<div>
The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization says that North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to&nbsp;860,000 tonnes&nbsp;this year.&nbsp;

A "harsh lean period" could begin as soon as next month, according to the agency.

Alos read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-food-situation-tense-due-to-pandemic-typhoons-391756" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">North Korea’s Kim says food situation ‘tense’ due to pandemic, typhoons</a>

It has long struggled to feed itself, suffering chronic food shortages as a result of multiple international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> pandemic and summer of storms and floods further strained the country's economy with&nbsp;Pyongyang acknowledging last month that it was facing a "current food crisis".&nbsp;

In the FAO report, which had a Monday reference date, North Korea is expecting its grain production to be at a "near-average level" of 5.6 million tonnes this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/widespread-food-shortages-un-human-rights-expert-on-north-koreas-situation-304824" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">'Widespread food shortages': UN human rights expert on North Korea's situation</a>

The report indicated that North Korea's total food supply falls short by approximately 1.1 million tonnes. With 205,000 tonnes of commercial imports planned, the country will likely face an 860,000 tonnes shortage of food.

Households in August and October could suffer a harsh lean period if this gap isn't adequately closed through commercial imports or food aid, the report said.

As a result of closing its borders against the pandemic last year, Pyongyang's trade with Beijing -- its economic lifeline -- has slowed down substantially. In addition to this, all international aid workers have left the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-food-shortage-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-orders-citizens-to-give-up-dogs-for-meat-321671" style="color:blue; text-decoration:underline">Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat</a>

Last summer, a series of typhoons triggered floods destroying thousands of homes and flooding farmlands. In recent months, Kim Jong Un has made rare references to the hardship, saying that the food situation was getting "tense". North Korea has urged residents to prepare for the "worst-ever conditions".

As a result of the fall of the former Soviet Union, which left the country without crucial aid, North Korea suffered a massive nationwide famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people.
</div>

The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization says that North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to 860,000 tonnes this year. A "harsh lean period" could begin as soon as next month, according to the agency.

The UN's Food and Agricultural Organization says that North Korea is facing a severe food shortage equivalent to 860,000 tonnes this year. A "harsh lean period" could begin as soon as next month, according to the agency. Alos read | North Korea’s Kim says food situation ‘tense’ due to pandemic, typhoons It has long struggled to feed itself, suffering chronic food shortages as a result of multiple international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes. The coronavirus pandemic and summer of storms and floods further strained the country's economy with Pyongyang acknowledging last month that it was facing a "current food crisis". In the FAO report, which had a Monday reference date, North Korea is expecting its grain production to be at a "near-average level" of 5.6 million tonnes this year. Also read | 'Widespread food shortages': UN human rights expert on North Korea's situation The report indicated that North Korea's total food supply falls short by approximately 1.1 million tonnes. With 205,000 tonnes of commercial imports planned, the country will likely face an 860,000 tonnes shortage of food. Households in August and October could suffer a harsh lean period if this gap isn't adequately closed through commercial imports or food aid, the report said. As a result of closing its borders against the pandemic last year, Pyongyang's trade with Beijing -- its economic lifeline -- has slowed down substantially. In addition to this, all international aid workers have left the country. Also read | Amid food shortage, North Korea's Kim Jong Un orders citizens to give up dogs for meat Last summer, a series of typhoons triggered floods destroying thousands of homes and flooding farmlands. In recent months, Kim Jong Un has made rare references to the hardship, saying that the food situation was getting "tense". North Korea has urged residents to prepare for the "worst-ever conditions". As a result of the fall of the former Soviet Union, which left the country without crucial aid, North Korea suffered a massive nationwide famine in the 1990s that killed hundreds of thousands of people.

Kim Jong Un's North Korea will face food shortages of up to 860,000 tonnes: UN agency

Everyone in&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea is heartbroken over leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/kim-jong-un">Kim Jong Un's</a> apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim.

The rare public comment on Kim's health comes after foreign analysts noted in early June that the autocratic leader, who is believed to be 37, appeared to have lost a noticeable amount of weight.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/interesting-signal-from-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-says-white-house-393019">'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House</a>

"Seeing respected general secretary (Kim Jong Un) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much," the man said in an interview aired by state broadcaster KRT on Friday.

"Everyone is saying that their tears welled up," he said.

In the clip, which Reuters could not independently verify, Pyongyang residents were seen watching a big screen on the street showing a concert attended by Kim and party officials after a plenary meeting of their Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

The broadcast did not provide any details on what had led to the weight loss.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-reappears-days-after-health-speculations-323107">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations</a>

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&nbsp;North&nbsp;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&nbsp;North&nbsp;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.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-tightens-ruling-party-discipline-appoints-new-politburo-members-392500">Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members</a>

In 2014, state media reported that Kim was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye.

Everyone in North Korea is heartbroken over leader Kim Jong Un's apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim.

Everyone in North Korea is heartbroken over leader Kim Jong Un's apparent weight loss, said an unidentified resident of Pyongyang quoted on the country's tightly controlled state media, after watching recent video footage of Kim. The rare public comment on Kim's health comes after foreign analysts noted in early June that the autocratic leader, who is believed to be 37, appeared to have lost a noticeable amount of weight. Also read | 'Interesting signal' from North Korea's Kim Jong Un, says White House "Seeing respected general secretary (Kim Jong Un) looking emaciated breaks our people's heart so much," the man said in an interview aired by state broadcaster KRT on Friday. "Everyone is saying that their tears welled up," he said. In the clip, which Reuters could not independently verify, Pyongyang residents were seen watching a big screen on the street showing a concert attended by Kim and party officials after a plenary meeting of their Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). The broadcast did not provide any details on what had led to the weight loss. Also read | North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reappears days after health speculations 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. Also read | Kim Jong Un tightens ruling party discipline, appoints new politburo members In 2014, state media reported that Kim was suffering from "discomfort", after a prolonged period out of the public eye.

North Koreans worry over 'emaciated' Kim Jong Un, says state media

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 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

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session.

In a statement presented at the 74th World Health Assembly, North Korea also urged the World Health Organization to help achieve a fair distribution of the vaccines across the globe.

"The development of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines might be the achievement for the common mankind whereas an unfair reality is to be seen that some countries are procuring and storing the vaccines more than its needs by inspiring the vaccine nationalism plainly when other countries can't even procure it with their affordability," it said.

Criticising further Pyongyang also alleged countries for engaging in "national egoism with the vaccine and making bottleneck for the mass production of it by seeking only for the profit.

"It then called on WHO to make an effort "for a thorough consideration in the moral and ethical phase of the health workers to save the human life and for removal of the global inequality.

"It further added that North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free but has taken relatively swift and tough measures against the global pandemic, such as imposing strict border controls, since early last year.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, A shipment of coronavirus vaccines to North Korea via the global COVAX sharing programme that was expected for late May has been delayed again amid protracted consultations, South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday.

COVAX, which secures vaccines for poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to North Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session.

After terming the vaccines developed by global drugmakers as "no panacea", North Korean state media has criticized some countries for storing an excessive stock of coronavirus vaccines while others suffer from a lack of supplies in a recent United Nations session. In a statement presented at the 74th World Health Assembly, North Korea also urged the World Health Organization to help achieve a fair distribution of the vaccines across the globe. "The development of COVID-19 vaccines and medicines might be the achievement for the common mankind whereas an unfair reality is to be seen that some countries are procuring and storing the vaccines more than its needs by inspiring the vaccine nationalism plainly when other countries can't even procure it with their affordability," it said. Criticising further Pyongyang also alleged countries for engaging in "national egoism with the vaccine and making bottleneck for the mass production of it by seeking only for the profit. "It then called on WHO to make an effort "for a thorough consideration in the moral and ethical phase of the health workers to save the human life and for removal of the global inequality. "It further added that North Korea has claimed to be coronavirus-free but has taken relatively swift and tough measures against the global pandemic, such as imposing strict border controls, since early last year. Meanwhile, A shipment of coronavirus vaccines to North Korea via the global COVAX sharing programme that was expected for late May has been delayed again amid protracted consultations, South Korea's Unification Ministry said on Tuesday. COVAX, which secures vaccines for poor countries, has said it will provide nearly 2 million doses of AstraZeneca's COVID-19 vaccine to North Korea. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea criticises nations for piling up the excessive supply of COVID-19 vaccines

Challenging the North Korean dictator, an activist group in South Korea has released balloons into North Korea denouncing the government led by Kim Jong Un.

