North Korean leader Kim Jong Un apologised over the killing of a South Korean at sea, calling it an unexpected and disgraceful event.

North Korea apologises over South Korean citizen's killing

A South Korean official was shot dead after crossing a maritime border into North Korea, Seoul said Thursday.

North Korea accused of killing South Korean official and burning his body

North Korean residents held a dancing ceremony to mark the handover of new houses after a recent Hurricane ravaged the entire country. Watch report.

North Korea: Pyongyang's state broadcaster release video of residents celebrating new homes

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the reconstruction work in the flood-hit areas on Saturday, after a series of typhoons hit the country.

The condition of the flood-hit areas was earlier investigated by the leader few weeks back, following which he had ordered his loyalists to&nbsp;plan&nbsp;for an economy already hobbled by sanctions.

Kim said North Korea's economy "has faced trouble and distress at the great damage caused by the recent series of heavy rain and typhoons," the local media reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-de-facto-second-in-command-kim-yo-jong-disappears-off-public-radar-326210">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar</a>

He visited Taechong-ri, a village in North Hwanghae province and&nbsp;said he was satisfied with the&nbsp;recent developments of restructuring the affected areas, and&nbsp;with the progress.&nbsp;

The appearances are also being studied as a move to reassure his presence in the country, after various rumours about his health followed by controversies surrounding the disappearance of his sister.

He has also asked his party loyalists to come up with advanced plans of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus in the county. However, the US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams has alleged that the North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China.

Abrams also revealed that there has been an increase in the&nbsp;demand for smuggled goods since the lockdown of borders.

"They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place," Abrams said.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the reconstruction work in the flood-hit areas on Saturday, after a series of typhoons hit the country. The condition of the flood-hit areas was earlier investigated by the leader few weeks back, following which he had ordered his loyalists to plan for an economy already hobbled by sanctions.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting the reconstruction work in the flood-hit areas on Saturday, after a series of typhoons hit the country. The condition of the flood-hit areas was earlier investigated by the leader few weeks back, following which he had ordered his loyalists to plan for an economy already hobbled by sanctions. Kim said North Korea's economy "has faced trouble and distress at the great damage caused by the recent series of heavy rain and typhoons," the local media reported. Also read: North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar He visited Taechong-ri, a village in North Hwanghae province and said he was satisfied with the recent developments of restructuring the affected areas, and with the progress. The appearances are also being studied as a move to reassure his presence in the country, after various rumours about his health followed by controversies surrounding the disappearance of his sister. He has also asked his party loyalists to come up with advanced plans of containing the spread of the novel coronavirus in the county. However, the US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams has alleged that the North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China. Abrams also revealed that there has been an increase in the demand for smuggled goods since the lockdown of borders. "They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place," Abrams said.

Kim Jong Un visits typhoon-hit areas to assess redevelopment

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

The impoverished North — whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak — has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North's key ally.

Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-de-facto-second-in-command-kim-yo-jong-disappears-off-public-radar-326210">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar</a>

US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene.

The North introduced a new "buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border," Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday.

"They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place."

The border closure had effectively "accelerated the effects" of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-sister-is-de-facto-second-in-command-says-lawmaker-322027">Also read|&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker</a>

The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated.

As a result, Abrams did not expect to see any major provocations from Pyongyang in the near future, although he said it might show off a new weapons system at next month's celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Kim Jong Un's ruling party.

"The regime right now –- the military -– is focused principally on getting their country recovered and to help mitigate the risk of Covid-19," he said.&nbsp;

"We're not seeing any indications right now of any sort of lashing out."

But CSIS published on its website a satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo South naval shipyard, which its experts believe shows activity that could indicate preparations for a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

A new North Korean missile test would be yet another sign of the lack of progress in denuclearization talks between the US and Pyongyang, which have been stalled despite multiple meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Trump, who is seeking reelection in November, was the first sitting US leader to meet a member of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding.

On Thursday, Trump tweeted, without further explanation: "Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!"

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South.

North Korean authorities have issued shoot-to-kill orders to prevent the coronavirus entering the country from China, according to the commander of US forces in the South. The impoverished North — whose crumbling health system would struggle to cope with a major virus outbreak — has not confirmed a single case of the disease that has swept the world since first emerging in China, the North's key ally. Pyongyang closed its border with China in January to try to prevent contamination, and in July state media said it had raised its state of emergency to the maximum level. Also read: North Korea's de facto second-in-command Kim Yo-jong disappears off public radar US Forces Korea (USFK) commander Robert Abrams said that the border shutdown had increased demand for smuggled goods, prompting authorities to intervene. The North introduced a new "buffer zone, one or two kilometers up on the Chinese border," Abrams told an online conference organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington on Thursday. "They've got North Korean SOF (Special Operations Forces) out there. ... Strike forces, they've got shoot-to-kill orders in place." The border closure had effectively "accelerated the effects" of economic sanctions imposed on the North over its nuclear programs, he added, with imports from China plunging 85 percent. Also read| North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister is 'de facto second-in-command', says lawmaker The isolated country is also grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Maysak, with its state media reporting more than 2,000 houses have been destroyed or inundated. As a result, Abrams did not expect to see any major provocations from Pyongyang in the near future, although he said it might show off a new weapons system at next month's celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Kim Jong Un's ruling party. "The regime right now –- the military -– is focused principally on getting their country recovered and to help mitigate the risk of Covid-19," he said. "We're not seeing any indications right now of any sort of lashing out." But CSIS published on its website a satellite image of North Korea's Sinpo South naval shipyard, which its experts believe shows activity that could indicate preparations for a test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile. A new North Korean missile test would be yet another sign of the lack of progress in denuclearization talks between the US and Pyongyang, which have been stalled despite multiple meetings between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Trump, who is seeking reelection in November, was the first sitting US leader to meet a member of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea since its founding. On Thursday, Trump tweeted, without further explanation: "Kim Jong Un is in good health. Never underestimate him!"

North Korea issues shoot-to-kill orders to prevent virus: US

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered 12,000 elite members of his ruling party based in Pyongyang to help with recovery efforts in two rural provinces lashed by a powerful typhoon, state media reported Sunday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-officials-to-be-punished-after-typhoon-causes-dozens-of-casualties-325465" hreflang="en">NKorea officials to be punished after typhoon causes 'dozens of casualties'</a>

Typhoon Maysak brought days of heavy downpours to the country's east coast earlier this week even as the North was still reeling from earlier flooding and typhoon damage, and another storm is forecast to barrel through the peninsula by Tuesday.

Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North due to its creaking infrastructure, and the country is vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested.

More than 1,000 homes were destroyed by Maysak and public buildings and farmland were inundated with floodwater across North and South Hamgyong provinces, the official KCNA news agency reported.

Kim inspected the damage on Saturday and held a policy meeting on disaster relief efforts, KCNA said.

He also dismissed the chairman of the South Hamgyong provincial party committee, the report added.

Photos carried by Sunday's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed Kim standing in front of destroyed homes and toppled trees as he discussed the situation with officials.

In a two-page handwritten open letter to members of the ruling Workers' Party in Pyongyang, Kim said around 12,000 members from the capital will be sent to the two provinces to help with the recovery ahead of a key holiday next month.

North Korea will mark the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the party on October 10.

"We cannot let a lot of people in South Hamgyong Province and North Hamgyong Province who newly suffered damage spend the holiday homeless," Kim was quoted as saying in the letter, which was carried by the Rodong Sinmun.

The damage was an "urgent situation which needs to be tackled without even a moment's delay", he added.

The report did not say how many were injured, missing or dead.

In 2016 at least 138 North Koreans died after torrential rain triggered major floods, the United Nations said at the time.

In the summer of 2012 more than 160 people were killed by a massive rainstorm.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered 12,000 elite members of his ruling party based in Pyongyang to help with recovery efforts in two rural provinces lashed by a powerful typhoon, state media reported Sunday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered 12,000 elite members of his ruling party based in Pyongyang to help with recovery efforts in two rural provinces lashed by a powerful typhoon, state media reported Sunday. Also read: NKorea officials to be punished after typhoon causes 'dozens of casualties' Typhoon Maysak brought days of heavy downpours to the country's east coast earlier this week even as the North was still reeling from earlier flooding and typhoon damage, and another storm is forecast to barrel through the peninsula by Tuesday. Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North due to its creaking infrastructure, and the country is vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested. More than 1,000 homes were destroyed by Maysak and public buildings and farmland were inundated with floodwater across North and South Hamgyong provinces, the official KCNA news agency reported. Kim inspected the damage on Saturday and held a policy meeting on disaster relief efforts, KCNA said. He also dismissed the chairman of the South Hamgyong provincial party committee, the report added. Photos carried by Sunday's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed Kim standing in front of destroyed homes and toppled trees as he discussed the situation with officials. In a two-page handwritten open letter to members of the ruling Workers' Party in Pyongyang, Kim said around 12,000 members from the capital will be sent to the two provinces to help with the recovery ahead of a key holiday next month. North Korea will mark the 75th anniversary of the foundation of the party on October 10. "We cannot let a lot of people in South Hamgyong Province and North Hamgyong Province who newly suffered damage spend the holiday homeless," Kim was quoted as saying in the letter, which was carried by the Rodong Sinmun. The damage was an "urgent situation which needs to be tackled without even a moment's delay", he added. The report did not say how many were injured, missing or dead. In 2016 at least 138 North Koreans died after torrential rain triggered major floods, the United Nations said at the time. In the summer of 2012 more than 160 people were killed by a massive rainstorm.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders thousands to help typhoon recovery

According to a US think tank, North Korea may be preparing for a submarine missile launch.

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The Center for Strategic and International Studies in the United States said satellite images suggest&nbsp;that North Korea may be ready to test a medium-range submarine-based missile.

The Kim regime may be set to launch a Pukguksong-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM)&nbsp;from the sea. The country had launched a similar missile in October last year which flew at 450 km and reached an altitude of 910 km.

North Korea had suspended tests of long-range missiles after the summit with President Donald Trump even as the US president hailed his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un.

Reports said the North Korean regime may also be preparing for a major military parade in October.

According to a US think tank, North Korea may be preparing for a submarine missile launch. Also Read: Israel thwarts cyber attack from North Korean cyber group on defence industry The Center for Strategic and International Studies in the United States said satellite images suggest that North Korea may be ready to test a medium-range submarine-based missile.

According to a US think tank, North Korea may be preparing for a submarine missile launch. Also Read: Israel thwarts cyber attack from North Korean cyber group on defence industry The Center for Strategic and International Studies in the United States said satellite images suggest that North Korea may be ready to test a medium-range submarine-based missile. The Kim regime may be set to launch a Pukguksong-3 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea. The country had launched a similar missile in October last year which flew at 450 km and reached an altitude of 910 km. North Korea had suspended tests of long-range missiles after the summit with President Donald Trump even as the US president hailed his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. Reports said the North Korean regime may also be preparing for a major military parade in October.

Satellite images suggest North Korea may be preparing to launch submarine missile: US think tank

North Korea has pledged harsh punishment for local officials it says failed to protect residents from a typhoon which caused a “serious incident” with dozens of casualties, the ruling party’s newspaper reported.

Typhoon Maysak brought heavy downpours across the country earlier this week, with footage showing a street inundated with water in the eastern port town of Wonsan, Kangwon province.

Saturday’s Rodong Sinmun, an official newspaper, reported that leaders had decided to punish “irresponsible” city and provincial officials for causing “a serious incident involving dozens of casualties”.

The report did not say how many were injured, missing or dead.

The officials failed to “immediately organise a project to thoroughly identify properties at risk and evacuate all residents” despite being ordered by the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea headed by leader Kim Jong Un, it added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-suggest-north-korea-may-be-preparing-to-launch-submarine-missile-us-think-tank-325354">Also read|&nbsp;Satellite images suggest North Korea may be preparing to launch submarine missile: US think tank</a>

“A decision was made to impose severe party, administrative, and legal punishment to those responsible for the casualties.”

Maysak also hit the South, killing at least two people. More than 2,200 people were evacuated to temporary shelters in the southern city of Busan.

Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North due to its creaking infrastructure, and the country is vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested.

Punishing the local officials is a “way for the North Korean leadership to avoid blame” for the casualties, Ahn Chan-il, a defector turned researcher based in Seoul, said.

“They are sending out a message that Kim Jong Un never does anything wrong, but damages occur only because those who work for him fail to follow his order.”

North Korea has pledged harsh punishment for local officials it says failed to protect residents from a typhoon which caused a “serious incident” with dozens of casualties, the ruling party’s newspaper reported.

