North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the military to carry out relief work in flood-hit areas, as the country sinks into food and economic crisis.

Local state media reported that more than 1,000 homes had been damaged and nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated till now due to the floods.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-bandage-sparks-speculations-402669" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-bandage-sparks-speculations-402669&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUv5Wd7aHyAhVP8XMBHeyMCLYQFjADegQICRAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3CQaovfc1UTuWIqCOrScM7" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-bandage-sparks-speculations-402669" target="_blank">North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's&nbsp;bandage sparks speculations</a>

Experts of North Korea believe an early monsoon season arrived in the country last month which resulted in heightened torrential rains.

Agricultural land was damaged in the country, which has raised fears of the country facing a “tense” food situation, Kim Jong Un had warned last month.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sudden-weight-loss-sparks-rumours-about-his-health-390362" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sudden-weight-loss-sparks-rumours-about-his-health-390362&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUv5Wd7aHyAhVP8XMBHeyMCLYQFjACegQIBxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0uadGBhwSO2HJuzOhmrrok" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sudden-weight-loss-sparks-rumours-about-his-health-390362" target="_blank">Kim Jong Un's&nbsp;sudden weight loss sparks rumours about his health</a>

Considering the impending crisis, the Worker’s Party of Korea’s Central Military Commission held a meeting to assess the situation. While Kim Jong Un, reportedly, did not attend the meeting, his aides conveyed his message that the leader wanted the military to start a relief campaign as soon as possible.

Kim, reportedly, called for “awakening and arousing” the party officials and other authorities to immediately start the relief campaign “skilfully”.

The military will also help rebuild and restore the disaster-hit areas, minimise crop disasters and help people avoid the spread of coronavirus.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the military to carry out relief work in flood-hit areas, as the country sinks into food and economic crisis. Local state media reported that more than 1,000 homes had been damaged and nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated till now due to the floods.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered the military to carry out relief work in flood-hit areas, as the country sinks into food and economic crisis. Local state media reported that more than 1,000 homes had been damaged and nearly 5,000 people have been evacuated till now due to the floods. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's bandage sparks speculations Experts of North Korea believe an early monsoon season arrived in the country last month which resulted in heightened torrential rains. Agricultural land was damaged in the country, which has raised fears of the country facing a “tense” food situation, Kim Jong Un had warned last month. Also read | Kim Jong Un's sudden weight loss sparks rumours about his health Considering the impending crisis, the Worker’s Party of Korea’s Central Military Commission held a meeting to assess the situation. While Kim Jong Un, reportedly, did not attend the meeting, his aides conveyed his message that the leader wanted the military to start a relief campaign as soon as possible. Kim, reportedly, called for “awakening and arousing” the party officials and other authorities to immediately start the relief campaign “skilfully”. The military will also help rebuild and restore the disaster-hit areas, minimise crop disasters and help people avoid the spread of coronavirus.

Kim Jong Un orders military to start relief work in flood-hit areas of North Korea

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head.&nbsp;

As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27.&nbsp;

Also, he was seen in footage of a war veterans conference and related programmes from July 27 to July 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-facing-its-worst-ever-situation-admits-kim-jong-un-375885">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un</a>

At the above events, he was spotted with a bandage which is about the size of a few postage stamps and in some a dark greenish spot. The news site said, "The cause or nature of the large, dark green spot or bruise on the rear right side of his head, which was covered with a bandage in some footage, is still unknown and is difficult to diagnose using only images".

The Yonhap News Agency recently reported that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes there have been no unusual signs regarding Kim Jong Un’s health.&nbsp;

The agency cited lawmakers briefed by the spy agency, which added the patch was removed after a few days and there was no scar.

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head. As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27.

During various public events last month, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was spotted with a bandage at the back of his head. As per an NK News site, Kim Jong Un appeared at events of the Korean People’s Army from July 24 to July 27. Also, he was seen in footage of a war veterans conference and related programmes from July 27 to July 29. Also read | North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un At the above events, he was spotted with a bandage which is about the size of a few postage stamps and in some a dark greenish spot. The news site said, "The cause or nature of the large, dark green spot or bruise on the rear right side of his head, which was covered with a bandage in some footage, is still unknown and is difficult to diagnose using only images". The Yonhap News Agency recently reported that South Korea’s National Intelligence Service believes there have been no unusual signs regarding Kim Jong Un’s health. The agency cited lawmakers briefed by the spy agency, which added the patch was removed after a few days and there was no scar.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's bandage sparks speculations

North Korea is ready to resume denuclearisation talks, but in exchange, it wants the U.S. to lift sanctions on luxury goods like fine alcohol and suits. Did someone say priorities?

Gravitas: Report: North Korea ready to resume denuclearisation talks

South Korea's spy agency said Thursday that&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un has lost 44 pounds amid the food crisis in North Korea.

Earlier, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization had released a report stating that&nbsp;North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to&nbsp;860,000 tonnes&nbsp;this year.&nbsp;

The National Intelligence Service has told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that the North Korean leader does not have&nbsp;any health problem despite his recent weight loss.&nbsp;

The spy agency said it has seen no intelligence that hospitals in charge of Kim's health have imported medicines, and that he has recently presided over meetings for several hours and walked normally.

Recent photos from North Korea showed Kim looking much thinner, sparking speculation that he might have health issues.

The NIS said it believes Kim went on a diet to improve his health and lost 10-20 kilograms (22-44 pounds) between February and June.

When&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;reappeared in state media in June after not being seen in public for almost a month, analysts at NK News, a Seoul-based website that monitors North Korea, noted that his watch appeared to be fastened more tightly than before around an apparently slimmer wrist.

Given&nbsp;Kim's tight grip on power in North Korea,&nbsp;and the uncertainty over any plans for a successor,&nbsp;international media, spy agencies, and specialists closely watch his health.

Early last year speculation about&nbsp;Kim’s health exploded after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Il Sung on April 15, only to reappear in public in early May.

In 2014, state media reported that&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's spy agency said Thursday that Kim Jong Un has lost 44 pounds amid the food crisis in North Korea. Earlier, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization had released a report stating that North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to 860,000 tonnes this year.

South Korea's spy agency said Thursday that Kim Jong Un has lost 44 pounds amid the food crisis in North Korea. Earlier, the UN's Food and Agricultural Organization had released a report stating that North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to 860,000 tonnes this year. The National Intelligence Service has told lawmakers in a closed-door briefing that the North Korean leader does not have any health problem despite his recent weight loss. The spy agency said it has seen no intelligence that hospitals in charge of Kim's health have imported medicines, and that he has recently presided over meetings for several hours and walked normally. Recent photos from North Korea showed Kim looking much thinner, sparking speculation that he might have health issues. The NIS said it believes Kim went on a diet to improve his health and lost 10-20 kilograms (22-44 pounds) between February and June. When Kim reappeared in state media in June after not being seen in public for almost a month, analysts at NK News, a Seoul-based website that monitors North Korea, noted that his watch appeared to be fastened more tightly than before around an apparently slimmer wrist. Given Kim's tight grip on power in North Korea, and the uncertainty over any plans for a successor, international media, spy agencies, and specialists closely watch his health. Early last year speculation about Kim’s health exploded after he missed the birth anniversary celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung on April 15, only to reappear in public in early May. In 2014, state media reported that Kim was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lost 44 pounds amid food shortage

Is North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un sending an SOS signal to the world? The Wuhan Virus situation in North Korea may be getting out of control.

Gravitas: Is North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un sending an SOS signal to the world?

North Koreans are worried about their supreme leader Kim Jong-un's weight loss after citizens got a glimpse of him on 4 June after a month-long absence from public view.

North Koreans worry over 'emaciated' leader Kim Jong-un's weight loss

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-must-prepare-for-dialogue-and-confrontation-with-the-us-kim-jong-un-392280">"dialogue and confrontation"</a>, the White House believes it is an "interesting signal".

"His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kim-jong-uns-weight-loss-sparks-speculations-392493">WATCH |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-kim-jong-uns-weight-loss-sparks-speculations-392493/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Kim Jong Un’s communication comes as the US President Joe Biden said that his government is ready to carry out principled negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to discuss the challenges regarding North Korea’s nuclear "program towards the ultimate objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Sullivan said.

This is the first time Kin Jong Un has asked his government to prepare for "both dialogue and confrontation" with the US since Joe Biden took over the White House.

However, the White House is still waiting for direct communication from North Korea to officially and formally begin discussions about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for "dialogue and confrontation", the White House believes it is an "interesting signal". "His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house.

