, confirming the long-drawn rumours of her existence. “Kim Jong-un solemnly declared that if the enemies continue to pose threats...our party and government will resolutely react to nukes with nuclear weapons and to total confrontation with all-out confrontation,” reported state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) before adding that Kim attended the missile launch on Thursday alongside his daughter and wife. The North Korean leader was responding to USA and Japan after the two allies held joint military drills over the Sea of Japan on Friday. According to KCNA, Kim slammed the drills by calling them "aggression war drills". WATCH | North Korea missile launch: US, Allies hold emergency meet × Japanese defence ministry makes the announcement A day earlier, the Japanese defence ministry announced that Tokyo and Washington were holding a military drill in the region. "Japan Self-Defence Forces and US armed forces conducted a bilateral exercise... amid an increasingly severe security environment surrounding Japan," read the official statement. Read more: Japan, United States hold military drills right after North Korea's ICBM launch The statement added that the drill was a reaction to "North Korea's ICBM-class ballistic missile launch that landed within the Japanese Exclusive Economic Zone in the Sea of Japan." The ministry added that ICBM launched was one of the longest-range weapons in North Korea's arsenal and according to reports, it is capable of carrying nuclear warheads as far as the coastal regions of the US. Read more: North Korea fires ‘unidentified ballistic missile’, says South Korea North Korea has taken a rather aggressive stance in the last few months by launching a flurry of missiles in the region. In September, Kim declared North Korea an "irreversible" nuclear state, putting the major powers across the globe on their toes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un threatens nuclear attack, makes rare appearance with daughter

South Koreans woke up to loud air raid sirens, it claims that it's Northern neighbor has fired at least 10 missiles, this comes after three ballistic missiles were also fired into the country's waters.

Seoul: North Korea fires more than 10 missiles, Kim Jong-Un sticks by his 'retaliation' vow

North Korea's missile launching spree continued on Wednesday as it test-fired two long-range strategic cruise missiles, the state media informed. Reportedly, leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the exercise and hailed his country's yet another successful display of nuclear strike capability.

North Korea's missile launching spree continued on Wednesday as it test-fired two long-range strategic cruise missiles, the state media informed. Reportedly, leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the exercise and hailed his country's yet another successful display of nuclear strike capability. He added that the country should continue to expand its nuclear arsenal capabilities to deter enemies. "We should continue to expand the operational sphere of the nuclear strategic armed forces to resolutely deter any crucial military crisis and war crisis at any time and completely take the initiative in it," state media Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted him as saying. KCNA stated that the pair of missiles travelled almost 2,000 kilometres over the sea and managed to successfully hit the targets, which it didn't elaborate upon. As reported by WION, earlier this week, North Korea confirmed that its recent missile tests included 'tactical nuclear' drills. WATCH | 'Tactical nuclear' drills, says North Korea on recent missile launches × "The effectiveness and practical combat capability of our nuclear combat force were fully demonstrated as it stands completely ready to hit and destroy targets at any time from any location," reported KCNA. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying, "Even though the enemy continues to talk about dialogue and negotiations, we do not have anything to talk about nor do we feel the need to do so." Read more: North Korea's recent missile tests include 'tactical nuclear' drills, overseen by Kim North Korea has taken an aggressive stance in the last couple of months by launching a flurry of missiles. After South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol offered economic assistance to its troubled neighbour with the caveat that it abandon the nuclear weapons programme, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong Un termed the offer 'foolish'. “I’m not sure that he knows his assumption ‘if the North took a measure for denuclearization’ was a wrong prerequisite. All cannot be bartered. Bitter contempt is what we will only show those spinning a pipedream to succeed in making us abandon our nukes if they pay more stakes," she said. Read more: North Korea fires two more ballistic missiles, seventh launch in two weeks (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

North Korea claims it test-fired a pair of long-range cruise missiles, overseen by Kim Jong Un

North Korea has test-fired a pair of long-range strategic cruise missiles, with leader Kim Jong Un lauding another successful display of the country’s tactical nuclear strike capability.