North Korea has pledged harsh punishment for local officials it says failed to protect residents from a typhoon which caused a “serious incident” with dozens of casualties, the ruling party’s newspaper reported. Typhoon Maysak brought heavy downpours across the country earlier this week, with footage showing a street inundated with water in the eastern port town of Wonsan, Kangwon province. Saturday’s Rodong Sinmun, an official newspaper, reported that leaders had decided to punish “irresponsible” city and provincial officials for causing “a serious incident involving dozens of casualties”. The report did not say how many were injured, missing or dead. The officials failed to “immediately organise a project to thoroughly identify properties at risk and evacuate all residents” despite being ordered by the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea headed by leader Kim Jong Un, it added. Also read| Satellite images suggest North Korea may be preparing to launch submarine missile: US think tank “A decision was made to impose severe party, administrative, and legal punishment to those responsible for the casualties.” Maysak also hit the South, killing at least two people. More than 2,200 people were evacuated to temporary shelters in the southern city of Busan. Natural disasters tend to have a greater impact in the North due to its creaking infrastructure, and the country is vulnerable to flooding as many mountains and hills have long been deforested. Punishing the local officials is a “way for the North Korean leadership to avoid blame” for the casualties, Ahn Chan-il, a defector turned researcher based in Seoul, said. “They are sending out a message that Kim Jong Un never does anything wrong, but damages occur only because those who work for him fail to follow his order.”

North Korea officials to be punished after typhoon causes 'dozens of casualties'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has called for prevention efforts against the novel coronavirus and a typhoon.

North Korean leader calls for readiness against Typhoon Bavi

The former aide to South Korea’s late president Kim Dae-jung made the claim about the leader days after he handed over some powers to his younger sister.

Kim Jong-Un in coma with North Korea passing power to sister: Reports

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reportedly in a coma and his sister Kim Yo-jong will be exercising de facto control over national and international matters

Reports: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in coma

Is Kim's sister a potential successor?

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jakarta-displays-dummy-coffin-to-raise-awareness-about-dangers-of-coronavirus-321662" hreflang="en">Jakarta displays 'dummy coffin' to raise awareness about dangers of coronavirus</a>

Kim Jong Un's move has been described as cruel and inhuman, but the North Korean leader has used class difference as an excuse to justify the step.&nbsp;

According to the Mirror's report, Kim said that poor people raise livestock and cattle while only the rich and elite have pet dogs. The North Korean leader said that the dogs are a sign of &nbsp;"capitalism" and "bourgeois ideology."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-causes-motorway-accidents-in-berlin-in-islamist-act-prosecutors-321651" hreflang="en">Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors</a>

The North Korean dictator has even ordered a ban on petting dogs as he thinks it is a symbol of "western decadence."

According to reports, North Korea is facing a shortage of food due to the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has inflicted "drastic economic hardship" after 90 per cent fall in trade with China.

A few weeks ago, the United Nations said that families in North Korea were starving and very few can afford one meal a day.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has reportedly ordered his citizens to give up their pet dogs for meats in restaurants due to acute shortage of food supplies in the country facing the coronavirus pandemic. Also read: Jakarta displays 'dummy coffin' to raise awareness about dangers of coronavirus Kim Jong Un's move has been described as cruel and inhuman, but the North Korean leader has used class difference as an excuse to justify the step. According to the Mirror's report, Kim said that poor people raise livestock and cattle while only the rich and elite have pet dogs. The North Korean leader said that the dogs are a sign of "capitalism" and "bourgeois ideology." Also read: Man causes motorway accidents in Berlin in 'Islamist' act: Prosecutors The North Korean dictator has even ordered a ban on petting dogs as he thinks it is a symbol of "western decadence." According to reports, North Korea is facing a shortage of food due to the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has inflicted "drastic economic hardship" after 90 per cent fall in trade with China. A few weeks ago, the United Nations said that families in North Korea were starving and very few can afford one meal a day.

Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat

A new book on US President Donald Trump has some interesting bits about his life, including his relationship with North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. The latter says his relationship with Trump has been like a "fantasy film", according to the publishers.

The book, titled "Rage" and a follow-up to 2018's "Fear", is due out on September 15. The new book is also set to unveil 25 private letters exchanged between the two leaders.

The relationship between the pair has been a key driver of recent diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang, veering from mutual insults and threats of war to a declaration of love from Trump.

Investigative journalist Bob Woodward obtained messages between the two leaders "that have not been public before" for his upcoming book, according to Simon &amp; Schuster.

In the letters, "Kim describes the bond between the two leaders as out of a 'fantasy film', as the two leaders engage in an extraordinary diplomatic minuet", the publisher revealed on the book's Amazon page.

Trump and Kim have met three times, beginning with their landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018, but little progress has been made on efforts to denuclearise the North.

A few months after Singapore, Trump told a rally of his supporters that the two men had fallen in love.

"No, really, he wrote me beautiful letters, and they're great letters. We fell in love," he said.

Negotiations have been deadlocked since the collapse of a second summit in Hanoi in February last year.

But even with diplomacy at a standstill, Trump has frequently boasted of receiving "very beautiful" and "excellent" letters from Kim.

Woodward, a Washington Post reporter, made his name with his coverage of the Watergate scandal and the role it played in the Richard Nixon's resignation from the presidency in 1974.

Trump has sought to discredit several of the claims made in "Fear", which offered an inside glimpse into his chaotic White House and sold 1.1 million copies in its first week.

Trump, however, has called that book a "joke" and "a scam". He was not interviewed by Woodward for "Fear".

But in January this year, Trump said he had sat down with Woodward for the upcoming work.

A new book on US President Donald Trump has some interesting bits about his life, including his relationship with North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. The latter says his relationship with Trump has been like a "fantasy film", according to the publishers.

A new book on US President Donald Trump has some interesting bits about his life, including his relationship with North Korea dictator Kim Jong Un. The latter says his relationship with Trump has been like a "fantasy film", according to the publishers. The book, titled "Rage" and a follow-up to 2018's "Fear", is due out on September 15. The new book is also set to unveil 25 private letters exchanged between the two leaders. The relationship between the pair has been a key driver of recent diplomacy between Washington and Pyongyang, veering from mutual insults and threats of war to a declaration of love from Trump. Investigative journalist Bob Woodward obtained messages between the two leaders "that have not been public before" for his upcoming book, according to Simon & Schuster. In the letters, "Kim describes the bond between the two leaders as out of a 'fantasy film', as the two leaders engage in an extraordinary diplomatic minuet", the publisher revealed on the book's Amazon page. Trump and Kim have met three times, beginning with their landmark summit in Singapore in June 2018, but little progress has been made on efforts to denuclearise the North. A few months after Singapore, Trump told a rally of his supporters that the two men had fallen in love. "No, really, he wrote me beautiful letters, and they're great letters. We fell in love," he said. Negotiations have been deadlocked since the collapse of a second summit in Hanoi in February last year. But even with diplomacy at a standstill, Trump has frequently boasted of receiving "very beautiful" and "excellent" letters from Kim. Woodward, a Washington Post reporter, made his name with his coverage of the Watergate scandal and the role it played in the Richard Nixon's resignation from the presidency in 1974. Trump has sought to discredit several of the claims made in "Fear", which offered an inside glimpse into his chaotic White House and sold 1.1 million copies in its first week. Trump, however, has called that book a "joke" and "a scam". He was not interviewed by Woodward for "Fear". But in January this year, Trump said he had sat down with Woodward for the upcoming work.