After the North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, said he was ready for "dialogue and confrontation", the White House believes it is an "interesting signal". "His comments this week we regard as an interesting signal and we will wait to see whether they are followed up with any kind of more direct communication to us about a potential path forward," US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told a local media house. WATCH | Kim Jong Un’s communication comes as the US President Joe Biden said that his government is ready to carry out principled negotiations with North Korea’s Kim Jong Un to discuss the challenges regarding North Korea’s nuclear "program towards the ultimate objective of the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," Sullivan said. This is the first time Kin Jong Un has asked his government to prepare for "both dialogue and confrontation" with the US since Joe Biden took over the White House. However, the White House is still waiting for direct communication from North Korea to officially and formally begin discussions about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.

'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House

A visibly thinner Kim Jong Un has sparked speculations online. Is the North Korean dictator unwell, or did he intentionally lose weight to get healthier? Kim's weight loss coincides with a food crisis in North Korea. Palki Sharma has a report.

Gravitas: Kim Jong Un's weight loss sparks speculations

In 2018-2019, Kim held a series of high-stakes summit meetings with Biden's predecessor, Donald Trump, to discuss the future of his advancing nuclear arsenal.

N Korea's Kim vows to be ready for confrontation with US

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss.

Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this. However, recent photographs show him much slimmer, which has sparked speculations about his health.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-bans-mullet-haircuts-nose-piercings-and-skinny-jeans-in-the-fight-against-capitalism-387760">&nbsp;North Korea bans mullet haircuts, nose piercings, and skinny jeans in the fight against capitalism</a>

The images that appeared in South Korea's&nbsp;state-run media house Yonhap showed that the leader has had to readjust the strap of his watch tightened on his left wrist.

The North Korean leader is a chain smoker and has, in the recent past, faced a few medical problems, some reportedly leading to surgeries.

His father, Kim Jong-il, &nbsp;passed away due to a suspected heart attack in December 2011, which many believe was due to the bad lifestyle that he followed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-presents-plans-to-stabilise-battered-north-korean-economy-390070">Kim Jong Un presents plans to stabilise battered North Korean economy</a>

It is believed that the apple did not fall far from the tree, as Kim Jong Un is also infamous for his unhealthy lifestyle.

While many think the weight loss might be a result of some health problem, some also speculate that it might be a conscious decision to protect his reputation and improve his standing in North Korea.

The country has been suffering from food shortage as the economic crisis has worsened since the trade relationship with China took a dramatic fall, and the natural disasters and international sanctions made things worse.

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss. Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this.

A few months after the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un disappeared from the public eye, there are new speculations about his sudden weight loss. Kim is known to have a heavy frame and has been the point of discussion many times because of this. However, recent photographs show him much slimmer, which has sparked speculations about his health. Also read | North Korea bans mullet haircuts, nose piercings, and skinny jeans in the fight against capitalism The images that appeared in South Korea's state-run media house Yonhap showed that the leader has had to readjust the strap of his watch tightened on his left wrist. The North Korean leader is a chain smoker and has, in the recent past, faced a few medical problems, some reportedly leading to surgeries. His father, Kim Jong-il, passed away due to a suspected heart attack in December 2011, which many believe was due to the bad lifestyle that he followed. Also read | Kim Jong Un presents plans to stabilise battered North Korean economy It is believed that the apple did not fall far from the tree, as Kim Jong Un is also infamous for his unhealthy lifestyle. While many think the weight loss might be a result of some health problem, some also speculate that it might be a conscious decision to protect his reputation and improve his standing in North Korea. The country has been suffering from food shortage as the economic crisis has worsened since the trade relationship with China took a dramatic fall, and the natural disasters and international sanctions made things worse.

Kim Jong Un's sudden weight loss sparks rumours about his health

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un presented economic plans to senior ruling party officials before an upcoming meeting to review the nation’s efforts to overcome severe hardships amid a prolonged COVID-19 crisis, state media said Tuesday.&nbsp;

The Korean Central News Agency said Kim held his consultations Monday in preparation for a meeting of the Workers' Party’s powerful Central Committee to discuss state affairs for the first half of 2021. The meeting was set for early June and could take place as early as this week.&nbsp;

Kim’s plans were not specified but were described as intending to bring “tangible change" to stabilising the economy and people’s living conditions.&nbsp;

The North Korean economy has been crippled by decades of mismanagement, U.S.-led sanctions over Kim’s nuclear weapons program and the coronavirus pandemic. South Korean officials say there are no signs North Korea is easing the border controls it imposed at the start of the pandemic to import more industrial and agricultural materials to boost production.&nbsp;

The Workers'' Party last held a plenary meeting of Central Committee members in February, when Kim ripped into state economic agencies for their “passive and self-protecting tendencies” in setting their annual goals.&nbsp;

Earlier in the year, at the party’s first congress since 2016, Kim urged his people to be resilient in the struggle for economic self-reliance and called for reasserting greater state control over the economy, boosting agricultural production and prioritizing the development of chemicals and metal industries. Those sectors have been critically depleted by sanctions and halted imports of factory materials amid the pandemic.&nbsp;

The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which failed to bring the North sanctions relief, and the North has so far ignored the Biden administration’s calls to resume dialogue.&nbsp;

Some experts say Kim could use the upcoming Central Committee meeting to address the stalled nuclear diplomacy.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un presented economic plans to senior ruling party officials before an upcoming meeting to review the nation’s efforts to overcome severe hardships amid a prolonged COVID-19 crisis, state media said Tuesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un presented economic plans to senior ruling party officials before an upcoming meeting to review the nation’s efforts to overcome severe hardships amid a prolonged COVID-19 crisis, state media said Tuesday. The Korean Central News Agency said Kim held his consultations Monday in preparation for a meeting of the Workers' Party’s powerful Central Committee to discuss state affairs for the first half of 2021. The meeting was set for early June and could take place as early as this week. Kim’s plans were not specified but were described as intending to bring “tangible change" to stabilising the economy and people’s living conditions. The North Korean economy has been crippled by decades of mismanagement, U.S.-led sanctions over Kim’s nuclear weapons program and the coronavirus pandemic. South Korean officials say there are no signs North Korea is easing the border controls it imposed at the start of the pandemic to import more industrial and agricultural materials to boost production. The Workers'' Party last held a plenary meeting of Central Committee members in February, when Kim ripped into state economic agencies for their “passive and self-protecting tendencies” in setting their annual goals. Earlier in the year, at the party’s first congress since 2016, Kim urged his people to be resilient in the struggle for economic self-reliance and called for reasserting greater state control over the economy, boosting agricultural production and prioritizing the development of chemicals and metal industries. Those sectors have been critically depleted by sanctions and halted imports of factory materials amid the pandemic. The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which failed to bring the North sanctions relief, and the North has so far ignored the Biden administration’s calls to resume dialogue. Some experts say Kim could use the upcoming Central Committee meeting to address the stalled nuclear diplomacy.

Kim Jong Un presents plans to stabilise battered North Korean economy

North Korea has warned its citizens on Thursday to stay away from leaflets that were sent via balloon from the South, saying they could carry coronavirus.&nbsp;

An anti-North Korea activist group said it had sent balloons into the North last week with dollar bills and leaflets denouncing the government in Pyongyang.

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://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>

North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper said when a "strange object" comes across through wind, it should be considered as a potential route of the "malicious virus", according to news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;

It advised people to "think and move" as per the coronavirus guidelines.

The warning comes on a day when South Korean police raided the office of the activist group behind the release of balloons.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-warns-south-korea-after-anti-north-korea-leaflets-circulated-382250">Kim Jong Un's sister warns South Korea after anti-North Korea leaflets circulated</a>

Police said they carried a raid on the basis of a search and seizure warrant against the Seoul office of Fighters for Free North Korea.&nbsp;

The group is led by Park Sang-hak, who defected from North Korea in 2000.&nbsp;

"Seven police officers raided my office around 10:10 am," Park told news agency Reuters.

The group claimed that it had released launched 10 advertising balloons from border regions which contain 500,000 leaflets, 500 booklets and 5,000 one-dollar bills.

Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kim-jong-un">Kim Jong-un</a>, in a statement strongly condemned the move, calling the acts by "human wastes in the South" is a "serious provocation" and warned of a "corresponding action".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

North Korea has warned its citizens on Thursday to stay away from leaflets that were sent via balloon from the South, saying they could carry coronavirus. An anti-North Korea activist group said it had sent balloons into the North last week with dollar bills and leaflets denouncing the government in Pyongyang.

North Korea has warned its citizens on Thursday to stay away from leaflets that were sent via balloon from the South, saying they could carry coronavirus. An anti-North Korea activist group said it had sent balloons into the North last week with dollar bills and leaflets denouncing the government in Pyongyang. Watch | North Korea's state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper said when a "strange object" comes across through wind, it should be considered as a potential route of the "malicious virus", according to news agency Yonhap. It advised people to "think and move" as per the coronavirus guidelines. The warning comes on a day when South Korean police raided the office of the activist group behind the release of balloons. Also read | Kim Jong Un's sister warns South Korea after anti-North Korea leaflets circulated Police said they carried a raid on the basis of a search and seizure warrant against the Seoul office of Fighters for Free North Korea. The group is led by Park Sang-hak, who defected from North Korea in 2000. "Seven police officers raided my office around 10:10 am," Park told news agency Reuters. The group claimed that it had released launched 10 advertising balloons from border regions which contain 500,000 leaflets, 500 booklets and 5,000 one-dollar bills. Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in a statement strongly condemned the move, calling the acts by "human wastes in the South" is a "serious provocation" and warned of a "corresponding action".