North Korea says 'test launch a clear warning to enemies'

North Korea test-fires long-range strategic cruise missiles

The seven recent North Korean missile launches were all "tactical nuclear" drills, state media said Monday, which were personally overseen by leader Kim Jong Un.

North Korea says recent missile tests were 'tactical nuclear' drills

'Tactical nuclear' drills, says North Korea on recent missile launches

A teen girl who appeared on state TV during a recent event in North Korea has caught everyone’s attention, leading many to believe that she may be the country's leader Kim Jong-un’s reclusive and only daughter rumoured to be named Ju-ae.

UK’s Daily Mail newspaper reported that she was seen among a group of other children attending the anniversary of the founding of North Korea earlier this month.

She was performing a song at the event, which saw the attendance of Kim and his wife Ri Sol-ju.

During her performance, something stood out, experts noted.

A self-proclaimed North Korean analyst of InDPRK.com blog, which identifies itself as a North Korean travel agency, pointed to the actions of Ri Sol-ju concerning this girl.

She was seen patting the kid's back and talking to her personally, while Ju-ae "appeared calmer". At that time, the other children were seen huddling around the North Korean dictator and jumping excitedly.

Notably, it is said that the girl also stood out because of her attire, as she was the only one with her hair down and donning white socks.

Moreover, the camera seemed to focus more on her, lingering for several seconds when the song began and returning to her frequently.

According to local reports, Ju-ae is believed to have been born in 2013.

Little is known about Kim Jong-un's children. The fact that he has a daughter was first revealed by Kim's friend and basketball star Dennis Rodman after his visit to the hermit country in 2013.

That would make the girl around nine or 10 years old —which matches up with the child in the new video, Pyongyang experts noted.

In 2017, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said that Kim has three children with Ri. The first one is a son born in 2010, and the youngest is a child born in early 2017, whose gender is yet to be confirmed. Ju-ae is said to be the middle child.

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

A teen girl who appeared on state TV during a recent event in North Korea has caught everyone’s attention, leading many to believe that she may be the country's leader Kim Jong-un’s reclusive and only daughter rumoured to be named Ju-ae.

A teen girl who appeared on state TV during a recent event in North Korea has caught everyone’s attention, leading many to believe that she may be the country's leader Kim Jong-un’s reclusive and only daughter rumoured to be named Ju-ae. UK’s Daily Mail newspaper reported that she was seen among a group of other children attending the anniversary of the founding of North Korea earlier this month. She was performing a song at the event, which saw the attendance of Kim and his wife Ri Sol-ju. During her performance, something stood out, experts noted. A self-proclaimed North Korean analyst of InDPRK.com blog, which identifies itself as a North Korean travel agency, pointed to the actions of Ri Sol-ju concerning this girl. She was seen patting the kid's back and talking to her personally, while Ju-ae "appeared calmer". At that time, the other children were seen huddling around the North Korean dictator and jumping excitedly. Notably, it is said that the girl also stood out because of her attire, as she was the only one with her hair down and donning white socks. Moreover, the camera seemed to focus more on her, lingering for several seconds when the song began and returning to her frequently. According to local reports, Ju-ae is believed to have been born in 2013. Little is known about Kim Jong-un's children. The fact that he has a daughter was first revealed by Kim's friend and basketball star Dennis Rodman after his visit to the hermit country in 2013. That would make the girl around nine or 10 years old —which matches up with the child in the new video, Pyongyang experts noted. In 2017, South Korea's National Intelligence Service said that Kim has three children with Ri. The first one is a son born in 2010, and the youngest is a child born in early 2017, whose gender is yet to be confirmed. Ju-ae is said to be the middle child. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Is this Kim Jong-un’s reclusive daughter? Experts reveal key clues

kim-jong-un

Kim Jong Un, News on Kim Jong Un, stories on Kim Jong Un, articles on Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Un stories at Wion, Kim Jong Un news, Kim Jong Un latest news

kim jong-un