Park Sang-hak is an activist who had led a similar campaign in 2000. He has now announced that he launched 10 advertising balloons carrying 500,000 leaflets, 500 mini booklets and nearly 5,000 $1 bills in border provinces. The act took place between Sunday and Thursday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-facing-its-worst-ever-situation-admits-kim-jong-un-375885" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-facing-its-worst-ever-situation-admits-kim-jong-un-375885&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiMmti2j6bwAhW3yjgGHa6iCZkQFjAAegQIBhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw00oQB35ncTZJrWfNbeBk81" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-facing-its-worst-ever-situation-admits-kim-jong-un-375885" target="_blank">North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits&nbsp;Kim Jong Un</a>

In images released by the Fighters For Free North Korea group, Park can be seen launching the said balloons at night.

The group has demanded an end to the "hereditary dictatorship" of Kim Jong Un and his family, through this act.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-sister-kim-yo-jong-slams-south-korea-for-criticising-recent-missile-test-374160">Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong slams South Korea for criticising recent missile test</a>

A video also shows Park holding a large poster of Kim Jong Un’s drawing in which the North Korean leader can be seen holding missiles in both fists. The activist also presented slogans denouncing Kim as a ‘lunatic’ carrying out nuclear missile provocations.

This incident has taken a place almost a year after North Korea had threatened cutting all communication with South Korea in case of any leaflets or other literature material is circulated. Following the threat, the South Korean government had passed a law in December banning distribution or scattering of any printed material, goods, money, and more across the border.

Any violation of the law is punishable by up to three years in prison or 30 million won ($27,500) in fines.

Challenging the North Korean dictator, an activist group in South Korea has released balloons into North Korea denouncing the government led by Kim Jong Un. Park Sang-hak is an activist who had led a similar campaign in 2000.

Challenging the North Korean dictator, an activist group in South Korea has released balloons into North Korea denouncing the government led by Kim Jong Un. Park Sang-hak is an activist who had led a similar campaign in 2000. He has now announced that he launched 10 advertising balloons carrying 500,000 leaflets, 500 mini booklets and nearly 5,000 $1 bills in border provinces. The act took place between Sunday and Thursday. Also read | North Korea facing its 'worst-ever situation', admits Kim Jong Un In images released by the Fighters For Free North Korea group, Park can be seen launching the said balloons at night. The group has demanded an end to the "hereditary dictatorship" of Kim Jong Un and his family, through this act. Also read | Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong slams South Korea for criticising recent missile test A video also shows Park holding a large poster of Kim Jong Un’s drawing in which the North Korean leader can be seen holding missiles in both fists. The activist also presented slogans denouncing Kim as a ‘lunatic’ carrying out nuclear missile provocations. This incident has taken a place almost a year after North Korea had threatened cutting all communication with South Korea in case of any leaflets or other literature material is circulated. Following the threat, the South Korean government had passed a law in December banning distribution or scattering of any printed material, goods, money, and more across the border. Any violation of the law is punishable by up to three years in prison or 30 million won ($27,500) in fines.

Defector group launches anti-North Korea leaflets despite ban

Isolated North Korea has continued to claim a perfect record in keeping out the coronavirus in its latest report to the World Health Organisation.

At the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, North Korea described its efforts to keep out the virus as a ''matter of national existence.''

It shut its borders, banned tourists, and jetted out diplomats. It still severely limits cross-border traffic and has quarantined tens of thousands of people who have shown symptoms.

But it still says it has found no case of COVID-19, a widely doubted claim given its poor health infrastructure and a porous border with China, its economic lifeline.

In an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Edwin Salvador, WHO's representative to North Korea, said the North has reported it tested 23,121 people for the coronavirus from the beginning of the pandemic to April 1 and that all results were negative. Salvador said the North said 732 people were tested between March 26 and April 1.

WHO officials say the North is no longer providing the UN agency with the number of people it quarantines with suspected symptoms.

North Korea said Tuesday it would skip the Tokyo Olympics to protect athletes from the ''world public health crisis caused by COVID-19.''

The UN-backed programme to ship COVID-19 vaccines worldwide said in February that North Korea could receive 1.9 million vaccine doses in the first half of this year. However, COVAX has since warned of global shortages because the Serum Institute of India, which is licensed to produce the

AstraZeneca vaccine is putting its supplies into domestic demand while India's virus caseload is surging.

Isolated North Korea has continued to claim a perfect record in keeping out the coronavirus in its latest report to the World Health Organisation. At the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, North Korea described its efforts to keep out the virus as a ''matter of national existence.

Isolated North Korea has continued to claim a perfect record in keeping out the coronavirus in its latest report to the World Health Organisation. At the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, North Korea described its efforts to keep out the virus as a ''matter of national existence.'' It shut its borders, banned tourists, and jetted out diplomats. It still severely limits cross-border traffic and has quarantined tens of thousands of people who have shown symptoms. But it still says it has found no case of COVID-19, a widely doubted claim given its poor health infrastructure and a porous border with China, its economic lifeline. In an email to The Associated Press on Wednesday, Edwin Salvador, WHO's representative to North Korea, said the North has reported it tested 23,121 people for the coronavirus from the beginning of the pandemic to April 1 and that all results were negative. Salvador said the North said 732 people were tested between March 26 and April 1. WHO officials say the North is no longer providing the UN agency with the number of people it quarantines with suspected symptoms. North Korea said Tuesday it would skip the Tokyo Olympics to protect athletes from the ''world public health crisis caused by COVID-19.'' The UN-backed programme to ship COVID-19 vaccines worldwide said in February that North Korea could receive 1.9 million vaccine doses in the first half of this year. However, COVAX has since warned of global shortages because the Serum Institute of India, which is licensed to produce the AstraZeneca vaccine is putting its supplies into domestic demand while India's virus caseload is surging.

North Korea tells WHO it's still virus-free

South Korea and the US are all set to conduct their annual military training this week, but with the coronavirus pandemic still&nbsp;at large, the two countries have agreed on a few changes.

This nine-day exercise, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, will have smaller drills this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Seoul said on Sunday.

"The upcoming annual training is a computer-simulated command post exercise that is strictly defensive in nature," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement.

While it is an annual exercise, experts believe it can infuriate North Korea, which considers these drills as rehearsals for invasion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-north-korea-try-to-steal-data-from-pfizer-364394">Also watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-did-north-korea-try-to-steal-data-from-pfizer-364394/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

These drills are taking place for the first time since <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has taken over the White House as the President of the US. The timing of these drills is also important as Pyongyang and Washington are at a deadlock o the nuclear talks.

South Korea and the US conduct these annual military drills for "the maintenance of combat readiness posture and to support diplomatic efforts for denuclearisation and establishment of peace on the Korean peninsula," the statement read.

There are nearly 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and the drills happen every year, angering North Korea. However, former US President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, after meeting Kim Jong-un during a summit between their countries, had guaranteed that the US would suspend the "very provocative" joint military exercise between the US and South Korea.

Later, during a meeting in Hanoi in February 2019 when the US gave up on trying to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme. Some believe due to this, the annual military drills between the US and South Korea were not suspended.&nbsp;

It is now being feared that North Korea may use this year's military drills to launch fresh provocation against the US, which would be the first for the Biden administration.&nbsp;

South Korea and the US are all set to conduct their annual military training this week, but with the coronavirus pandemic still at large, the two countries have agreed on a few changes.