North Korea says propaganda leaflets from South could carry coronavirus

A South Korean publisher's defiant move to release the memoirs of the North's founder Kim Il Sung has triggered a heated debate over Seoul's decades-old ban on Pyongyang's propaganda under national security laws.

Critics of the measure say Southerners are politically mature enough to judge such material for themselves and argue it amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world.

But the South remains officially at&nbsp;war with its nuclear-armed and impoverished neighbour, with legislation to match.

The national security&nbsp;law dates from 1948, before the outbreak of the Korean War, and still blocks ordinary citizens from accessing most North Korean-produced content, including its official Rodong Sinmun newspaper.

Reproducing or possessing banned pro-Pyongyang materials is punishable by up to seven years in prison.&nbsp;

Even so publisher Kim Seung-kyun in April released the North Korean founder's eight-volume memoirs, titled "With the Century", said&nbsp;he did so to promote inter-Korean reconciliation.

An anti-North civic group filed a criminal complaint, police launched an investigation and within days the country's major bookstores, who had received it via a publishers' association -- pulled it from their shelves.

It briefly remained available online for 280,000 won ($250) for the full set, but by last week it was no longer available from popular web portal Naver, while searches on local bookselling platforms Kyobo and Yes24 showed no results.

The moves triggered a debate over censorship and whether people really needed to be protected from reading the words of Kim Il&nbsp;Sung.

"South Koreans already have a high level of&nbsp;judgement," said&nbsp;Ha Tae-keung, a lawmaker from the conservative People Power Party, who was jailed under the national security law as a student activist.&nbsp;

"No one is going to be deceived by a fantasy-like memoir of Kim Il Sung&nbsp;anymore," said. "We now need to actively guarantee freedom of expression."

Personality cult&nbsp;

Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the North's current&nbsp;leader Kim Jong Un,&nbsp;ruled the world's most reclusive country for nearly five decades until his death in 1994, with a mixture of his own brand of Stalinism and an unabashed personality&nbsp;cult.

The memoir, first published by Pyongyang in 1992 and available in around 20 languages around the world,&nbsp;portrays him as a heroic Korean guerilla leader against Japanese colonial forces, often denying and downplaying his Chinese and Soviet connections.

Researchers describe it as largely a "work of fiction" with archival Soviet evidence disproving some of its key claims, but add that it has value regardless of historical inaccuracies.

Despite its "mind-numbing prose", the book revealed Pyongyang's "propensity to falsehoods" and "cult of personality", said Sung-yoon Lee, a Korean studies professor at Tufts University in the United States.

Suzy Kim,&nbsp;a Korean history professor at&nbsp;Rutgers University, said it demonstrated how the regime in Pyongyang "traces its legitimacy to its anticolonial roots".

To this day, she added, many of the North's challenges are "often justified as sacrifices made for standing up to continued imperialist policies imposed by the Japanese and US governments".

Democracy and war

The national security law technically makes mere possession of pro-North materials punishable by up to seven years in prison, while visiting the country without government permission has a maximum 10 year sentence.

The United Nations has said&nbsp;the act poses a "seriously problematic" challenge to freedom of expression in the South, and the US State department regularly criticises it in its annual human rights reports.&nbsp;

Thousands were imprisoned under the legislation by the authoritarian military governments that ruled the South for decades, often accused of engaging in pro-Pyongyang activities or spying for the North.

Publisher Kim -- who originally obtained the text several years ago for a government-authorised restricted distribution to research institutions --&nbsp;said he had no intention of benefitting Pyongyang.

Releasing the text was "a way to love my country" by promoting inter-Korean understanding, the 82-year-old said&nbsp;at his home in Goyang.

"If that is deemed a crime, I am willing to be punished."

Police confirmed&nbsp;that their investigation into whether Kim had violated the national security law was continuing.

New Paradigm of Korea, the group that filed the complaint, insisted that the general public was susceptible to "totalitarian propaganda manipulation".

Allowing the book's distribution would be "comparable to handing a nuclear bag to the enemy on a spiritual level", it added.

But Professor Lee said: "Let the publisher and consumer act freely and allow the market, including the market of ideas, determine the book's fate.

"The freedom of speech, even false and outrageous speech that beautifies the despicable, should be protected in a genuine democracy."

(With inputs from agencies)

A South Korean publisher's defiant move to release the memoirs of the North's founder Kim Il Sung has triggered a heated debate over Seoul's decades-old ban on Pyongyang's propaganda under national security laws.

A South Korean publisher's defiant move to release the memoirs of the North's founder Kim Il Sung has triggered a heated debate over Seoul's decades-old ban on Pyongyang's propaganda under national security laws. Critics of the measure say Southerners are politically mature enough to judge such material for themselves and argue it amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world. But the South remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed and impoverished neighbour, with legislation to match. The national security law dates from 1948, before the outbreak of the Korean War, and still blocks ordinary citizens from accessing most North Korean-produced content, including its official Rodong Sinmun newspaper. Reproducing or possessing banned pro-Pyongyang materials is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Even so publisher Kim Seung-kyun in April released the North Korean founder's eight-volume memoirs, titled "With the Century", said he did so to promote inter-Korean reconciliation. An anti-North civic group filed a criminal complaint, police launched an investigation and within days the country's major bookstores, who had received it via a publishers' association -- pulled it from their shelves. It briefly remained available online for 280,000 won ($250) for the full set, but by last week it was no longer available from popular web portal Naver, while searches on local bookselling platforms Kyobo and Yes24 showed no results. The moves triggered a debate over censorship and whether people really needed to be protected from reading the words of Kim Il Sung. "South Koreans already have a high level of judgement," said Ha Tae-keung, a lawmaker from the conservative People Power Party, who was jailed under the national security law as a student activist. "No one is going to be deceived by a fantasy-like memoir of Kim Il Sung anymore," said. "We now need to actively guarantee freedom of expression." Personality cult Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the North's current leader Kim Jong Un, ruled the world's most reclusive country for nearly five decades until his death in 1994, with a mixture of his own brand of Stalinism and an unabashed personality cult. The memoir, first published by Pyongyang in 1992 and available in around 20 languages around the world, portrays him as a heroic Korean guerilla leader against Japanese colonial forces, often denying and downplaying his Chinese and Soviet connections. Researchers describe it as largely a "work of fiction" with archival Soviet evidence disproving some of its key claims, but add that it has value regardless of historical inaccuracies. Despite its "mind-numbing prose", the book revealed Pyongyang's "propensity to falsehoods" and "cult of personality", said Sung-yoon Lee, a Korean studies professor at Tufts University in the United States. Suzy Kim, a Korean history professor at Rutgers University, said it demonstrated how the regime in Pyongyang "traces its legitimacy to its anticolonial roots". To this day, she added, many of the North's challenges are "often justified as sacrifices made for standing up to continued imperialist policies imposed by the Japanese and US governments". Democracy and war The national security law technically makes mere possession of pro-North materials punishable by up to seven years in prison, while visiting the country without government permission has a maximum 10 year sentence. The United Nations has said the act poses a "seriously problematic" challenge to freedom of expression in the South, and the US State department regularly criticises it in its annual human rights reports. Thousands were imprisoned under the legislation by the authoritarian military governments that ruled the South for decades, often accused of engaging in pro-Pyongyang activities or spying for the North. Publisher Kim -- who originally obtained the text several years ago for a government-authorised restricted distribution to research institutions -- said he had no intention of benefitting Pyongyang. Releasing the text was "a way to love my country" by promoting inter-Korean understanding, the 82-year-old said at his home in Goyang. "If that is deemed a crime, I am willing to be punished." Police confirmed that their investigation into whether Kim had violated the national security law was continuing. New Paradigm of Korea, the group that filed the complaint, insisted that the general public was susceptible to "totalitarian propaganda manipulation". Allowing the book's distribution would be "comparable to handing a nuclear bag to the enemy on a spiritual level", it added. But Professor Lee said: "Let the publisher and consumer act freely and allow the market, including the market of ideas, determine the book's fate. "The freedom of speech, even false and outrageous speech that beautifies the despicable, should be protected in a genuine democracy." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean founder Kim Il Sung's memoir triggers censorship debate in Seoul

The White House is keen on changing the country's approach to deal with North Korea and the goal of denuclearisation in the region. President Joe Biden’s approach primarily involves “diplomacy” as opposed to looking to make “grand bargains” with the North Korean administration, the White House said on Friday.