New book on Trump to reveal letters exchanged with Kim Jong Un

A combination of an&nbsp;unprecedented pressure campaign and&nbsp;coronavirus border closures and an by a&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean government keen to engage with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say.

South&nbsp;Korea's Unification Ministry said last month it will "inspect" 25 defector-run NGOs, citing their failure to file necessary documents, and check if 64 others are following conditions to stay registered. On Wednesday, the ministry expanded the investigation to a total of 289 organisations.

The sweeping probe comes as&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration strives to restart dialogue and economic projects with Pyongyang, which is under strict international embargoes due to its nuclear weapons programme.

The ministry has already revoked the licenses of two defector groups that were sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda into the North, following complaints from North&nbsp;Korea.

<img alt="K" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="77aa4fb5-4f57-4f60-bf83-a50d70f11b46" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2825%29_19.jpg" />

FILE PHOTO: A portrait of deceased North&nbsp;Korean defector Hwang Jang-yop is hung on balloons as former North&nbsp;Korean defectors and anti-North&nbsp;Korean activists prepare to release them towards the North, near the demilitarized zone separating the two&nbsp;Koreas in Paju, north of Seoul, October 10, 2011. REUTERS

Only a handful of NGOs have been investigated since 1998, and just one other has previously been stripped of its license. Without a license, the organisations cannot get tax exemptions and hold fundraisers, though donations are still allowed.

Some 30 NGOs joined forces to issue a statement urging the ministry to halt what they called a "discriminatory crackdown".

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Many of the groups have for decades worked with Seoul behind the scenes to bring defectors to the&nbsp;South&nbsp;via an informal network of brokers, charities and middlemen dubbed the North&nbsp;Korean "Underground Railroad".

Hired and funded by the NGOs, the intermediaries work as guides and offer shelter for defectors during their long, dangerous journey across China into&nbsp;Southeast Asia.

This year, the number of defectors arriving in&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;plummeted to an all-time low at 147 as of June, mainly because the North closed borders on coronavirus concerns.

Moon's administration had already sharply cut funding and now the investigations are scaring away donors, activists said.

Several NGOs told Reuters the defector networks may never recover, even when borders reopen.

"Even if the investigation ends up with nothing, rescue networks would mostly be dismantled, defection routes gone and the NGOs closed by then," said Lee Young-hwan, the founder of the Transitional Justice Working Group, which works with defectors.

Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said the investigation does not target defectors and was designed to ensure the NGOs follow rules.

Activists say Moon's administration has been less helpful than previous governments in navigating the delicate diplomacy to ensure defectors are not caught and forcibly repatriated to the North.

When 13 defectors were detained in Vietnam last year, U.S. diplomats came to rescue instead of&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean authorities, two sources familiar with the matter said.

Ji Seong-ho, a defector-turned-lawmaker who previously ran a rescue network, said he managed to help another group of refugees caught in China get to&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea, despite little help from Seoul officials.

Ji was astounded more than six months later when the officials said they were still striving to free the group.

"I was speechless," Ji said. "Government involvement may not always be successful, but how would they get the defectors released without even knowing where they were? In fact, they were already living well here."

A foreign ministry official said the government remains fully committed to defector support but some countries' relations with North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;could complicate its efforts, without elaborating on the two cases.

When&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;last year repatriated two North&nbsp;Korean sailors, calling them dangerous criminals who had killed 16 colleagues, some defectors feared they could be sent back, said Lim Il, a novelist who defected in 1997.

A coalition of 21 Seoul-based NGOs sent a petition to the United Nations last month, requesting a review of Moon's policies. Human Rights Watch and others urged Seoul to halt what they called a "political crackdown".

Imesh Pokharel, who oversees the U.N. rights agency's Seoul office, said any restrictions on the freedom of expression must be "proportionate and necessary," calling for Seoul to work with the NGOs to promote North&nbsp;Koreans' rights.

A combination of an unprecedented pressure campaign and coronavirus border closures and an by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say.

A combination of an unprecedented pressure campaign and coronavirus border closures and an by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say. South Korea's Unification Ministry said last month it will "inspect" 25 defector-run NGOs, citing their failure to file necessary documents, and check if 64 others are following conditions to stay registered. On Wednesday, the ministry expanded the investigation to a total of 289 organisations. The sweeping probe comes as South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration strives to restart dialogue and economic projects with Pyongyang, which is under strict international embargoes due to its nuclear weapons programme. The ministry has already revoked the licenses of two defector groups that were sending anti-Pyongyang propaganda into the North, following complaints from North Korea. FILE PHOTO: A portrait of deceased North Korean defector Hwang Jang-yop is hung on balloons as former North Korean defectors and anti-North Korean activists prepare to release them towards the North, near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, north of Seoul, October 10, 2011. REUTERS Only a handful of NGOs have been investigated since 1998, and just one other has previously been stripped of its license. Without a license, the organisations cannot get tax exemptions and hold fundraisers, though donations are still allowed. Some 30 NGOs joined forces to issue a statement urging the ministry to halt what they called a "discriminatory crackdown". Also read: North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone Many of the groups have for decades worked with Seoul behind the scenes to bring defectors to the South via an informal network of brokers, charities and middlemen dubbed the North Korean "Underground Railroad". Hired and funded by the NGOs, the intermediaries work as guides and offer shelter for defectors during their long, dangerous journey across China into Southeast Asia. This year, the number of defectors arriving in South Korea plummeted to an all-time low at 147 as of June, mainly because the North closed borders on coronavirus concerns. Moon's administration had already sharply cut funding and now the investigations are scaring away donors, activists said. Several NGOs told Reuters the defector networks may never recover, even when borders reopen. "Even if the investigation ends up with nothing, rescue networks would mostly be dismantled, defection routes gone and the NGOs closed by then," said Lee Young-hwan, the founder of the Transitional Justice Working Group, which works with defectors. Unification Ministry spokesman Yeo Sang-gi said the investigation does not target defectors and was designed to ensure the NGOs follow rules. Activists say Moon's administration has been less helpful than previous governments in navigating the delicate diplomacy to ensure defectors are not caught and forcibly repatriated to the North. When 13 defectors were detained in Vietnam last year, U.S. diplomats came to rescue instead of South Korean authorities, two sources familiar with the matter said. Ji Seong-ho, a defector-turned-lawmaker who previously ran a rescue network, said he managed to help another group of refugees caught in China get to South Korea, despite little help from Seoul officials. Ji was astounded more than six months later when the officials said they were still striving to free the group. "I was speechless," Ji said. "Government involvement may not always be successful, but how would they get the defectors released without even knowing where they were? In fact, they were already living well here." A foreign ministry official said the government remains fully committed to defector support but some countries' relations with North Korea could complicate its efforts, without elaborating on the two cases. When South Korea last year repatriated two North Korean sailors, calling them dangerous criminals who had killed 16 colleagues, some defectors feared they could be sent back, said Lim Il, a novelist who defected in 1997. A coalition of 21 Seoul-based NGOs sent a petition to the United Nations last month, requesting a review of Moon's policies. Human Rights Watch and others urged Seoul to halt what they called a "political crackdown". Imesh Pokharel, who oversees the U.N. rights agency's Seoul office, said any restrictions on the freedom of expression must be "proportionate and necessary," calling for Seoul to work with the NGOs to promote North Koreans' rights.