South Korea and the US are all set to conduct their annual military training this week, but with the coronavirus pandemic still at large, the two countries have agreed on a few changes. This nine-day exercise, which is scheduled to begin on Monday, will have smaller drills this year, due to the coronavirus pandemic, Seoul said on Sunday. "The upcoming annual training is a computer-simulated command post exercise that is strictly defensive in nature," the Joint Chiefs of Staff said in a statement. While it is an annual exercise, experts believe it can infuriate North Korea, which considers these drills as rehearsals for invasion. Also watch | These drills are taking place for the first time since Joe Biden has taken over the White House as the President of the US. The timing of these drills is also important as Pyongyang and Washington are at a deadlock o the nuclear talks. South Korea and the US conduct these annual military drills for "the maintenance of combat readiness posture and to support diplomatic efforts for denuclearisation and establishment of peace on the Korean peninsula," the statement read. There are nearly 30,000 US troops stationed in South Korea and the drills happen every year, angering North Korea. However, former US President Donald Trump, after meeting Kim Jong-un during a summit between their countries, had guaranteed that the US would suspend the "very provocative" joint military exercise between the US and South Korea. Later, during a meeting in Hanoi in February 2019 when the US gave up on trying to get North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme. Some believe due to this, the annual military drills between the US and South Korea were not suspended. It is now being feared that North Korea may use this year's military drills to launch fresh provocation against the US, which would be the first for the Biden administration.

US-South Korea to conduct military drills; North Korea's reaction feared

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

The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gone missing yet again. It has been 23 days now since the leader was last spotted by the public, or officials other than his close aides.

Kim Jong Un was last seen on October 21. He had visited a cemetery in the South Pyongyang province to pay respect to the soldiers who had lost their lives while protecting the kingdom against the Chinese soldiers in the 1950-53 Korean war.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-dubs-un-nuclear-watchdog-a-dancing-marionette-of-the-west-342519">North Korea dubs UN nuclear watchdog a 'dancing marionette of the West'</a>

However, this time, the officials from his administration have not raised an alarm on his disappearance from the pubic eye, and the reason is his past record. Kin Jong Un is known for disappearing from the public eye from time to time. The last time he was not seen for such a long time was in April 2020. Alarms were raised about his health and the international news media had debated about a decline in the leader's health. The situation was thought to be so serious that it was also being sought who would take Kim Jong Un's place if he is deemed unfit for the chair of the leader of the country. However, the leader emerged fit after a few days and attended a ceremony marking the completion of a fertilizer factory, almost a month later.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-suggest-north-korea-may-be-preparing-to-launch-submarine-missile-us-think-tank-325354">Satellite images suggest North Korea may be preparing to launch submarine missile</a>

However, this time, officials claim nothing like that has happened.&nbsp;"We do not attach any special meaning to it as he has gone absent from public view for more than 20 days several times based on past records," the Unification Ministry official said on Thursday.

Kim Jong Un has recently been in the news for&nbsp;row over disappearing of a South Korean official who was reportedly disposed off by Kim Jong Un's soldiers in the sea near the border. The North Korean leader had also apologies, in a rare moment,&nbsp;&nbsp;and had assured an thorough investigation into the matter.

The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gone missing yet again. It has been 23 days now since the leader was last spotted by the public, or officials other than his close aides.

The North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has gone missing yet again. It has been 23 days now since the leader was last spotted by the public, or officials other than his close aides. Kim Jong Un was last seen on October 21. He had visited a cemetery in the South Pyongyang province to pay respect to the soldiers who had lost their lives while protecting the kingdom against the Chinese soldiers in the 1950-53 Korean war. Also read| North Korea dubs UN nuclear watchdog a 'dancing marionette of the West' However, this time, the officials from his administration have not raised an alarm on his disappearance from the pubic eye, and the reason is his past record. Kin Jong Un is known for disappearing from the public eye from time to time. The last time he was not seen for such a long time was in April 2020. Alarms were raised about his health and the international news media had debated about a decline in the leader's health. The situation was thought to be so serious that it was also being sought who would take Kim Jong Un's place if he is deemed unfit for the chair of the leader of the country. However, the leader emerged fit after a few days and attended a ceremony marking the completion of a fertilizer factory, almost a month later. Also read| Satellite images suggest North Korea may be preparing to launch submarine missile However, this time, officials claim nothing like that has happened. "We do not attach any special meaning to it as he has gone absent from public view for more than 20 days several times based on past records," the Unification Ministry official said on Thursday. Kim Jong Un has recently been in the news for row over disappearing of a South Korean official who was reportedly disposed off by Kim Jong Un's soldiers in the sea near the border. The North Korean leader had also apologies, in a rare moment, and had assured an thorough investigation into the matter.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un out of public eye for 23 days

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-dubs-un-nuclear-watchdog-a-dancing-marionette-of-the-west-342519">North Korea dubs UN nuclear watchdog a 'dancing marionette of the West'</a> 
 
<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/10/06/163281-untitled-design-65.jpg?itok=5LBXeGDa" />North Korea on Wednesday dubbed the global atomic watchdog "a marionette dancing to the tune of the West" rejecting its information about the country's nuclear programme as “grossly distorted” and based on “guesswork and fabrication.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warns-china-of-additional-sanctions-for-flagrantly-violating-hong-kongs-autonomy-342516">US warns China of additional sanctions for 'flagrantly violating' Hong Kong's autonomy</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/09/24/161555-untitled-design-23.jpg?itok=ohCk6dox" /> 
The United States on Wednesday warned of additional sanctions against China, which it said "flagrantly violated" Hong Kong's autonomy after the ousting of four pro-democracy lawmakers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-makes-first-white-house-appointment-names-klain-as-chief-of-staff-342522">Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff</a>

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2020/11/12/169472-untitled-design-1.jpg?itok=DknHxUVR" />

US President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that his longtime aide Ron Klain will be his White House Chief of Staff, thereby declaring his first White House personnel. 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-china-pakistan-economic-corridor-is-going-nowhere-342508/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kashmir-connect-meet-indias-kayaking-star-on-dal-lake-342465/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

North Korea dubs UN nuclear watchdog a 'dancing marionette of the West' North Korea on Wednesday dubbed the global atomic watchdog "a marionette dancing to the tune of the West" rejecting its information about the country's nuclear programme as “grossly distorted” and based on “guesswork and fabrication.

North Korea dubs UN nuclear watchdog a 'dancing marionette of the West' North Korea on Wednesday dubbed the global atomic watchdog "a marionette dancing to the tune of the West" rejecting its information about the country's nuclear programme as “grossly distorted” and based on “guesswork and fabrication.” US warns China of additional sanctions for 'flagrantly violating' Hong Kong's autonomy The United States on Wednesday warned of additional sanctions against China, which it said "flagrantly violated" Hong Kong's autonomy after the ousting of four pro-democracy lawmakers. Joe Biden makes first White House appointment, names Klain as Chief of Staff US President-elect Joe Biden on Wednesday announced that his longtime aide Ron Klain will be his White House Chief of Staff, thereby declaring his first White House personnel.

Morning news brief: US warns China, Biden picks chief of staff and more

North Korea appears to have held a huge military parade early Saturday, the South's military said.

"Signs of a military parade -- involving equipment and people on a large scale -- were detected at Kim Il Sung Square early this morning," Seoul's joint chiefs of staff said in a statement.

The country was&nbsp;expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday, as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un's ruling party.

But unlike on many previous occasions, no international media are allowed in to watch the parade, and with many foreign embassies in Pyongyang closing their doors in the face of coronavirus restrictions, few outside observers are left in the city.

It also appeared that state broadcaster KCTV would not show the event live -- when it has done so the programme has always begun by 10 am local time (0100 GMT).