The major challenge for the US has been to make North Korean leader Kim Jong Un give up nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. On this front, the US has witnessed multiple setbacks.

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According to Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary, Biden administration had undertaken a months-long review of North Korean policy, after which they decided to pursue the route of diplomacy.

"Our policy will not focus on achieving a grand bargain, nor will it rely on strategic patience," Psaki said during a press conference. Psaki added that the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula remains the goal. She noted, however that the former four presidents have been unable to get North Korea to denounce nuclear weapons.

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Owing to such past failures, the Biden administration it trying to butter the middle ground; attempting to strike a balance between the goals pursued by Biden’s recent predecessors.

Former US President Donald Trump held three summit meetings with Kim Jong Un to no end, for no goal was achieved. Even then, the meetings helped pause testing of intercontinental ballistic and nuclear missiles. Democrat Barack Obama chose a different direction by not pursuing any diplomatic engagement with the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/north-korea-completes-assembly-of-3000-tonne-submarine-report-376990" hreflang="en">North Korea completes assembly of 3,000-tonne submarine: Report</a>

Psaki added that the US intends to pursue a “calibrated practical approach that is open to and will explore diplomacy with" the country. She further said that the US wants to make “practical progress” which would facilitate the improvement of security for both the United States and its allies.

So far, North Korea has refused diplomatic interaction the the new US administration. Pyongyang wants Biden to start by lifting economic sanctions imposed on North Korea’s weapons programmes.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House is keen on changing the country's approach to deal with North Korea and the goal of denuclearisation in the region. President Joe Biden’s approach primarily involves “diplomacy” as opposed to looking to make “grand bargains” with the North Korean administration, the White House said on Friday.

The White House is keen on changing the country's approach to deal with North Korea and the goal of denuclearisation in the region. President Joe Biden’s approach primarily involves “diplomacy” as opposed to looking to make “grand bargains” with the North Korean administration, the White House said on Friday. The major challenge for the US has been to make North Korean leader Kim Jong Un give up nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. On this front, the US has witnessed multiple setbacks. According to Jen Psaki, the White House Press Secretary, Biden administration had undertaken a months-long review of North Korean policy, after which they decided to pursue the route of diplomacy. "Our policy will not focus on achieving a grand bargain, nor will it rely on strategic patience," Psaki said during a press conference. Psaki added that the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula remains the goal. She noted, however that the former four presidents have been unable to get North Korea to denounce nuclear weapons. Also read: Defector group launches anti-North Korea leaflets despite ban Owing to such past failures, the Biden administration it trying to butter the middle ground; attempting to strike a balance between the goals pursued by Biden’s recent predecessors. Former US President Donald Trump held three summit meetings with Kim Jong Un to no end, for no goal was achieved. Even then, the meetings helped pause testing of intercontinental ballistic and nuclear missiles. Democrat Barack Obama chose a different direction by not pursuing any diplomatic engagement with the country. Also read: North Korea completes assembly of 3,000-tonne submarine: Report Psaki added that the US intends to pursue a “calibrated practical approach that is open to and will explore diplomacy with" the country. She further said that the US wants to make “practical progress” which would facilitate the improvement of security for both the United States and its allies. So far, North Korea has refused diplomatic interaction the the new US administration. Pyongyang wants Biden to start by lifting economic sanctions imposed on North Korea’s weapons programmes. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden wants to pursue 'practical diplomacy' with North Korea over 'grand bargains'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Kim made the comments during an opening speech at a meeting of the Workers' Party's cell secretaries on Tuesday. He addressed thousands of grassroots members in the course of the important political convention in Pyongyang. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blasts-us-attempt-to-initiate-contact-as-cheap-trick-371398">Also read: North Korea blasts US attempt to initiate contact as 'cheap trick'</a>

Experts say Kim is dealing with probably his toughest moment as he finishes 10 years in rule, with North Korea’s coronavirus lockdown unleashing even further shock on a financial system devastated by a long time of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons programme.

“Improving the people's living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organisations of the party,” Kim said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/inside-assassins-a-documentary-that-talks-about-the-strange-murder-of-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-360088">Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother</a>

He urged party members to carry out the decisions made at a party congress in January when he vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent in face of US pressure and announced a new five-year national development plan. The congress took place months after Kim, during another political conference, showed unusual candor by acknowledging that his plans to improve the economy weren't succeeding.

During Tuesday's speech, Kim also criticised the party's grassroots units for unspecified “shortcomings” that should be immediately corrected to ensure the “healthy and sustainable” development of the party.

Party cells, which consist of five to 30 members, are the smallest units of party authority that oversee the works and lives at factories and other places. The network is an important tool for the Workers' Party to perpetuate its power. The previous conference of cell secretaries was held in 2017.

The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which collapsed over disagreements in lifting sanctions for the North's denuclearisation steps.

The North has so far rejected the Biden administration's overture for talks, saying that Washington must discard its “hostile” policies first, and dialled up the pressure by resuming tests of ballistic missiles last month after a yearlong pause.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has admitted that his country is facing its 'worst-ever situation' as its crumbling economy is battered by the coronavirus pandemic. Kim made the comments during an opening speech at a meeting of the Workers' Party's cell secretaries on Tuesday. He addressed thousands of grassroots members in the course of the important political convention in Pyongyang. Also read: North Korea blasts US attempt to initiate contact as 'cheap trick' Experts say Kim is dealing with probably his toughest moment as he finishes 10 years in rule, with North Korea’s coronavirus lockdown unleashing even further shock on a financial system devastated by a long time of mismanagement and crippling US-led sanctions over his nuclear weapons programme. “Improving the people's living standards ... even in the worst-ever situation in which we have to overcome unprecedentedly numerous challenges depends on the role played by the cells, the grassroots organisations of the party,” Kim said. Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother He urged party members to carry out the decisions made at a party congress in January when he vowed to bolster his nuclear deterrent in face of US pressure and announced a new five-year national development plan. The congress took place months after Kim, during another political conference, showed unusual candor by acknowledging that his plans to improve the economy weren't succeeding. During Tuesday's speech, Kim also criticised the party's grassroots units for unspecified “shortcomings” that should be immediately corrected to ensure the “healthy and sustainable” development of the party. Party cells, which consist of five to 30 members, are the smallest units of party authority that oversee the works and lives at factories and other places. The network is an important tool for the Workers' Party to perpetuate its power. The previous conference of cell secretaries was held in 2017. The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious diplomacy with former President Donald Trump, which collapsed over disagreements in lifting sanctions for the North's denuclearisation steps. The North has so far rejected the Biden administration's overture for talks, saying that Washington must discard its “hostile” policies first, and dialled up the pressure by resuming tests of ballistic missiles last month after a yearlong pause. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un

Officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea met and showed a united front Friday on concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes.

The meeting came as a review by the Biden administration on how to deal with North Korea is in its final stages, following Donald Trump's unusually personal diplomacy with Kim Jong-un.

Jake Sullivan, Joe Biden's national security advisor, held a rare in-person meeting jointly with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan, Suh Hoon and Shigeru Kitamura, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

The three officials said in a joint statement that they "shared their concerns about North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs" and promised "concerted trilateral cooperation towards denuclearisation."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-aide-to-meet-japan-south-korea-on-next-steps-on-the-north-374870">Also read |&nbsp;Biden aide to meet Japan, South Korea on next steps on the North</a>

"They agreed on the imperative for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions by the international community, including North Korea, preventing proliferation and cooperating to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the statement said.

The security officials also discussed the fights against Covid-19 and climate change, and ways to restore democracy in Myanmar.

Biden has sharply criticised Trump's meetings with Kim, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy.

Biden administration officials are widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits.

Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles.

Media reports added Sullivan also spoke to Japan and South Korea about the global shortage of semiconductors, as supply chains have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Annapolis talks mark rare in-person diplomacy for the Biden administration amid the pandemic and Sullivan's first trilateral since taking office. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last month jointly visited both Tokyo and Seoul on their first foreign trips.

Officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea met and showed a united front Friday on concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes. The meeting came as a review by the Biden administration on how to deal with North Korea is in its final stages, following Donald Trump's unusually personal diplomacy with Kim Jong-un.