South Korea investigations threaten North Korea's 'underground railroad'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un finally inspected the flood-affected areas of the country. The leader ordered officials to provide for food and shelter for many residents who have lost their homes due to flooding. Watch report.

North Korea battles massive floods: Army mobilized for rehabilitation

North Korea’s mission to the United Nations in New York did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the U.N. report.

UN: North Korea has probably developed nuclear devices

North Korea's nuclear program still active | UN report on North Korea | WION

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said that his country's nuclear weapons are a security guarantee and “reliable, effective” deterrent that could prevent a second Korean War, state media reported Tuesday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-declares-emergency-in-border-town-over-first-suspected-covid-19-case-316097" hreflang="en">North Korea declares emergency in border town over first suspected COVID-19 case</a>

The North Korean dictator made these comments ahead of the 67th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War hinting that he has no intentions of abandoning the weapons to resume diplomacy with the United States.

Previously, the country ratcheted up fiery rhetoric or conducted weapons tests to wrest outside concessions, however, some experts believe that North Korea will avoid serious talks with the Americans before the US presidential elections in November as there is a chance for a US leadership change.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that his country has tried to become “a nuclear state” with “an absolute might” to prevent another war and that it has now built such a deterrent during his speech on Monday. 4

“Now, we’ve changed to a country which can defend itself reliably and unwaveringly against high-intensity pressures and military threats and blackmailing by imperialistic reactionaries and hostile forces,” Kim said.

“There won’t be any war on this land again and our national security and future will be guaranteed firmly and permanently because of our reliable, effective self-defensive nuclear deterrent,” Kim said.

After the speech, both North Korean and US officials passed remarks saying that they were reluctant to engage in a new round of diplomacy on the North’s nuclear program anytime soon.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said President Donald Trump would only want to engage with Kim if there were real prospects of progress. Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump met three times after the North Korean leader expressed his intent to deal away his advancing nuclear arsenals. Many experts were doubtful that Kim’s commitment disarm his weapons and said he only aimed to weaken US-led sanctions and perfect his nuclear program.

Both leaders last met in February 2019, when diplomacy talks failed in Vietnam and no agreement was signed because Trump rejected Kim’s proposal to get extensive sanctions relief in return for a limited denuclearization step.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said that his country's nuclear weapons are a security guarantee and “reliable, effective” deterrent that could prevent a second Korean War, state media reported Tuesday.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has said that his country's nuclear weapons are a security guarantee and “reliable, effective” deterrent that could prevent a second Korean War, state media reported Tuesday. Also read: North Korea declares emergency in border town over first suspected COVID-19 case The North Korean dictator made these comments ahead of the 67th anniversary of the end of the 1950-53 Korean War hinting that he has no intentions of abandoning the weapons to resume diplomacy with the United States. Previously, the country ratcheted up fiery rhetoric or conducted weapons tests to wrest outside concessions, however, some experts believe that North Korea will avoid serious talks with the Americans before the US presidential elections in November as there is a chance for a US leadership change. According to the Korean Central News Agency, Kim said that his country has tried to become “a nuclear state” with “an absolute might” to prevent another war and that it has now built such a deterrent during his speech on Monday. 4 “Now, we’ve changed to a country which can defend itself reliably and unwaveringly against high-intensity pressures and military threats and blackmailing by imperialistic reactionaries and hostile forces,” Kim said. “There won’t be any war on this land again and our national security and future will be guaranteed firmly and permanently because of our reliable, effective self-defensive nuclear deterrent,” Kim said. After the speech, both North Korean and US officials passed remarks saying that they were reluctant to engage in a new round of diplomacy on the North’s nuclear program anytime soon. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had said President Donald Trump would only want to engage with Kim if there were real prospects of progress. Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump met three times after the North Korean leader expressed his intent to deal away his advancing nuclear arsenals. Many experts were doubtful that Kim’s commitment disarm his weapons and said he only aimed to weaken US-led sanctions and perfect his nuclear program. Both leaders last met in February 2019, when diplomacy talks failed in Vietnam and no agreement was signed because Trump rejected Kim’s proposal to get extensive sanctions relief in return for a limited denuclearization step.

Kim Jong Un denies possibility of another war in North Korea; thanks 'reliable, effective' nuclear arms

North Korea reported new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, according to state media. This is the first time that the country has acknowledged that the virus may have crossed into the country.

North Korea reported new cases of coronavirus on Sunday, according to state media. This is the first time that the country has acknowledged that the virus may have crossed into the country. Also read: Bolsonaro says he tested negative for COVID-19, two weeks after diagnosis North Korea's official news agency KCNA described the case as "a person who is suspected to have been infected with the vicious virus returned on July 19 after illegally crossing the demarcation line." The country previously denied reporting even a single case of coronavirus. The virus caused a pandemic across the globe and the country's borders remain closed. According to the KCNA, the suspected virus victim was "a runaway who went to the south three years ago," and was found in Kaesong City, on the border with South Korea. The unnamed person "was put under strict quarantine as a primary step and all the persons ... who contacted that person and those who have been to the city in the last five days are being thoroughly investigated" and quarantined, KCNA said. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un called an emergency politburo meeting on Saturday to address the "dangerous situation ... that may lead to a deadly and destructive disaster." The meet was to adopt a "maximum emergency system and issue a top-class alert" to contain the epidemic, KCNA said. Despite country's strict measures "the vicious virus could be said to have entered the country," Kim said, according to KCNA. Kim said the government took the "preemptive measure of totally blocking Kaesong City" on July 24. (Inputs from AFP)

North Korea reports 'suspected' case of COVID-19 in defector

In 1948, two separate governments were formed in North and South Korea. North Korea became a dictatorship. South Korea is a democracy. More than 70 years later, both countries are worlds apart.