The events usually feature a speech by a dignitary, and the South's government detected&nbsp;signs that Kim was to address the crowd.&nbsp;

The anniversary comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic and recent storms add pressure to the heavily sanctioned country.

South Korean and US intelligence agencies were "closely tracking the event", the South added.

Meanwhile, specialist service NK News cited multiple sources saying they had heard sounds of aircraft flying by, drones and heavy machinery during the early hours of Saturday morning.

A morning schedule announced by KCTV on Saturday included a documentary about Kim Il Sung titled "Our Dear Leader", a cartoon called "Boy General", and a programme on the North's waterfalls.

For weeks commercial satellite imagery has shown thousands of North Korean soldiers practicing marching, and South Korean officials have said the North could use a parade to unveil a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), or a new submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM).

The North is widely believed to have continued to develop its arsenal -- which it says it needs to protect itself from a US invasion -- throughout nuclear negotiations with Washington, deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi in February last year.

Analysts expect a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland to appear -- maybe even one with multiple re-entry vehicle capabilities that could allow it to evade US defence systems.

The last time North Korea broadcast a military parade live on television was in 2017, when it showed off many large ICBMs amid heightened tension with the United States.

ICBMs were once again paraded in February 2018, but no international media were allowed to observe.

Pyongyang closed its borders eight months ago to try to protect itself from the virus, which first emerged in neighbouring China, and has yet to confirm a single case.

In a congratulatory message to Kim for the anniversary, Chinese President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea, its state media said on Saturday.

(with inputs)

North Korea appears to have held a huge military parade early Saturday, the South's military said. "Signs of a military parade -- involving equipment and people on a large scale -- were detected at Kim Il Sung Square early this morning," Seoul's joint chiefs of staff said in a statement.

North Korea appears to have held a huge military parade early Saturday, the South's military said. "Signs of a military parade -- involving equipment and people on a large scale -- were detected at Kim Il Sung Square early this morning," Seoul's joint chiefs of staff said in a statement. The country was expected to parade its latest and most advanced weapons through the streets of Pyongyang on Saturday, as the coronavirus-barricaded country celebrates the 75th anniversary of leader Kim Jong Un's ruling party. But unlike on many previous occasions, no international media are allowed in to watch the parade, and with many foreign embassies in Pyongyang closing their doors in the face of coronavirus restrictions, few outside observers are left in the city. It also appeared that state broadcaster KCTV would not show the event live -- when it has done so the programme has always begun by 10 am local time (0100 GMT). The events usually feature a speech by a dignitary, and the South's government detected signs that Kim was to address the crowd. The anniversary comes during a difficult year for North Korea as the coronavirus pandemic and recent storms add pressure to the heavily sanctioned country. South Korean and US intelligence agencies were "closely tracking the event", the South added. Meanwhile, specialist service NK News cited multiple sources saying they had heard sounds of aircraft flying by, drones and heavy machinery during the early hours of Saturday morning. A morning schedule announced by KCTV on Saturday included a documentary about Kim Il Sung titled "Our Dear Leader", a cartoon called "Boy General", and a programme on the North's waterfalls. For weeks commercial satellite imagery has shown thousands of North Korean soldiers practicing marching, and South Korean officials have said the North could use a parade to unveil a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), or a new submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM). The North is widely believed to have continued to develop its arsenal -- which it says it needs to protect itself from a US invasion -- throughout nuclear negotiations with Washington, deadlocked since the collapse of a summit in Hanoi in February last year. Analysts expect a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) or an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the US mainland to appear -- maybe even one with multiple re-entry vehicle capabilities that could allow it to evade US defence systems. The last time North Korea broadcast a military parade live on television was in 2017, when it showed off many large ICBMs amid heightened tension with the United States. ICBMs were once again paraded in February 2018, but no international media were allowed to observe. Pyongyang closed its borders eight months ago to try to protect itself from the virus, which first emerged in neighbouring China, and has yet to confirm a single case. In a congratulatory message to Kim for the anniversary, Chinese President Xi Jinping said he intended to "defend, consolidate and develop" ties with North Korea, its state media said on Saturday. (with inputs)

North Korea defies coronavirus, appears to have held huge military parade: Seoul

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 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

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fully-ready-to-send-troops-into-demilitarised-zone-as-propaganda-leaflets-row-escalates-306192">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone</a>&nbsp;

Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently said that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

South Korea's Yonhap news agency confirmed that North Korea had blown up the inter-Korean liaison office amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The office was established to maintain relations between North and South Korea 
&nbsp;

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday.

North Korea on Tuesday blew up the liaison office with South Korea as a massive explosion was heard and smoke was seen billowing from the North Korean border city of Kaesong on Tuesday. Also Read: North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently said that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed". South Korea's Yonhap news agency confirmed that North Korea had blown up the inter-Korean liaison office amid rising tensions between the two countries. The office was established to maintain relations between North and South Korea

North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts.

Kim’s low profile comes as North Korea imposes anti-coronavirus measures, although the country says it has no confirmed cases, and follows intense speculation about his health last month after he missed a key anniversary.

Kim has appeared publicly four times in April and so far in May, compared to 27 times in the same period last year.

Since coming to power in 2011, the previous fewest public appearances Kim has made during those months was 21 in 2017, according to a tally by Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, a Seoul-based organisation that tracks North Korea.

“This is not business as normal,” he said in a post on Twitter this week.

As a leader with near-absolute power over North Korea’s 25.5 million people, and access to a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons, Kim’s health and whereabouts are often scrutinized by the international community for any signs of instability.

Information in North Korea is tightly controlled, however, and independently confirmed details on Kim are almost non-existent.

South Korean officials have said they believe Kim’s limited public appearances may be precautions in the face of coronavirus concerns. North Korea has cancelled, postponed, or toned down many major public gatherings because the new coronavirus.

When asked about Kim’s absences, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Friday it is monitoring the situation, but noted Kim is often out of the public eye.

Citing an unnamed South Korean government official, JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported Kim may be carrying out his duties from a favoured villa in Wonsan, on the coast.

But the North Korean leader may also simply be focused on some of the domestic economic and political goals he outlined before the coronavirus crisis struck, said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government.

“COVID does remain a major concern for the country, but state media coverage of COVID has declined over the past month or so, so I don’t seen regime’s increased concern,” she said.

Friday marks three weeks since state media last showed images of Kim attending a public event.

North Korean state media reported Kim attended the opening ceremony of a fertilizer plant on May 1. That appearance marked a reemergence for Kim, whose unprecedented absence from a major holiday on April 15 sparked weeks of international speculation over his health and whereabouts.

Since then, state media has carried a steady stream of stories on Kim sending or receiving letters and diplomatic correspondence, but have not shown him attending public events.

Kim’s longest public absence was for 40 days in 2014. South Korea’s spy agency later said Kim had undergone a medical procedure on his ankle during that time.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made an unusually small number of public appearances in the past two months, once again going three weeks without state media reporting his attendance at a public event, according to analysts. Kim’s low profile comes as North Korea imposes anti-coronavirus measures, although the country says it has no confirmed cases, and follows intense speculation about his health last month after he missed a key anniversary. Kim has appeared publicly four times in April and so far in May, compared to 27 times in the same period last year. Since coming to power in 2011, the previous fewest public appearances Kim has made during those months was 21 in 2017, according to a tally by Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, a Seoul-based organisation that tracks North Korea. “This is not business as normal,” he said in a post on Twitter this week. As a leader with near-absolute power over North Korea’s 25.5 million people, and access to a growing arsenal of nuclear weapons, Kim’s health and whereabouts are often scrutinized by the international community for any signs of instability. Information in North Korea is tightly controlled, however, and independently confirmed details on Kim are almost non-existent. South Korean officials have said they believe Kim’s limited public appearances may be precautions in the face of coronavirus concerns. North Korea has cancelled, postponed, or toned down many major public gatherings because the new coronavirus. When asked about Kim’s absences, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said on Friday it is monitoring the situation, but noted Kim is often out of the public eye. Citing an unnamed South Korean government official, JoongAng Ilbo newspaper reported Kim may be carrying out his duties from a favoured villa in Wonsan, on the coast. But the North Korean leader may also simply be focused on some of the domestic economic and political goals he outlined before the coronavirus crisis struck, said Rachel Minyoung Lee, a former North Korea open source intelligence analyst in the U.S. government. “COVID does remain a major concern for the country, but state media coverage of COVID has declined over the past month or so, so I don’t seen regime’s increased concern,” she said. Friday marks three weeks since state media last showed images of Kim attending a public event. North Korean state media reported Kim attended the opening ceremony of a fertilizer plant on May 1. That appearance marked a reemergence for Kim, whose unprecedented absence from a major holiday on April 15 sparked weeks of international speculation over his health and whereabouts. Since then, state media has carried a steady stream of stories on Kim sending or receiving letters and diplomatic correspondence, but have not shown him attending public events. Kim’s longest public absence was for 40 days in 2014. South Korea’s spy agency later said Kim had undergone a medical procedure on his ankle during that time.