Officials from the United States, Japan and South Korea met and showed a united front Friday on concerns about North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes. The meeting came as a review by the Biden administration on how to deal with North Korea is in its final stages, following Donald Trump's unusually personal diplomacy with Kim Jong-un. Jake Sullivan, Joe Biden's national security advisor, held a rare in-person meeting jointly with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan, Suh Hoon and Shigeru Kitamura, at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. The three officials said in a joint statement that they "shared their concerns about North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs" and promised "concerted trilateral cooperation towards denuclearisation." Also read | Biden aide to meet Japan, South Korea on next steps on the North "They agreed on the imperative for full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions by the international community, including North Korea, preventing proliferation and cooperating to strengthen deterrence and maintain peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," the statement said. The security officials also discussed the fights against Covid-19 and climate change, and ways to restore democracy in Myanmar. Biden has sharply criticised Trump's meetings with Kim, saying he legitimised one of the world's most ruthless leaders, but has also said he is open to diplomacy. Biden administration officials are widely expected to support a resumption of lower-level talks rather than high-stakes, high-drama summits. Biden has also warned North Korea of consequences for violations of UN Security Council resolutions after Pyongyang recently tested what US officials judged to be ballistic missiles. Media reports added Sullivan also spoke to Japan and South Korea about the global shortage of semiconductors, as supply chains have been disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The Annapolis talks mark rare in-person diplomacy for the Biden administration amid the pandemic and Sullivan's first trilateral since taking office. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin last month jointly visited both Tokyo and Seoul on their first foreign trips.

US, Japan, South Korea officials show united front on the North

In North Korea, an exodus is underway.

From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country.

And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

Watch |&nbsp;

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It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut.

This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom.

There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions.

Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems.

North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post.

Also read | <a href="http://wionews.com/world/north-korea-accuses-biden-admin-of-provocation-after-missile-test-373537">North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test</a>

According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys.

All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy.

Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan.

The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea.

"The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said.&nbsp;

On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley.

North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year.

This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy.

But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt.

Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO).

How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation.

In North Korea, an exodus is underway. From foreign diplomats to NGO workers, they're all fleeing the world's most secretive country. And interestingly, the Russian embassy in Pyongyang is the one who has made this revelation. Watch | It says the diplomatic missions of at least 12 countries have been shut. This report tells about what's happening in the Hermit kingdom. There are two primary reasons why humanitarian organisations, NGOs and other groups are moving out from the country: a shortage of goods and unprecedented restrictions. Both have been regular aspects of life in North Korea, but the pandemic has exacerbated the problems. North Korea's giant neighbour Russia has revealed this in a Facebook post. Also read | North Korea accuses Biden admin of 'provocation' after missile test According to the claims, there are now only 290 expatriates left in North Korea, including just nine ambassadors and four charge d'affaires or attorneys. All other foreign personnel have fled the country, according to the Russian embassy. Locks have been fastened on the gates of the missions of Britain, Brazil, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Venezuela, Nigeria and even Pakistan. The Russian embassy says representatives from all these countries have fled North Korea. "The reasons why people are leaving North Korea are understandable, not everyone can endure the unprecedented restrictions, acute shortage of essential goods, including medicines and lack of opportunities to resolve health problem," the embassy said. On March 26, eight Russian diplomats left the country on a hand-pushed rail trolley. North Korea shut down its border and imposed a strict lockdown in response to the pandemic last year. This severely curtailed external trade and dealt another major blow to North Korea's already fragile economy. But, Pyongyang claims to have not recorded a single Wuhan virus case, something experts seriously doubt. Nonetheless, North Korea is to be allocated 1.7 million doses of vaccines by May as part of the COVAX programme led by the World Health Organization (WHO). How the country uses these vaccines is anybody's guess.

Why North Korea is seeing an exodus

North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan which is known as the 'East Sea' in Korea. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held a meeting with his South Korean counterpart in Seoul amid renewed tensions in the region and called for peace stability in the northeast.

North Korea launches 2 ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority.

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-tested-two-short-range-missiles-white-house-372639">North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House</a>

<img alt="Kim Jong" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b12a7e42-5f3b-4b27-bd0f-d9ae5bea1a9b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/jj.jpg" />

The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages.

&nbsp;

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<img alt="Israel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2dd5b15d-118a-4728-9693-f4a3a98de31a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IS1.jpg" />

Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-will-soon-pass-brazil-records-over-3000-covid-19-deaths-in-single-day-372647">'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day</a>

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On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in&nbsp;Marcelo Queiroga&nbsp;as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-gets-covid-vaccine-kremlin-refuses-to-share-details-372644">Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details</a>

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The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628">Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-myanmar-crackdown-turns-ugly-372628/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials.

The White House officials said on Tuesday that North Korea fired two short-range missiles after a visit to the region by the top US defense and diplomatic officials. The US officials, however, downplayed the significance of the weapon tests while asserting that it was not covered by the UN security resolutions. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed victory following Israel's fourth election in less than two years. The country's longest serving premier, however, may again struggle to form a governing majority. Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. Meanwhile, Brazil recorded over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths on a single day as the country's health services reached breaking point due to the pandemic. The country's health ministry said 3,251 fatalities were recorded in 24 hours with the death toll in the country climbing to nearly 299,000 along with over 12.1 million coronavirus cases. North Korea tested two short-range missiles: White House The Biden administration is currently reviewing US policy towards North Korea which is reportedly in its final stages. Netanyahu claims victory in Israel election but majority uncertain Projections based on exit polls from Israel's three leading broadcasters also have showed Netanyahu's right-wing Likud winning the most seats in Israel's 120-seat parliament, the Knesset. 'It will soon pass': Brazil records over 3,000 COVID-19 deaths in single day On Tuesday, Bolsonaro swore in Marcelo Queiroga as his fourth health minister since the pandemic. Queiroga replaced Army general Eduardo Pazuello. Putin gets Covid vaccine; Kremlin refuses to share details The Kremlin Tuesday told Russian news agencies that Putin was feeling well, however, declining to disclose details or provide photographs. Watch: Gravitas - Myanmar crackdown turns ugly

Morning news brief: North Korea tests missiles again, Israel elections & more!

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure.&nbsp;

The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport.&nbsp;

A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow.&nbsp;

After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country.

On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up.&nbsp;

Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act".

Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack.

Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus.&nbsp;

They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers.&nbsp;

An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday.&nbsp;

Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China.

Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.&nbsp;

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US.

North Korea's diplomats in Malaysia shuttered their embassy and prepared to fly home Sunday, after Pyongyang severed diplomatic ties over the extradition of a citizen to the US. Pyongyang announced the shock move Friday, labelling Malaysia's extradition of a North Korean man last week an "unpardonable crime" carried out under "blind obedience" to American pressure. The Southeast Asian country had been one of Pyongyang's few allies but ties were already strained following the 2017 assassination of leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother at Kuala Lumpur airport. A court ruling earlier this month that Mun Chol Myong could be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges for allegedly exporting prohibited items to the North in violation of sanctions proved the final blow. After Pyongyang cut ties, Malaysia gave the North's diplomats 48 hours to leave the country. On Sunday the North Korean flag and a plaque were taken down from the country's embassy -- a large house in an upmarket area of Kuala Lumpur -- and the gates were chained up. Before departing, North Korean charge d'affaires, Kim Yu Song, accused Malaysia of siding with Washington in a "conspiracy" against Pyongyang, and committing a "large hostile act". Malaysia had aligned its policies with those of the US, "which seeks to deprive our state of its sovereignty, peaceful existence and development," Kim, the North's most senior diplomat in Malaysia, told a large media pack. Kim and what appeared to be a group of diplomats and their family members then departed on a bus. They arrived later at Kuala Lumpur airport, loaded stacks of luggage onto trolleys and went to check in at the counters used by regular passengers. An airport security official, speaking anonymously, told AFP that about 30 North Koreans are expected to fly to Shanghai later Sunday. Pyongyang's decision to cut ties came after a visit last week by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin to South Korea, part of an Asian tour to rally support against the nuclear-armed North and China. Malaysia denounced Pyongyang's move as "unfriendly and unconstructive", and announced it would close its mission in the North, whose operations had already been suspended since 2017.

North Korean diplomats set to leave Malaysia after ties cut

North Korea might begin flight testing an improved design for its inter-continental ballistic missiles "in the near future," the head of the US military's Northern Command has said.

Air Force General Glen VanHerck made the remarks on Tuesday -- a day ahead of a debut trip by US President Joe Biden's top diplomat and defence secretary to South Korea.

The warning wasn't exactly based on specific intelligence about an imminent launch, but rather on North Korea's October unveiling at a parade of what would be its largest ICBM yet.

Even during the testing lull, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for continued production of nuclear weapons for his arsenal, launched a series of smaller missiles and unveiled the ICBM.

VanHerck told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Pyongyang's "considerably larger and presumably more capable" ICBM further increased the threat to the United States. Still, he expressed confidence in US missile defenses.

The US general also noted that Kim released himself from a moratorium on testing over a year ago.

"The North Korean regime has also indicated that it is no longer bound by the unilateral nuclear and ICBM testing moratorium announced in 2018, suggesting that Kim Jong Un may begin flight testing an improved ICBM design in the near future," VanHerck said in his written testimony.

Jenny Town, director of 38 North, a US-based website that tracks North Korea, speculated that North Korea would be more likely to restart test launches with shorter-range missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

"It seems more likely that if North Korea is going to start testing missiles again, it will start with ones where testing has been almost normalised," Town said.