Gravitas: The Story of the Two Koreas

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said there was "no need" for another summit with the United States unless Washington offered a "decisive change" in approach.

Kim Yo Jong -- who has emerged as one of her brother's closest advisers -- said: "There is no need for us to sit across with the US right now."

If a summit was held, she said, "it is too obvious that it will only be used as boring boasting coming from someone's pride".

Kim and US President Donald Trump first met in Singapore two years ago but talks over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have been stalled since their Hanoi summit collapsed in early 2019.

Trump said this week he would "certainly" meet with Kim again if he thought it was going to be helpful.

Denuclearisation, Kim Yo Jong added, was "not possible at this point", and could only happen alongside parallel "irreversible simultaneous major steps" by the other side.

Pyongyang insists that it needs its nuclear arsenal to deter against a possible US invasion.

Kim Yo Jong's statement was only her personal view, she said.

Kim Jong-un declared in December an end to moratoriums on nuclear and ballistic missile tests, and Pyongyang has repeatedly said it has no intention to continue talks unless Washington drops what it describes as "hostile" policies towards the North.

Washington stations 28,500 troops in the South to defend it against its neighbour, and has a range of military assets in Japan and the wider Pacific region.

 
&nbsp;

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said there was "no need" for another summit with the United States unless Washington offered a "decisive change" in approach.

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said there was "no need" for another summit with the United States unless Washington offered a "decisive change" in approach. Kim Yo Jong -- who has emerged as one of her brother's closest advisers -- said: "There is no need for us to sit across with the US right now." If a summit was held, she said, "it is too obvious that it will only be used as boring boasting coming from someone's pride". Kim and US President Donald Trump first met in Singapore two years ago but talks over Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal have been stalled since their Hanoi summit collapsed in early 2019. Trump said this week he would "certainly" meet with Kim again if he thought it was going to be helpful. Denuclearisation, Kim Yo Jong added, was "not possible at this point", and could only happen alongside parallel "irreversible simultaneous major steps" by the other side. Pyongyang insists that it needs its nuclear arsenal to deter against a possible US invasion. Kim Yo Jong's statement was only her personal view, she said. Kim Jong-un declared in December an end to moratoriums on nuclear and ballistic missile tests, and Pyongyang has repeatedly said it has no intention to continue talks unless Washington drops what it describes as "hostile" policies towards the North. Washington stations 28,500 troops in the South to defend it against its neighbour, and has a range of military assets in Japan and the wider Pacific region.

Kim Jong-un's sister says 'no need' for another US-N Korea summit

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads.

According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme. The said site is in the village of Wollo-ri near the country's capital city of Pyongyang and has not been previously disclosed to the public.

The facility was first identified in 2015 by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies.

The public disclosure of yet another previously unidentified North Korean facility again negates President Donald Trump's infamous claim in 2018 that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat.

It also comes as talks between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled.

Additionally, the site appears to contain an underground facility, according to satellite images, though experts acknowledge it is difficult to assess how extensive that facility is.

Satellite photos also reveal consistent vehicle movement at the site, indicating it remains active and has a continuing role in North Korea's nuclear development.

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads. According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme.

New satellite imagery shows recent activity at a previously undeclared North Korean facility that researchers suspect is being used to build nuclear warheads. According to CNN, the images are believed to be linked to North Korea's nuclear programme. The said site is in the village of Wollo-ri near the country's capital city of Pyongyang and has not been previously disclosed to the public. The facility was first identified in 2015 by researchers at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies. The public disclosure of yet another previously unidentified North Korean facility again negates President Donald Trump's infamous claim in 2018 that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. It also comes as talks between Washington and Pyongyang remain stalled. Additionally, the site appears to contain an underground facility, according to satellite images, though experts acknowledge it is difficult to assess how extensive that facility is. Satellite photos also reveal consistent vehicle movement at the site, indicating it remains active and has a continuing role in North Korea's nuclear development.

New satellite images show activity at suspected North Korean nuclear facility

North Korea has upped its anti-South Korea rhetoric, and recently took it a step further by bombing a joint liaison office symbolic of Korean unity and peace.

The country claimed that South Korea had been smuggling anti-Kim leaflets across the border, in a bid to increase rates of defectors emerging from the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-calls-for-developing-a-self-sufficient-economy-304143" hreflang="en">North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'</a>

According to a Russian envoy, the leaflets have caused such a huge stir owing to the “dirty, disgusting” depictions of Kim Jong-un’s wife - Ri Sol Ju.

These leaflets are usually transported via air balloons, or in bottles. North Korea has threatened its neighbour with military action, while also reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers across the border, a kind of warfare historically employed by both countries in the “demilitarised zone”.

"Last straw"

Russian ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora recently told a Russian news agency that the leaflets have become such a sensitive issue owing to its “insulting propaganda”, which has sparked “serious outrage”.

Russia is one the key allies of North Korea, and Matsegora one of the longest serving Russian ambassadors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/kim-jong-un-wants-to-increase-north-koreas-nuclear-war-deterrence-says-report-300739" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un wants to increase North Korea's nuclear war deterrence, says report</a>

"The leaflets bore a special kind of dirty, insulting propaganda, aimed at the leader's spouse," Matsegora said in conversation with Russia's TASS news agency on Monday, June 29.&nbsp;He further claimed that the photos were edited “in such a low-grade way”, serving as the “last straw” for Kim.

The first meeting between the two leaders was set-up by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Currently, North Korea faces multiple sanctions by the United Nations over its banned weapons programmes.

Sister-in-chief? No!

Matsegora additionally said that Kim’s younger sister was not being trained to take over Kim Jong-un. Recently, reports suggested that the Korean leader faked his death to test the allegiance of his close aides. International media reported that he was actually dead until he abruptly resurfaced.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/kim-jong-un-makes-first-public-appearance-after-nearly-three-weeks-296212" hreflang="en">Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks</a>

Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s sister has been one of his recent key advisers. In fact, it was she who warned about “completely” destroying the liaison office and referred to South Korean president as “disgusting”.