North Korea's Kim keeps low public profile in May: Analysts

An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space,&nbsp;as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il.

The move shows that&nbsp;the secretive regime is turning away from&nbsp;myths about their leaders.

Previously, there were a lot of rumors and conjecture that&nbsp;the Kim family are masters of&nbsp;"chukjibeop", a method of folding space and travelling great distances in a short period of time.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-deliberately-faked-his-death-to-expose-traitors-in-his-circle-report-296811">Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report</a>

The method of Chukjibeop has long been indoctrinated into North Korean society, to encourage worship of its leaders.

<main itemscope="" itemtype="http://schema.org/Article">
<article>
The newspaper, the&nbsp;organ of the North's ruling party, said:&nbsp;"In realistic terms, a person cannot suddenly disappear and reappear by folding space."

On Thursday, an official at South Korea's unification ministry said&nbsp;that the current regime's trend of demystification&nbsp;is "noteworthy".

Last year the secretive dictator failed to reach an agreement in a second summer with President Trump and is now said to be encouraged to reveal his ''human''&nbsp;side,&nbsp;urging the North Korean people to stay away from the mystification of their leader.

"Mystifying a leader's revolutionary activity and appearance would result in covering the truth," Kim was quoted as saying in state media in March last year after the breakdown of&nbsp;negotiations with the US.&nbsp;

"Absolute loyalty would spring up when (they) are mesmerised by the leader humanly and comradely."

Earlier this month, he made his&nbsp;first appearance in public&nbsp;after&nbsp;20 days of&nbsp;rumours about his deteriorating health.

<aside aria-label="More stories">&nbsp;</aside>
</article>
</main>

An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space, as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il.

An official newspaper of North Korea has confirmed that regime leaders can not magically bend time and space, as previously claimed during the reign of Kim Jong-un and former leader Kim Jong-il. The move shows that the secretive regime is turning away from myths about their leaders. Previously, there were a lot of rumors and conjecture that the Kim family are masters of "chukjibeop", a method of folding space and travelling great distances in a short period of time. Also read: Kim Jong-un deliberately faked his death to expose traitors in his circle: Report The method of Chukjibeop has long been indoctrinated into North Korean society, to encourage worship of its leaders. The newspaper, the organ of the North's ruling party, said: "In realistic terms, a person cannot suddenly disappear and reappear by folding space." On Thursday, an official at South Korea's unification ministry said that the current regime's trend of demystification is "noteworthy". Last year the secretive dictator failed to reach an agreement in a second summer with President Trump and is now said to be encouraged to reveal his ''human'' side, urging the North Korean people to stay away from the mystification of their leader. "Mystifying a leader's revolutionary activity and appearance would result in covering the truth," Kim was quoted as saying in state media in March last year after the breakdown of negotiations with the US. "Absolute loyalty would spring up when (they) are mesmerised by the leader humanly and comradely." Earlier this month, he made his first appearance in public after 20 days of rumours about his deteriorating health.

North Korean regime confesses Kim Jong-un cannot 'magically disappear'

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday,&nbsp;South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks. The media organisation cited a senior government official.

Kim Jong Un was not spotted in the public eye for three weeks, and missed out on two important holiday celebrations. There were rumours about his ill health, followed by his death, in the media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-south-korea-exchange-gunfire-at-guard-post-in-dimilitarised-zone-296348">Also read:&nbsp;North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone</a>

While the official declined to provide any reason behind this statement,&nbsp;speculative reports that he may have had surgery, citing some differences in his leg movements, is not true, Yonhap reported.

North Korean state media spotted the leader visiting a fertiliser factory and presiding over a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was his first public appearance since April 11.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-signs-of-coronavirus-spread-slowing-european-nations-prepare-easing-restrictions-296381">Also read:&nbsp;Amid signs of COVID-19 spread slowing, Europe prepares easing restrictions</a>

He was seen smiling and conversing with the employees in the pictures clicked by the state media. However, a stiff movement was spotted in his legs by the experts.

This comes after reports surfaced of Kim undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday, South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks.

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday, South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks. The media organisation cited a senior government official. Kim Jong Un was not spotted in the public eye for three weeks, and missed out on two important holiday celebrations. There were rumours about his ill health, followed by his death, in the media. Also read: North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone While the official declined to provide any reason behind this statement, speculative reports that he may have had surgery, citing some differences in his leg movements, is not true, Yonhap reported. North Korean state media spotted the leader visiting a fertiliser factory and presiding over a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was his first public appearance since April 11. Also read: Amid signs of COVID-19 spread slowing, Europe prepares easing restrictions He was seen smiling and conversing with the employees in the pictures clicked by the state media. However, a stiff movement was spotted in his legs by the experts. This comes after reports surfaced of Kim undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Kim Jong-un did not go through any surgery: South Korean official claims

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/questions-arise-over-kim-jong-uns-successor-as-rumours-about-his-death-294882">Also read: Questions arise over Kim Jong-un's successor as rumours about his death</a> 
 
"Our government position is firm," said Moon's special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "Kim Jong Un is alive and well."

The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan — a resort town in the country's east — since April 13, adding: "No suspicious movements have so far been detected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-train-possibly-spotted-in-resort-town-rumours-surrounding-his-death-continue-294813">Also read:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue</a>

Conjecture about Kim's health has grown since his conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North's founder — the most important day in the country's political calendar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sent-team-including-medical-experts-to-advise-on-north-koreas-kim-after-news-of-his-death-surfaces-294697">Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces</a>

Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers' Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit.

His absence has unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on.

"We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now," the South's presidential office said in a statement last week.

Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month.

Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him.

On Monday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project.

It was the latest in a series of reports in recent days of statements issued or actions taken in Kim's name, although none has carried any pictures of him.

Satellite images reviewed by 38North, a US-based think tank, showed a train probably belonging to Kim at a station in Wonsan last week.

It cautioned that the train's presence did not "indicate anything about his health" but did "lend weight" to reports he was staying on the country's eastern coast.

Reporting from inside the isolated North is notoriously difficult, especially on anything to do with its leadership, which is among its most closely guarded secrets.

Previous absences from the public eye on Kim's part have prompted speculation about his health.

In 2014 he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, the South's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary. Also read: Questions arise over Kim Jong-un's successor as rumours about his death "Our government position is firm," said Moon's special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "Kim Jong Un is alive and well." The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan — a resort town in the country's east — since April 13, adding: "No suspicious movements have so far been detected." Also read: Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue Conjecture about Kim's health has grown since his conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North's founder — the most important day in the country's political calendar. Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers' Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit. His absence has unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on. "We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now," the South's presidential office said in a statement last week. Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month. Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue. Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official. US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him. On Monday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project. It was the latest in a series of reports in recent days of statements issued or actions taken in Kim's name, although none has carried any pictures of him. Satellite images reviewed by 38North, a US-based think tank, showed a train probably belonging to Kim at a station in Wonsan last week. It cautioned that the train's presence did not "indicate anything about his health" but did "lend weight" to reports he was staying on the country's eastern coast. Reporting from inside the isolated North is notoriously difficult, especially on anything to do with its leadership, which is among its most closely guarded secrets. Previous absences from the public eye on Kim's part have prompted speculation about his health. In 2014 he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, the South's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle.