The White House on Monday confirmed a Reuters report that the Biden administration sought to reach out to North Korea but had received no response, extending a chill in relations that began at the end of Donald Trump's administration.

After the White House remarks, North Korean state news reported that the sister of the North Korean leader Kim Yo Jong, criticised the Biden Administration for ongoing military drills in South Korea.

(with inputs)

North Korea might begin flight testing an improved design for its inter-continental ballistic missiles "in the near future," the head of the US military's Northern Command has said.

North Korea might begin flight testing an improved design for its inter-continental ballistic missiles "in the near future," the head of the US military's Northern Command has said. Air Force General Glen VanHerck made the remarks on Tuesday -- a day ahead of a debut trip by US President Joe Biden's top diplomat and defence secretary to South Korea. The warning wasn't exactly based on specific intelligence about an imminent launch, but rather on North Korea's October unveiling at a parade of what would be its largest ICBM yet. Even during the testing lull, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for continued production of nuclear weapons for his arsenal, launched a series of smaller missiles and unveiled the ICBM. VanHerck told the Senate Armed Services Committee that Pyongyang's "considerably larger and presumably more capable" ICBM further increased the threat to the United States. Still, he expressed confidence in US missile defenses. The US general also noted that Kim released himself from a moratorium on testing over a year ago. "The North Korean regime has also indicated that it is no longer bound by the unilateral nuclear and ICBM testing moratorium announced in 2018, suggesting that Kim Jong Un may begin flight testing an improved ICBM design in the near future," VanHerck said in his written testimony. Jenny Town, director of 38 North, a US-based website that tracks North Korea, speculated that North Korea would be more likely to restart test launches with shorter-range missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles. "It seems more likely that if North Korea is going to start testing missiles again, it will start with ones where testing has been almost normalised," Town said. The White House on Monday confirmed a Reuters report that the Biden administration sought to reach out to North Korea but had received no response, extending a chill in relations that began at the end of Donald Trump's administration. After the White House remarks, North Korean state news reported that the sister of the North Korean leader Kim Yo Jong, criticised the Biden Administration for ongoing military drills in South Korea. (with inputs)

US general says North Korea might flight test new ICBM design 'in near future'

Ahead of the US delegation's visit to Seoul, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-unresponsive-to-behind-the-scenes-biden-administration-outreach-report-says-370327">North Korea </a>&nbsp;broke&nbsp;its silence and sent out a stern warning to the United States against "causing a stink" if it wants peace.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-ignoring-united-states-president-joe-bidens-outreach-370490/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

North Korea's state-run newspaper quoted a statement from Kim Yo Jong, a key adviser to her brother, Kim Jong-Un, saying: &nbsp;"a word of advice to the new administration of the United States that is struggling to spread the smell of gunpowder on our land, adding, "If you wish to sleep well for the next four years, it would be better not to create work from the start that will make you lose sleep."

Kim Yo Jong&nbsp;criticised the ongoing military drills in South Korea even as&nbsp;Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-north-korea-loom-as-blinken-austin-head-to-asia-370426">Antony Blinken</a> arrived in Japan on Monday.

"War drills and hostility can never go with dialogue and cooperation," Kim Yo Jong said while mocking South Korea, asserting&nbsp;"resorting to shrunken war games, now that they find themselves in the quagmire of political, economic and epidemic crisis."

"How despite the agreements in place, positive actions, especially on the inter-Korean agenda, have been too few while actions that reinforce the 'old' adversarial relationship persists," she said.

Yo Jong warned that inter-Korean engagement that had improved in 2018 and is sought by South Korea "won't come easily again" and "North Korea will be watching to see if there is further provocations."

Experts say that the timing of Kim's comments seems designed as North Korea wishes to ensure that it is at the top of Blinken and Austin's agenda when they land in Seoul.

The two top US officials plan to discuss <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-powers-ignoring-north-korea-crimes-against-humanity-amid-nuclear-program-focus-un-expert-369491">North Korea's </a>nuclear challenge as a part of their policy review on the country.

White House secretary had earlier said that the US officials were trying to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, however, Pyongyang until today had ignored all advances made by the Biden administration.

Ahead of the US delegation's visit to Seoul, North Korea broke its silence and sent out a stern warning to the United States against "causing a stink" if it wants peace.

Ahead of the US delegation's visit to Seoul, North Korea broke its silence and sent out a stern warning to the United States against "causing a stink" if it wants peace. Watch: North Korea's state-run newspaper quoted a statement from Kim Yo Jong, a key adviser to her brother, Kim Jong-Un, saying: "a word of advice to the new administration of the United States that is struggling to spread the smell of gunpowder on our land, adding, "If you wish to sleep well for the next four years, it would be better not to create work from the start that will make you lose sleep." Kim Yo Jong criticised the ongoing military drills in South Korea even as Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Japan on Monday. "War drills and hostility can never go with dialogue and cooperation," Kim Yo Jong said while mocking South Korea, asserting "resorting to shrunken war games, now that they find themselves in the quagmire of political, economic and epidemic crisis." "How despite the agreements in place, positive actions, especially on the inter-Korean agenda, have been too few while actions that reinforce the 'old' adversarial relationship persists," she said. Yo Jong warned that inter-Korean engagement that had improved in 2018 and is sought by South Korea "won't come easily again" and "North Korea will be watching to see if there is further provocations." Experts say that the timing of Kim's comments seems designed as North Korea wishes to ensure that it is at the top of Blinken and Austin's agenda when they land in Seoul. The two top US officials plan to discuss North Korea's nuclear challenge as a part of their policy review on the country. White House secretary had earlier said that the US officials were trying to reach out to North Korea through multiple channels since last month, however, Pyongyang until today had ignored all advances made by the Biden administration.

'North Korea will be watching': Kim Jong Un's sister warns US ahead of Austin, Blinken's visit to Seoul

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for tougher discipline within the army and appointed new chiefs of the navy and the air force as he chaired an enlarged meeting of the central military commission, state media reported on Thursday.

The gathering took place at the ruling party's headquarters on Wednesday.

"The meeting referred to a series of shortcomings revealed in the military and political activities and moral life of KPA [Korean People's Army] commanding officers, and mainly discussed the issue of thoroughly establishing the revolutionary moral discipline within the KPA," the KCNA news agency reported.

Kim stated that discipline was vital to the very existence of the KPA, noting the need to boost "education and control" in order to ensure that commanding officers have the proper political consciousness and moral convictions.

The central military commission appointed Kim Song Gil as navy commander and promoted him to vice-admiral. Kim Chung Il was appointed as air and anti-air force chief and promoted to lieutenant general.

The news agency did not specify their previous positions, just calling them "comrades." According to South Korean news outlets, these people are unknown to media and can be considered "new faces."

Several dozen commanding officers have also been promoted to lieutenant general and major general.

South Korean media stress that the promotions were given to young commanders, not the "mature" military leadership, in what may be a "generational change" to get rid of corruption in the army and improve morale and discipline.

Media outlets also suggest that the reshuffle of the air force and navy command is related to the strengthening of border security after the 2020 incident, when a South Korean fisheries official who accidentally swam into North Korea's waters was shot dead by the military.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for tougher discipline within the army and appointed new chiefs of the navy and the air force as he chaired an enlarged meeting of the central military commission, state media reported on Thursday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for tougher discipline within the army and appointed new chiefs of the navy and the air force as he chaired an enlarged meeting of the central military commission, state media reported on Thursday. The gathering took place at the ruling party's headquarters on Wednesday. "The meeting referred to a series of shortcomings revealed in the military and political activities and moral life of KPA [Korean People's Army] commanding officers, and mainly discussed the issue of thoroughly establishing the revolutionary moral discipline within the KPA," the KCNA news agency reported. Kim stated that discipline was vital to the very existence of the KPA, noting the need to boost "education and control" in order to ensure that commanding officers have the proper political consciousness and moral convictions. The central military commission appointed Kim Song Gil as navy commander and promoted him to vice-admiral. Kim Chung Il was appointed as air and anti-air force chief and promoted to lieutenant general. The news agency did not specify their previous positions, just calling them "comrades." According to South Korean news outlets, these people are unknown to media and can be considered "new faces." Several dozen commanding officers have also been promoted to lieutenant general and major general. South Korean media stress that the promotions were given to young commanders, not the "mature" military leadership, in what may be a "generational change" to get rid of corruption in the army and improve morale and discipline. Media outlets also suggest that the reshuffle of the air force and navy command is related to the strengthening of border security after the 2020 incident, when a South Korean fisheries official who accidentally swam into North Korea's waters was shot dead by the military.

North Korea's Kim appoints new Navy, Air Force Chiefs in 'generation shift' in Army

According to reports, former US president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/big-us-corporates-slashed-political-donations-after-trumps-claims-of-election-fraud-365178">Trump</a> offered North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un a ride home in Air Force after the 2019 summit in Vietnam.