US President Donald Trump has been for long attempting to denuclearise the peninsula, but efforts fell apart last year, even though Trump had referred to Kim as a “good friend”. As part of the deal, Trump wanted Jong-un to stop making nuclear weapons in exchange for loosening sanctions.

North Korea has upped its anti-South Korea rhetoric, and recently took it a step further by bombing a joint liaison office symbolic of Korean unity and peace. The country claimed that South Korea had been smuggling anti-Kim leaflets across the border, in a bid to increase rates of defectors emerging from the country.

North Korea has upped its anti-South Korea rhetoric, and recently took it a step further by bombing a joint liaison office symbolic of Korean unity and peace. The country claimed that South Korea had been smuggling anti-Kim leaflets across the border, in a bid to increase rates of defectors emerging from the country. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy' According to a Russian envoy, the leaflets have caused such a huge stir owing to the “dirty, disgusting” depictions of Kim Jong-un’s wife - Ri Sol Ju. These leaflets are usually transported via air balloons, or in bottles. North Korea has threatened its neighbour with military action, while also reinstalling propaganda loudspeakers across the border, a kind of warfare historically employed by both countries in the “demilitarised zone”. "Last straw" Russian ambassador to North Korea Alexander Matsegora recently told a Russian news agency that the leaflets have become such a sensitive issue owing to its “insulting propaganda”, which has sparked “serious outrage”. Russia is one the key allies of North Korea, and Matsegora one of the longest serving Russian ambassadors. Also read: Kim Jong Un wants to increase North Korea's nuclear war deterrence, says report "The leaflets bore a special kind of dirty, insulting propaganda, aimed at the leader's spouse," Matsegora said in conversation with Russia's TASS news agency on Monday, June 29. He further claimed that the photos were edited “in such a low-grade way”, serving as the “last straw” for Kim. The first meeting between the two leaders was set-up by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Currently, North Korea faces multiple sanctions by the United Nations over its banned weapons programmes. Sister-in-chief? No! Matsegora additionally said that Kim’s younger sister was not being trained to take over Kim Jong-un. Recently, reports suggested that the Korean leader faked his death to test the allegiance of his close aides. International media reported that he was actually dead until he abruptly resurfaced. Also read: Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks Kim Yo Jong, the leader’s sister has been one of his recent key advisers. In fact, it was she who warned about “completely” destroying the liaison office and referred to South Korean president as “disgusting”. US President Donald Trump has been for long attempting to denuclearise the peninsula, but efforts fell apart last year, even though Trump had referred to Kim as a “good friend”. As part of the deal, Trump wanted Jong-un to stop making nuclear weapons in exchange for loosening sanctions.

'Dirty, disgusting' depictions of Kim Jong-un's wife in leaflets may have set off a stronger anti-South rhetoric

Kim Jong Un ordered the suspension of military actions against South Korea, a move that could ease tensions after North Korea blew up a liaison office built by Seoul and warned of further provocations.

Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”.

His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details.

The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Bolton also revealed that Trump “always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first”.

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The memoir was published on Tuesday, and is perhaps the first of its kind in the entire US history. Trump had attempted to block the release of the book, which was denied by US court. According to Trump, the book contains sensitive details pertaining to national security, which is why, according to him it ought to be banned. This request was rejected.

Trump intends to drag Bolton to court and will reportedly seek a share of profits made from the book.

Bolton claims that he had resigned last September after first-handedly witnessing denuclearisation efforts in the Korean peninsula.

<h6><img alt="North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="facc88e3-f2ff-4d9a-8424-9875f48013a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_9.jpg" /> 
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019 | AFP</h6>

 
“Well, he said that he always, back in the day, as they say, he always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first,” Bolton said. “He didn’t want the girl to break up with him. And he used that to describe whether he would cancel the summit with Kim Jong-un first or whether we would risk the North Koreans cancelling it”.

“And I thought it was an insight into the president, candidly given, that showed how he approached this. As opposed to looking at it from the perspective of what our ultimate strategic interest was, in my view, would have been better not to agree to the summit to begin with.”

Trump has recently not made any comments on North Korea, especially after North’s violent transgressions whereby it blew up a shared liaison office across the border, which was seen as a symbol of North-South unity.

Related story:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-negotiates-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia-wants-chinas-inclusion-in-talks-307961" hreflang="en">US negotiates nuclear arms treaty with Russia, wants China's inclusion in talks</a>

Bolton said “this entire two-year-long effort with North Korea ended in diplomatic failure. But that allowed the North Koreans the time that they need to continue to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems.”

Trump told a rally in West Virginia earlier while alluding to Kim, “He wrote me beautiful letters, and they’re great letters. We fell in love."

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”. His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details.

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”. His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Bolton also revealed that Trump “always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first”. Related story: Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban The memoir was published on Tuesday, and is perhaps the first of its kind in the entire US history. Trump had attempted to block the release of the book, which was denied by US court. According to Trump, the book contains sensitive details pertaining to national security, which is why, according to him it ought to be banned. This request was rejected. Trump intends to drag Bolton to court and will reportedly seek a share of profits made from the book. Bolton claims that he had resigned last September after first-handedly witnessing denuclearisation efforts in the Korean peninsula. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019 | AFP “Well, he said that he always, back in the day, as they say, he always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first,” Bolton said. “He didn’t want the girl to break up with him. And he used that to describe whether he would cancel the summit with Kim Jong-un first or whether we would risk the North Koreans cancelling it”. “And I thought it was an insight into the president, candidly given, that showed how he approached this. As opposed to looking at it from the perspective of what our ultimate strategic interest was, in my view, would have been better not to agree to the summit to begin with.” Trump has recently not made any comments on North Korea, especially after North’s violent transgressions whereby it blew up a shared liaison office across the border, which was seen as a symbol of North-South unity. Related story: US negotiates nuclear arms treaty with Russia, wants China's inclusion in talks Bolton said “this entire two-year-long effort with North Korea ended in diplomatic failure. But that allowed the North Koreans the time that they need to continue to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems.” Trump told a rally in West Virginia earlier while alluding to Kim, “He wrote me beautiful letters, and they’re great letters. We fell in love." Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up'

North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border on June 16, the South's Unification Ministry said, after days of increasingly virulent rhetoric from Pyongyang. Watch report.

N Korea to redeploy troops along border: Blows up inter-Korean liaison office

South-Korea peninsula on the boil: North Korea blows up joint liaison office

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

A top North Korean official warned that the country would soon take ''painful''&nbsp;retaliation against South Korea, saying that its trust in Seoul to uphold inter-Korean agreements has been ''shattered''&nbsp;by the government’s failure to stop activists from sending anti-regime leaflets into its territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-pandemic-tensions-escalate-between-north-korea-and-south-korea-305202">Amid pandemic, tensions escalate between North Korea and South Korea</a>

In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) ahead of Monday’s 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s efforts to stop NGOs from launching balloons and bottles carrying anti-DPRK literature as ''lip-service.''