Kim Jong Un 'alive and well,' top security adviser to South Korea's president says

Recently news about North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un's ill health&nbsp;has been circulating. There are also rumours of the leader passing away. However, there has been no official word from North Korea or its allies.

Reports about Kim's ill health&nbsp;surfaced after he missed the birth anniversary of of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April&nbsp;and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-train-possibly-spotted-in-resort-town-rumours-surrounding-his-death-continue-294813">Also read:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue</a>

With these rumours circulating, the world is now wondering who will be the successor to rule North Korea, as there are no known children of Kim. Experts and&nbsp;analysts believe&nbsp;his sister,&nbsp;Kim Yo-jong, and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over.

Kim Yo-jong has been in the spotlight for the past few years as she served formally as a vice director of the ruling Workers' Party's powerful Central Committee but unofficially as her brother's chief of staff.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sent-team-including-medical-experts-to-advise-on-north-koreas-kim-after-news-of-his-death-surfaces-294697">Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces</a>

Kim, who is believed to be 31, is believed to have a form control over party functions, and is therefore, expected to take the reign if her brother, believed to be 36, passes away due to his health conditions.

"Kim Yo Jong will be for the time being the main power base with control of the organisation and guidance department, the judiciary and public security," Cho Han-bum of the Korea Institute for National Unification said.

While it is speculated that Kim has three with Ri Sol Ju, the youngest born in 2017, there has been no proof of it as of now. even if the speculations turn out to be true, the oldest son will not be able to take control of the country till he turns 18.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-sending-a-nice-note-to-donald-trump-293505">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea denies sending a 'nice note' to Donald Trump</a>

Kim Yo Jong is unlikely to take over the helm but could help build a caretaker regime as a power broker until the kids grow up, and Kim Jong Chol might return to help for a while," Go Myong-hyun, a research fellow at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, told a media company. 
 
From Kim's political party,&nbsp;Choe Ryong Hae and&nbsp;Pak Pong Ju, two senior party leaders, hold a chance to be the figureheads leading a collective leadership.

Choe rose in power last year after he&nbsp;became the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. Pak Pong Ju is a fellow politburo member and former state premier who oversaw the North's push to introduce more free market functions to revive its economy, are likely to be the figureheads leading a collective leadership.

Recently news about North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un's ill health has been circulating. There are also rumours of the leader passing away. However, there has been no official word from North Korea or its allies.

Recently news about North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un's ill health has been circulating. There are also rumours of the leader passing away. However, there has been no official word from North Korea or its allies. Reports about Kim's ill health surfaced after he missed the birth anniversary of of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday. Also read: Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue With these rumours circulating, the world is now wondering who will be the successor to rule North Korea, as there are no known children of Kim. Experts and analysts believe his sister, Kim Yo-jong, and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over. Kim Yo-jong has been in the spotlight for the past few years as she served formally as a vice director of the ruling Workers' Party's powerful Central Committee but unofficially as her brother's chief of staff. Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces Kim, who is believed to be 31, is believed to have a form control over party functions, and is therefore, expected to take the reign if her brother, believed to be 36, passes away due to his health conditions. "Kim Yo Jong will be for the time being the main power base with control of the organisation and guidance department, the judiciary and public security," Cho Han-bum of the Korea Institute for National Unification said. While it is speculated that Kim has three with Ri Sol Ju, the youngest born in 2017, there has been no proof of it as of now. even if the speculations turn out to be true, the oldest son will not be able to take control of the country till he turns 18. Also read: North Korea denies sending a 'nice note' to Donald Trump Kim Yo Jong is unlikely to take over the helm but could help build a caretaker regime as a power broker until the kids grow up, and Kim Jong Chol might return to help for a while," Go Myong-hyun, a research fellow at the Asian Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, told a media company. From Kim's political party, Choe Ryong Hae and Pak Pong Ju, two senior party leaders, hold a chance to be the figureheads leading a collective leadership. Choe rose in power last year after he became the president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. Pak Pong Ju is a fellow politburo member and former state premier who oversaw the North's push to introduce more free market functions to revive its economy, are likely to be the figureheads leading a collective leadership.

Questions arise over Kim Jong-un's successor as rumours about his death

Reports about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill health have been circulating for the past week. The questions surfaced after he missed &nbsp;the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April&nbsp;and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday.

While there has been no guaranteed news or statement released by the officials,&nbsp;according to satellite images reviewed by a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, a special train probably belonging to the leader was spotted in a resort town.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sent-team-including-medical-experts-to-advise-on-north-koreas-kim-after-news-of-his-death-surfaces-294697">Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces</a>

According to the report, the train was parked at&nbsp;"leadership station" in Wonsan on April 21 and April 23. However, there has been no proof that the train belong to the leader.

"The train's presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country's eastern coast," the report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-sending-a-nice-note-to-donald-trump-293505">Also read:&nbsp;North Korea denies sending a 'nice note' to Donald Trump</a>

On Thursday, when US President Donald Trump was questioned about reports of Kim Jong Un being unwell, he ribbished the reports by saying "I think the report was incorrect."&nbsp;

A Seoul-based news website, Daily NK, cited an&nbsp;unnamed source and revealed&nbsp;that Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county of Hyangsan. If reports are to be believed, he underwent a cardiovascular procedure on April 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-capital-witness-panic-buying-of-food-after-strict-covid-19-norms-announced-294205">Also read:&nbsp;North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced</a>

In other&nbsp;reports, it is also being speculated he may be affected from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus.

However, this is not the first time he has disappeared from the media. Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared before too. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and was later spotted by North Korean state TV with&nbsp;a limp.

Speculation surrounding his health also reveals that the reason behind his ill health might be his habit of heavy smoking, apparent weight gain&nbsp;and a family history of cardiovascular problems.

With no direct successor, it is still unclear who will be taking over the country in case of Kim Jong Un's death.

Reports about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill health have been circulating for the past week. The questions surfaced after he missed the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday.

Reports about North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill health have been circulating for the past week. The questions surfaced after he missed the anniversary of the birthday of North Korea’s founding father and Kim’s grandfather, Kim Il-sung, on 15 April and later missed the Army Day celebrations on Friday. While there has been no guaranteed news or statement released by the officials, according to satellite images reviewed by a Washington-based North Korea monitoring project, a special train probably belonging to the leader was spotted in a resort town. Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces According to the report, the train was parked at "leadership station" in Wonsan on April 21 and April 23. However, there has been no proof that the train belong to the leader. "The train's presence does not prove the whereabouts of the North Korean leader or indicate anything about his health but it does lend weight to reports that Kim is staying at an elite area on the country's eastern coast," the report said. Also read: North Korea denies sending a 'nice note' to Donald Trump On Thursday, when US President Donald Trump was questioned about reports of Kim Jong Un being unwell, he ribbished the reports by saying "I think the report was incorrect." A Seoul-based news website, Daily NK, cited an unnamed source and revealed that Kim had undergone medical treatment in the resort county of Hyangsan. If reports are to be believed, he underwent a cardiovascular procedure on April 12. Also read: North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced In other reports, it is also being speculated he may be affected from COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus. However, this is not the first time he has disappeared from the media. Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared before too. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and was later spotted by North Korean state TV with a limp. Speculation surrounding his health also reveals that the reason behind his ill health might be his habit of heavy smoking, apparent weight gain and a family history of cardiovascular problems. With no direct successor, it is still unclear who will be taking over the country in case of Kim Jong Un's death.

Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation.

The trip by the Chinese doctors and officials comes amid conflicting reports about the health of the North Korean leader. Reuters was unable to immediately determine what the trip by the Chinese team signaled in terms of Kim's health.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/reports-on-kims-ailing-health-incorrect-says-trump-294378">Also read:&nbsp;Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump</a>

A delegation led by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department left Beijing for North Korea on Thursday, two of the people said. The department is the main Chinese body dealing with neighbouring North Korea.

The sources declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the matter.

The Liaison Department could not be reached by Reuters for comment late on Friday. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday.

Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported earlier this week that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12. It cited one unnamed source in North Korea.

South Korean government officials and a Chinese official with the Liaison Department challenged subsequent reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after surgery. South Korean officials said they had detected no signs of unusual activity in North Korea.

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump also downplayed earlier reports that Kim was gravely ill. "I think the report was incorrect," Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials.

On Friday, a South Korean source told Reuters their intelligence was that Kim was alive and would likely make an appearance soon. The person said he did not have any comment on Kim's current condition or any Chinese involvement.

An official familiar with U.S. intelligence said that Kim was known to have health problems but they had no reason to conclude he was seriously ill or unable eventually to reappear in public.

A U.S. State department spokeswoman had no comment. U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, when asked about Kim's health on Fox News after Trump spoke said, "I don’t have anything I can share with you tonight, but the American people should know we're watching the situation very keenly."

North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and secretive countries, and the health of its leaders is treated as a matter of state security. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm any details on Kim's whereabouts or condition.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-capital-witness-panic-buying-of-food-after-strict-covid-19-norms-announced-294205">Also read:&nbsp;North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced</a>

North Korea's state media last reported on Kim's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11. State media did not report that he was in attendance at an event to mark the birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15, an important anniversary in North Korea.

Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp. Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems.

When Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, suffered a stroke in 2008, South Korean media reported at the time that Chinese doctors were involved in his treatment along with French physicians.

Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the first state visit in 14 years by a Chinese leader to North Korea, an impoverished state that depends on Beijing for economic and diplomatic support.

China is North Korea's chief ally and the economic lifeline for a country hard-hit by U.N. sanctions, and has a keen interest in the stability of the country with which it shares a long, porous border.

Kim is a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack. He has visited China four times since 2018.

Trump held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 as part of a bid to persuade him to give up North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation.

China has dispatched a team to North Korea including medical experts to advise on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, according to three people familiar with the situation. The trip by the Chinese doctors and officials comes amid conflicting reports about the health of the North Korean leader. Reuters was unable to immediately determine what the trip by the Chinese team signaled in terms of Kim's health. Also read: Reports on Kim's ailing health incorrect, says Trump A delegation led by a senior member of the Chinese Communist Party's International Liaison Department left Beijing for North Korea on Thursday, two of the people said. The department is the main Chinese body dealing with neighbouring North Korea. The sources declined to be identified given the sensitivity of the matter. The Liaison Department could not be reached by Reuters for comment late on Friday. China's foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment late on Friday. Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported earlier this week that Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure on April 12. It cited one unnamed source in North Korea. South Korean government officials and a Chinese official with the Liaison Department challenged subsequent reports suggesting that Kim was in grave danger after surgery. South Korean officials said they had detected no signs of unusual activity in North Korea. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump also downplayed earlier reports that Kim was gravely ill. "I think the report was incorrect," Trump told reporters, but he declined to say if he had been in touch with North Korean officials. On Friday, a South Korean source told Reuters their intelligence was that Kim was alive and would likely make an appearance soon. The person said he did not have any comment on Kim's current condition or any Chinese involvement. An official familiar with U.S. intelligence said that Kim was known to have health problems but they had no reason to conclude he was seriously ill or unable eventually to reappear in public. A U.S. State department spokeswoman had no comment. U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, when asked about Kim's health on Fox News after Trump spoke said, "I don’t have anything I can share with you tonight, but the American people should know we're watching the situation very keenly." North Korea is one of the world's most isolated and secretive countries, and the health of its leaders is treated as a matter of state security. Reuters has not been able to independently confirm any details on Kim's whereabouts or condition. Also read: North Korean capital witness panic buying of food after strict covid-19 norms announced North Korea's state media last reported on Kim's whereabouts when he presided over a meeting on April 11. State media did not report that he was in attendance at an event to mark the birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, on April 15, an important anniversary in North Korea. Kim, believed to be 36, has disappeared from coverage in North Korean state media before. In 2014, he vanished for more than a month and North Korean state TV later showed him walking with a limp. Speculation about his health has been fanned by his heavy smoking, apparent weight gain since taking power and family history of cardiovascular problems. When Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, suffered a stroke in 2008, South Korean media reported at the time that Chinese doctors were involved in his treatment along with French physicians. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping made the first state visit in 14 years by a Chinese leader to North Korea, an impoverished state that depends on Beijing for economic and diplomatic support. China is North Korea's chief ally and the economic lifeline for a country hard-hit by U.N. sanctions, and has a keen interest in the stability of the country with which it shares a long, porous border. Kim is a third-generation hereditary leader who came to power after his father Kim Jong Il died in 2011 from a heart attack. He has visited China four times since 2018. Trump held unprecedented summits with Kim in 2018 and 2019 as part of a bid to persuade him to give up North Korea’s nuclear arsenal.

China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces

Who would succeed Kim Jong Un? Even the most learned scholars on North Korea would scramble for an answer to this question. But if one were to apply the law of probability--- all fingers would be pointing at a 31-year-old.

Who would succeed Kim Jong Un? Even the most learned scholars on North Korea would scramble for an answer to this question. But if one were to apply the law of probability--- all fingers would be pointing at a 31-year-old. Kim Yo-jong The younger sister of dictator Kim Jong-un, who has steadily risen through the regime's ranks to become the leader's alter-ego. Today, Yo-jong is the number two in North Korea. She is the leader's trusted ally and is equally unpredictable. Yo-jong was rarely seen in public until 2010. But her journey to the country's top seat began in the 1990s. She attended primary school in Switzerland and lived in a private home in Berne along with Kim. Yo-jong went on to attend the Kim Il-sung University in Pyongyang, where she graduated in computer science. She was given her first public role in 2017. Yo-jong's father and former North Korean leader--- Kim Jong II appointed her as a junior cadre in the ruling Korean worker's party. It is said, she played a key role in arranging Kim's succession as the supreme ruler. In 2014, Yo-jong accompanied her brother during the elections for the country's supreme assembly. She is believed to be the brain behind Kim's cautiously-crafted public image and also his nuclear diplomacy. Scholars weren't surprised when Yo-jong was spotted walking behind her brother in Singapore in 2018. This was a year after Washington blacklisted her for severe human rights abuses. Yo-jong accompanied her brother to the Hanoi summit too. When the denuclearisation summit tanked, Kim removed his sibling from the party's politburo. Yo-jong was reportedly asked to keep a low profile. The 31-year-old has already filled Kim's shoes at an international event. In 2018, she attended the Winter Olympics in South Korea. Her statement handshake with South Korean President Moon Jae-in made her a prominent figure internationally. Back home in North Korea, 25 million-odd people already acknowledge Yo-jong's role in the dynasty. In her first-ever public statement, Yo-jong referred to the south as a frightened dog. In March this year, she praised US President Donald Trump for his letter to her elder brother. If Kim's illness is just a rumour one wonders why Yo-jong was suddenly reinstated to the party's politburo last weekend. She is currently serving as the vice-department director of the ruling party. In a country that has never been ruled by a female leader.

With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor?

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Saturday, the latest in a series of such launches by Pyongyang as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic.