A BBC documentary quoting a top Asia expert on Trump's National Security Council Matthew Pottinger reported that Trump knew that Kim had undertaken a long trip in his train through China to Hanoi, so Trump reportedly told the North Korean leader that "I can get you home in two hours if you want".

Trump's offer was reportedly declined by Kim. For his first summit with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-attorney-general-pick-plans-to-remove-trumps-tainted-hangover-from-department-365145">Trump</a> in Singapore in 2018, the North Korean leader had taken a ride on Air China plane

During the Singapore summit earlier, Trump in a friendly gesture had given Kim a glimpse inside his presidential car "The Beast".

Kim and Trump had earlier engaged in a war of words with the former US president calling Kim "rocket man", the Hanoi summit however ended in failure after talks broke up over sanctions relief as Trump walked out.

The attempted denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula which was the key agenda of Trump did not materialise as Kim refused to put a timeline, in fact, last month Kim said the US was North Korea's "biggest enemy" while asserting that US policy against North Korea will never change no matter "who is in power".

The new US president Joe Biden has vowed to work with allies including Japan and South Korea to chart the way forward on North Korea.

According to reports, former US president Trump offered North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un a ride home in Air Force after the 2019 summit in Vietnam. A BBC documentary quoting a top Asia expert on Trump's National Security Council Matthew Pottinger reported that Trump knew that Kim had undertaken a long trip in his train through China to Hanoi, so Trump reportedly told the North Korean leader that "I can get you home in two hours if you want".

According to reports, former US president Trump offered North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un a ride home in Air Force after the 2019 summit in Vietnam. A BBC documentary quoting a top Asia expert on Trump's National Security Council Matthew Pottinger reported that Trump knew that Kim had undertaken a long trip in his train through China to Hanoi, so Trump reportedly told the North Korean leader that "I can get you home in two hours if you want". Trump's offer was reportedly declined by Kim. For his first summit with Trump in Singapore in 2018, the North Korean leader had taken a ride on Air China plane During the Singapore summit earlier, Trump in a friendly gesture had given Kim a glimpse inside his presidential car "The Beast". Kim and Trump had earlier engaged in a war of words with the former US president calling Kim "rocket man", the Hanoi summit however ended in failure after talks broke up over sanctions relief as Trump walked out. The attempted denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula which was the key agenda of Trump did not materialise as Kim refused to put a timeline, in fact, last month Kim said the US was North Korea's "biggest enemy" while asserting that US policy against North Korea will never change no matter "who is in power". The new US president Joe Biden has vowed to work with allies including Japan and South Korea to chart the way forward on North Korea.

Trump offered North Korea's Kim Jong Un ride back home on Air Force One: Report

According to a new BBC documentary, Donald Trump offered North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a ride home on Air Force One after a summit in Hanoi two years ago.

Donald Trump offers Air Force One ride home to Kim Jong Un

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's wife made her first public appearance in more than a year, state media reported on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Ri Sol Ju, was seen with the North Korean leader at a concert commemorating the birthday of his father and predecessor Kim Jong II.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/inside-assassins-a-documentary-that-talks-about-the-strange-murder-of-kim-jong-uns-half-brother-360088">Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother</a>

The birthday of former North Korean dictator is known as the Day of the Shining Star and is one of the nation's most important public holidays.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un and his wife were seen smiling and praising the performers at the concert in Pyongyang in the photos published by North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper.&nbsp;

"As the General Secretary came to the auditorium of the theatre together with his wife Ri Sol Ju amid the welcome music, all the participants burst into thunderous cheers of 'Hurrah!'" the official KCNA news agency said.

Ri was last seen publicly in January 2020 at an event marking the Lunar New Year holiday and speculations were high that either she wants to avoid coronavirus infection or is pregnant.&nbsp;

The photos and report came a day after South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Ki was "playing well with her kids" and avoiding public events due to the pandemic.&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's wife made her first public appearance in more than a year, state media reported on Wednesday. Ri Sol Ju, was seen with the North Korean leader at a concert commemorating the birthday of his father and predecessor Kim Jong II.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's wife made her first public appearance in more than a year, state media reported on Wednesday. Ri Sol Ju, was seen with the North Korean leader at a concert commemorating the birthday of his father and predecessor Kim Jong II. Also read | Inside 'Assassins': A documentary that talks about the strange murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother The birthday of former North Korean dictator is known as the Day of the Shining Star and is one of the nation's most important public holidays. Kim Jong Un and his wife were seen smiling and praising the performers at the concert in Pyongyang in the photos published by North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper. "As the General Secretary came to the auditorium of the theatre together with his wife Ri Sol Ju amid the welcome music, all the participants burst into thunderous cheers of 'Hurrah!'" the official KCNA news agency said. Ri was last seen publicly in January 2020 at an event marking the Lunar New Year holiday and speculations were high that either she wants to avoid coronavirus infection or is pregnant. The photos and report came a day after South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers that Ki was "playing well with her kids" and avoiding public events due to the pandemic.

Kim Jong Un's wife makes first public appearance after one year

Nearly four years after the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, a new documentary seeks to shed light on the brazen airport murder and the involvement of the two young women accused of carrying it out. 
 
Kim Jong Nam`s killing&nbsp;at Malaysia`s Kuala Lumpur International Airport in February 2017 was caught on grainy CCTV footage broadcast worldwide, yet many details still remain a mystery. 
 
U.S. director Ryan White spent 2-1/2 years investigating the case for "Assassins," which will be released in cinemas and digitally on-demand on Friday. 
 
The film focuses on the two women - Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong - who were charged with poisoning Kim by smearing his face with the banned chemical weapon VX and had at one point faced a mandatory death penalty in Malaysia. 
 
Defense lawyers maintained they were pawns in an assassination orchestrated by North Korean agents. The women said they thought they were part of a reality prank show and did not know they were poisoning Kim. 
 
Siti was freed in March 2019 after a Malaysian court dropped charges against her. Prosecutors dropped a murder charge against Huong, who pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing harm using dangerous means, and she went free the following May. 
 
South Korean and U.S. officials have said the North Korean regime had ordered the assassination of Kim, who had criticized his family`s dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied the allegation. 
 
For "Assassins," White`s extensive research included travel to Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. But he said hearing from the women themselves was the most crucial factor in finding the reality behind the headlines. 
 
Doan and Aisyah were shown the documentary earlier this week, and while the film got their blessing, Doan expressed regret over some scenes, White said. 
 
&nbsp;"Her first reaction ... was, `I wish I hadn`t smiled so much,`" he said, referring to scenes showing the return to Vietnam of Doan, who White said became a target for vitriol on social media and has "retreated into her shell a lot more."

&nbsp;"They`re both lovely and thankfully survived this experience, but I think their lives will never be the same, unfortunately," he said. 
 
 
 
(Reporting by Hanna Ratala; Writing by Jonathan Oatis; Editing by Rosalba O`Brien) 
&nbsp;

Nearly four years after the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, a new documentary seeks to shed light on the brazen airport murder and the involvement of the two young women accused of carrying it out.

Nearly four years after the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un`s estranged half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, a new documentary seeks to shed light on the brazen airport murder and the involvement of the two young women accused of carrying it out. Kim Jong Nam`s killing at Malaysia`s Kuala Lumpur International Airport in February 2017 was caught on grainy CCTV footage broadcast worldwide, yet many details still remain a mystery. U.S. director Ryan White spent 2-1/2 years investigating the case for "Assassins," which will be released in cinemas and digitally on-demand on Friday. The film focuses on the two women - Indonesian Siti Aisyah and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong - who were charged with poisoning Kim by smearing his face with the banned chemical weapon VX and had at one point faced a mandatory death penalty in Malaysia. Defense lawyers maintained they were pawns in an assassination orchestrated by North Korean agents. The women said they thought they were part of a reality prank show and did not know they were poisoning Kim. Siti was freed in March 2019 after a Malaysian court dropped charges against her. Prosecutors dropped a murder charge against Huong, who pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing harm using dangerous means, and she went free the following May. South Korean and U.S. officials have said the North Korean regime had ordered the assassination of Kim, who had criticized his family`s dynastic rule. Pyongyang has denied the allegation. For "Assassins," White`s extensive research included travel to Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. But he said hearing from the women themselves was the most crucial factor in finding the reality behind the headlines. Doan and Aisyah were shown the documentary earlier this week, and while the film got their blessing, Doan expressed regret over some scenes, White said. "Her first reaction ... was, `I wish I hadn`t smiled so much,`" he said, referring to scenes showing the return to Vietnam of Doan, who White said became a target for vitriol on social media and has "retreated into her shell a lot more." "They`re both lovely and thankfully survived this experience, but I think their lives will never be the same, unfortunately," he said. (Reporting by Hanna Ratala; Writing by Jonathan Oatis; Editing by Rosalba O`Brien)

Documentary 'Assassins' tells the strange story of the murder of Kim Jong Un's half-brother

A top US intelligence officer for North Korea has claimed that the country is using diplomacy only for selfish motives which will ultimately be harmful for the world.