''The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities,''&nbsp;the statement, reportedly delivered by head of the United Front Department (UFD) Jang Geum Chol, read, accusing South Korea of having ''no will''&nbsp;to implement previous inter-Korean agreements.

''The confidence that [we] tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered,''&nbsp;he added. ''We really don’t want to stand face to face with them as they often talk tall as if to achieve something great but fail in taking even a step in practice.''

''The recent incident has smashed to pieces the confidence in the south Korean authorities that we have made so much effort to build.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-and-the-north-the-two-issues-of-south-korea-305463">Coronavirus and the North: The two issues of South Korea</a>

A meeting of South Korea’s Blue House earlier in the week aimed at taking steps&nbsp; to curb the launch of the balloons by activists, Jang said, was insincere.

South Korea has been the target of a wave of angry statements recently from the North, which has accused Seoul of allowing defectors to launch leaflets critical of leader Kim Jong Un into its territory.

The latest statement was in response to a South Korean foreign ministry official reportedly saying Seoul would continue "efforts for denuclearisation", referring to the long-stalled nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea.

"It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of south Korean authorities... who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or... poke their noses into the matters between" Pyongyang and Washington, Kwon Jong Gun, the North's foreign affairs official in charge of negotiating with the US, said in a statement.

Kwon denounced Seoul for trying to "meddle" in the process in the statement, which was carried by North Korea's official KCNA news agency and concluded with the warning: "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons.

North Korea on Saturday issued another angry statement against Seoul, this time excoriating it for "nonsensical" statements on the stalled dialogue about Pyongyang's nuclear weapons. A top North Korean official warned that the country would soon take ''painful'' retaliation against South Korea, saying that its trust in Seoul to uphold inter-Korean agreements has been ''shattered'' by the government’s failure to stop activists from sending anti-regime leaflets into its territory. Also read: Amid pandemic, tensions escalate between North Korea and South Korea In a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) ahead of Monday’s 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, Pyongyang dismissed Seoul’s efforts to stop NGOs from launching balloons and bottles carrying anti-DPRK literature as ''lip-service.'' ''The times ahead will be truly regrettable and painful for the South Korean authorities,'' the statement, reportedly delivered by head of the United Front Department (UFD) Jang Geum Chol, read, accusing South Korea of having ''no will'' to implement previous inter-Korean agreements. ''The confidence that [we] tried so hard to have in the South Korean authorities has been shattered,'' he added. ''We really don’t want to stand face to face with them as they often talk tall as if to achieve something great but fail in taking even a step in practice.'' ''The recent incident has smashed to pieces the confidence in the south Korean authorities that we have made so much effort to build.'' Also read: Coronavirus and the North: The two issues of South Korea A meeting of South Korea’s Blue House earlier in the week aimed at taking steps to curb the launch of the balloons by activists, Jang said, was insincere. South Korea has been the target of a wave of angry statements recently from the North, which has accused Seoul of allowing defectors to launch leaflets critical of leader Kim Jong Un into its territory. The latest statement was in response to a South Korean foreign ministry official reportedly saying Seoul would continue "efforts for denuclearisation", referring to the long-stalled nuclear talks between the United States and North Korea. "It is really preposterous to hear the balderdash of south Korean authorities... who do not have either any qualification to discuss, or... poke their noses into the matters between" Pyongyang and Washington, Kwon Jong Gun, the North's foreign affairs official in charge of negotiating with the US, said in a statement. Kwon denounced Seoul for trying to "meddle" in the process in the statement, which was carried by North Korea's official KCNA news agency and concluded with the warning: "It is better to stop a nonsensical talking about denuclearization."

North Korea warns South Korea of 'painful' consequences as tensions mount

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues.

North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-stop-people-sending-cross-border-messages-after-threat-from-the-north-303270" hreflang="en">South Korea to stop people sending cross-border messages after threat from the North</a>

According to state news agency KCNA, the meeting discussed “crucial issues arising in further developing the self-sufficient economy of the country and improving the standard of people's living”. 
 
North Korea has amped up its criticism of South Korea lately, and has asked the neighbour to prohibit defector material from reaching the communist country. North Korea rejected a routine call from South Korea for the first time ever 2018, as per South Korea’s Unification Ministry.

<h6><img alt="This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66ad27ff-de56-4424-aadf-e92d8bf51da4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_3.jpg" /> 
This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. | AFP</h6>

Additionally, North Korea has threatened to pull out from collaborative projects.

South Korea reasserted commitment to maintaining preexisting inter-Korean agreements. The country is planning to penalise sending material to its Northern counterpart.

Reviving the economy was one of the major concerns in the meeting, with KCNA reporting referring to the chemical industry and fertiliser production as "a major thrust front of the national economy”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/north-korea-threatens-to-halt-military-agreement-with-the-south-over-anti-kim-leaflets-303122" hreflang="en">North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets</a>

Another focus of the meeting was constructing residential houses in a bid to improving the country’s living standard.

Last month, rumours of Kim’s death flooded social media. But these were disproved when he made an abrupt appearance. However, reports claimed that Kim faked his death to test the loyalty of his close aides.

As of now, the country has reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19, but many experts and analysts believe that the truth may be far from it.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. Also read: South Korea to stop people sending cross-border messages after threat from the North According to state news agency KCNA, the meeting discussed “crucial issues arising in further developing the self-sufficient economy of the country and improving the standard of people's living”. North Korea has amped up its criticism of South Korea lately, and has asked the neighbour to prohibit defector material from reaching the communist country. North Korea rejected a routine call from South Korea for the first time ever 2018, as per South Korea’s Unification Ministry. This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. | AFP Additionally, North Korea has threatened to pull out from collaborative projects. South Korea reasserted commitment to maintaining preexisting inter-Korean agreements. The country is planning to penalise sending material to its Northern counterpart. Reviving the economy was one of the major concerns in the meeting, with KCNA reporting referring to the chemical industry and fertiliser production as "a major thrust front of the national economy”. Also read: North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets Another focus of the meeting was constructing residential houses in a bid to improving the country’s living standard. Last month, rumours of Kim’s death flooded social media. But these were disproved when he made an abrupt appearance. However, reports claimed that Kim faked his death to test the loyalty of his close aides. As of now, the country has reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19, but many experts and analysts believe that the truth may be far from it. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'

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