Joe Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has reported that the new administration has planned a full review of the way US is planning to approach North Korea to bring negotiations back on the table.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-unveil-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-356997">North Korea unveil submarine-launched ballistic missile</a>

White House spokesperson Jen Psakin, on Friday, had also acknowledged North Korea's nuclear weapons as a serious threat against peace. She also reported that the Washington is gearing up to come up with plans of deterring Pyongyang.

Sydney Seiler, the US national intelligence officer for North Korea, has claimed that North Korea's weapons development has been one of the main consistent policy for the past 30 years.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-lashes-out-at-idiot-south-korean-authorities-kcna-356431">Kim Jong Un's sister lashes out at 'idiot' South Korean authorities: KCNA</a>

"Every engagement in diplomacy has been designed to further the nuclear programme, not to find a way out … I just urge people not to let the tactical ambiguity obstruct the strategic clarity about North Korea that we have," he told the Center for Strategic and International Studies thinktank.

"So we should not be overly encouraged if suddenly (North Korea leader Kim Jong-un) proposes dialogue tomorrow, nor should we be overly surprised, or discouraged, if there’s an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launch by Sunday," he added.

While thse statements hint towards an active plan towards North Korea's deadly nuclear weapons development, some experts have urged the new Biden administration to learn from Obama administration's mistakes and not delay te plans.

A top US intelligence officer for North Korea has claimed that the country is using diplomacy only for selfish motives which will ultimately be harmful for the world.

A top US intelligence officer for North Korea has claimed that the country is using diplomacy only for selfish motives which will ultimately be harmful for the world. Joe Biden’s nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has reported that the new administration has planned a full review of the way US is planning to approach North Korea to bring negotiations back on the table. Also read| North Korea unveil submarine-launched ballistic missile White House spokesperson Jen Psakin, on Friday, had also acknowledged North Korea's nuclear weapons as a serious threat against peace. She also reported that the Washington is gearing up to come up with plans of deterring Pyongyang. Sydney Seiler, the US national intelligence officer for North Korea, has claimed that North Korea's weapons development has been one of the main consistent policy for the past 30 years. Also read| Kim Jong Un's sister lashes out at 'idiot' South Korean authorities: KCNA "Every engagement in diplomacy has been designed to further the nuclear programme, not to find a way out … I just urge people not to let the tactical ambiguity obstruct the strategic clarity about North Korea that we have," he told the Center for Strategic and International Studies thinktank. "So we should not be overly encouraged if suddenly (North Korea leader Kim Jong-un) proposes dialogue tomorrow, nor should we be overly surprised, or discouraged, if there’s an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) launch by Sunday," he added. While thse statements hint towards an active plan towards North Korea's deadly nuclear weapons development, some experts have urged the new Biden administration to learn from Obama administration's mistakes and not delay te plans.

North Korea using diplomacy to further nuclear weapons programme: US official

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korean authorities 'idiot' over their tracking of possible military parade in Pyongyang at the weekend. Her statement was reported by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency.

"The southerners are a truly weird group hard to understand," Kim Yo Jong

"They are the idiot and top the world's list in misbehaviour."

Kim Yo Jong is a key adviser to her brother and her comments came at the end of North's ruling party Congress. It marked an important political event at which Kim Jong Un pledges to further develop his country's nuclear capabilities and admitted mistakes over the handling of the economy.

Kim Yo Jong had appeared to suffer a demotion at the meeting, not appearing on the lists of those appointed to the party central committee, after previously being an alternate member.

But the issuing of a statement in her own name is an indication she remains a key player in the North's diplomacy, having been behind its destruction of a liaison office on its side of the border last year.

On Monday, the South's military said it had detected "signs that North Korea held a military parade related to the congress" in the middle of the night at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital Pyongyang.

It said it was "closely tracking" the activity, which could have been the "actual event or its rehearsal".

The declaration provoked derision from Kim Yo Jong, who called it "senseless" and a demonstration of a "hostile attitude" by the South.

"We are only holding a military parade in the capital city, not military exercises targeting anybody nor launch of anything," she said, confirming the scheduling of the parade.

(With AFP inputs)

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korean authorities 'idiot' over their tracking of possible military parade in Pyongyang at the weekend.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korean authorities 'idiot' over their tracking of possible military parade in Pyongyang at the weekend. Her statement was reported by North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency. "The southerners are a truly weird group hard to understand," Kim Yo Jong "They are the idiot and top the world's list in misbehaviour." Kim Yo Jong is a key adviser to her brother and her comments came at the end of North's ruling party Congress. It marked an important political event at which Kim Jong Un pledges to further develop his country's nuclear capabilities and admitted mistakes over the handling of the economy. Kim Yo Jong had appeared to suffer a demotion at the meeting, not appearing on the lists of those appointed to the party central committee, after previously being an alternate member. But the issuing of a statement in her own name is an indication she remains a key player in the North's diplomacy, having been behind its destruction of a liaison office on its side of the border last year. On Monday, the South's military said it had detected "signs that North Korea held a military parade related to the congress" in the middle of the night at Kim Il Sung Square in the capital Pyongyang. It said it was "closely tracking" the activity, which could have been the "actual event or its rehearsal". The declaration provoked derision from Kim Yo Jong, who called it "senseless" and a demonstration of a "hostile attitude" by the South. "We are only holding a military parade in the capital city, not military exercises targeting anybody nor launch of anything," she said, confirming the scheduling of the parade. (With AFP inputs)

Kim Jong Un's sister lashes out at 'idiot' South Korean authorities: KCNA

North Korea's state media said that the &nbsp;Workers' Party had adopted a resolution to elect its leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-pledges-to-strengthen-defence-capabilities-at-rare-party-congress-354970">Kim Jong-Un </a>as "general secretary" a title held by his late father in a move widely seen to bolster his authority.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-kim-jong-un-calls-the-us-the-biggest-enemy-of-north-korea-355678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The KCNA news agency said that the move received "stormy applause" during the congress on Sunday. The news agency said the new position was "head of the revolution and centre of guidance and unity."

In 2012, the country had named Kim Jong Il "eternal general secretary" and Kim as the "the first secretary". The country's congress had met last in 2016.

During the congress meet, Kim had called the US "our biggest enemy" while asserting that the country was the "main obstacle to our innovated development" even as the new administration headed under president-elect Joe Biden seeks to take office in the United States on January 20.

"No matter who is in power in the US, the true nature of the US and its fundamental policies towards North Korea never change," Kim said.

Kim said it his regime has issued &nbsp;"repeated warnings" to South Korea stop imports of latest military hardware and joint military exercises with the US.

"The South Korean authorities are giving an impression that they are concerned about the improvement of the North-South relations by raising such inessential issues as anti-epidemic and humanitarian cooperation and individual tourism," he said, adding,"They are going against the implementation of the North-South agreement on the guarantee of peace and military stability in the Korean peninsula."

Kim assured that North Korea would not "misuse" its nuclear weapons, however, he added that the country would continue to expand preemptive" and "retaliatory" strike and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), spy satellites, hypersonic missiles and drones.

North Korea's state media said that the Workers' Party had adopted a resolution to elect its leader Kim Jong-Un as "general secretary" a title held by his late father in a move widely seen to bolster his authority.

North Korea's state media said that the Workers' Party had adopted a resolution to elect its leader Kim Jong-Un as "general secretary" a title held by his late father in a move widely seen to bolster his authority. Watch: The KCNA news agency said that the move received "stormy applause" during the congress on Sunday. The news agency said the new position was "head of the revolution and centre of guidance and unity." In 2012, the country had named Kim Jong Il "eternal general secretary" and Kim as the "the first secretary". The country's congress had met last in 2016. During the congress meet, Kim had called the US "our biggest enemy" while asserting that the country was the "main obstacle to our innovated development" even as the new administration headed under president-elect Joe Biden seeks to take office in the United States on January 20. "No matter who is in power in the US, the true nature of the US and its fundamental policies towards North Korea never change," Kim said. Kim said it his regime has issued "repeated warnings" to South Korea stop imports of latest military hardware and joint military exercises with the US. "The South Korean authorities are giving an impression that they are concerned about the improvement of the North-South relations by raising such inessential issues as anti-epidemic and humanitarian cooperation and individual tourism," he said, adding,"They are going against the implementation of the North-South agreement on the guarantee of peace and military stability in the Korean peninsula." Kim assured that North Korea would not "misuse" its nuclear weapons, however, he added that the country would continue to expand preemptive" and "retaliatory" strike and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), spy satellites, hypersonic missiles and drones.

In move to bolster authority, North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un assumes late father's title

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