The South Korean military condemned the launches as "extremely inappropriate given the difficult situation the world is experiencing due to COVID-19... We urge them to stop immediately."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/north-koreas-kim-guides-military-drills-warns-serious-consequences-if-virus-breaks-out-report-283444">North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: Report</a>

North Korea has not reported any cases of the coronavirus, which has turned into a major crisis with 11,300 deaths and more than 270,000 infections worldwide.

There has been widespread speculation, however, that the virus has reached the isolated nation, and health experts have warned that it could devastate the country given its weak medical infrastructure and widespread malnutrition.

Japan's defence ministry also confirmed the North Korean launches.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/foreign-tourists-to-be-banned-from-entering-north-korea-due-to-virus-outbreak-275858">Foreign tourists to be banned from entering North Korea due to virus outbreak</a>

For decades, North Korea's leadership has faced international criticism for prioritising spending on its military and nuclear weapons programme instead of providing for the population, even during times of famine.

Pyongyang considers its military development necessary for security in the face of what it describes as American aggression. North Korea is under multiple sets of punishing sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes.

Hopes for a thaw after meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump were dented as they failed to produce any substantial progress on denuclearising the Korean peninsula, and Pyongyang has since continued to refine its military capabilities, analysts say.

With the latest launch Pyongyang "continues an international strategy of trying to normalise its missile tests", Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Saturday, the latest in a series of such launches by Pyongyang as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic.

North Korea fired what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Saturday, the latest in a series of such launches by Pyongyang as the world struggles with the coronavirus pandemic. The South Korean military condemned the launches as "extremely inappropriate given the difficult situation the world is experiencing due to COVID-19... We urge them to stop immediately." Also read: North Korea's Kim guides military drills, warns 'serious consequences' if virus breaks out: Report North Korea has not reported any cases of the coronavirus, which has turned into a major crisis with 11,300 deaths and more than 270,000 infections worldwide. There has been widespread speculation, however, that the virus has reached the isolated nation, and health experts have warned that it could devastate the country given its weak medical infrastructure and widespread malnutrition. Japan's defence ministry also confirmed the North Korean launches. Also read: Foreign tourists to be banned from entering North Korea due to virus outbreak For decades, North Korea's leadership has faced international criticism for prioritising spending on its military and nuclear weapons programme instead of providing for the population, even during times of famine. Pyongyang considers its military development necessary for security in the face of what it describes as American aggression. North Korea is under multiple sets of punishing sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes. Hopes for a thaw after meetings between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump were dented as they failed to produce any substantial progress on denuclearising the Korean peninsula, and Pyongyang has since continued to refine its military capabilities, analysts say. With the latest launch Pyongyang "continues an international strategy of trying to normalise its missile tests", Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, told AFP.

North Korea fires two 'ballistic missiles' into sea

&nbsp;North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.

The launch on Wednesday was the most provocative by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-launches-missiles-ahead-of-nuclear-talks-253157">North Korea</a> since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, analysts said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sent warm congratulations" to the defence scientists who conducted the test, state news agency KCNA said, indicating he did not attend the launch as he has at previous tests of new weapons systems.

The new type of SLBM, called Pukguksong-3, was "fired in vertical mode" in the waters of the eastern city of Wonsan, KCNA said, confirming an assessment by South Korea's military on Wednesday that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory.

"The successful new-type SLBM test-firing comes to be of great significance as it ushered in a new phase in containing the outside forces' threat to the DPRK and further bolstering its military muscle for self-defence," KCNA said.

DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The test "had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries," KCNA said but gave no other details about the launch.

Photos released in the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, whose front two pages featured the test, showed a black-and-white painted missile clearing the surface of the water, then the rocket engine igniting to propel it into the sky.

A State Department spokeswoman called on Pyongyang to "refrain from provocations" and to remain committed to nuclear negotiations.

South Korea expressed strong concern and the Japanese condemned&nbsp;the launch, saying it was a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

North Korea rejects U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology, saying they are an infringement of its right to self-defence.

Talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes have been stalled since a second summit between Kim and US&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-slams-impeachment-probe-as-hoax-as-democrats-seek-white-house-documents-253356">Donald Trump</a> in Vietnam in February broke down in disagreement over nuclear disarmament.

Watch Video: North Korea says successfully tested new submarine-launched ballistic missile

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-says-successfully-tested-new-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-kcna-253359/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

'Nuclear-Capable'

The Pukguksong-3 appeared to be a new design that has enhanced range and stability compared with a version tested in 2016, three analysts said.

It was probably launched from a test platform and not a submarine, which would be the final stage of testing, said Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul.

State news agency KCNA released photos and a report in July of leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a large, newly built submarine, but an unnamed South Korean military source said on Thursday that the submarine appears to be still incomplete, Yonhap news agency reported.

Leader Kim Jong Un's absence at the test is "extremely unusual," Kyungnam University's Kim said, probably meant to contain the political fallout that could result in the upcoming talks falling apart before they even start.

On Wednesday, South Korea's military said the missile flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910 km (565 miles). It was likely a Pukguksong-class weapon, as the North's earlier submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) under development were known.

South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the Pukguksong, or Pole Star in Korean, would have had a range of about 1,300 km (910 miles) on a standard trajectory.

North Korea had been developing SLBM technology before it suspended long-range missile and nuclear tests and began talks with the United States that led to the first summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 2018.

The latest version of the Pukguksong may be the longest-range North Korean missile that uses solid fuel and the first nuclear-capable missile to be tested since November 2017, Ankit Panda of the US-based Federation of American Scientists said.

North Korea has been developing rocket engines that burn solid fuel, which has advantages in military use compared with liquid fuel because it is stable and versatile, allowing it to be stored in missiles until they are ready for launch.

North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States.

North Korea said on Thursday it had successfully test-fired a new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from the sea to contain external threats and bolster self-defence, ahead of fresh nuclear talks with the United States. The launch on Wednesday was the most provocative by North Korea since it resumed dialogue with the United States in 2018 and a reminder by Pyongyang of the weapons capability it has been aggressively developing, including intercontinental ballistic missiles, analysts said. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un "sent warm congratulations" to the defence scientists who conducted the test, state news agency KCNA said, indicating he did not attend the launch as he has at previous tests of new weapons systems. The new type of SLBM, called Pukguksong-3, was "fired in vertical mode" in the waters of the eastern city of Wonsan, KCNA said, confirming an assessment by South Korea's military on Wednesday that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory. "The successful new-type SLBM test-firing comes to be of great significance as it ushered in a new phase in containing the outside forces' threat to the DPRK and further bolstering its military muscle for self-defence," KCNA said. DPRK is short for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The test "had no adverse impact on the security of neighbouring countries," KCNA said but gave no other details about the launch. Photos released in the North's official Rodong Sinmun newspaper, whose front two pages featured the test, showed a black-and-white painted missile clearing the surface of the water, then the rocket engine igniting to propel it into the sky. A State Department spokeswoman called on Pyongyang to "refrain from provocations" and to remain committed to nuclear negotiations. South Korea expressed strong concern and the Japanese condemned the launch, saying it was a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. North Korea rejects U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban Pyongyang from using ballistic missile technology, saying they are an infringement of its right to self-defence. Talks aimed at dismantling North Korea's nuclear and missile programmes have been stalled since a second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in Vietnam in February broke down in disagreement over nuclear disarmament. Watch Video: North Korea says successfully tested new submarine-launched ballistic missile × 'Nuclear-Capable' The Pukguksong-3 appeared to be a new design that has enhanced range and stability compared with a version tested in 2016, three analysts said. It was probably launched from a test platform and not a submarine, which would be the final stage of testing, said Kim Dong-yub, a military expert at Kyungnam University's Institute of Far Eastern Studies in Seoul. State news agency KCNA released photos and a report in July of leader Kim Jong-Un inspecting a large, newly built submarine, but an unnamed South Korean military source said on Thursday that the submarine appears to be still incomplete, Yonhap news agency reported. Leader Kim Jong Un's absence at the test is "extremely unusual," Kyungnam University's Kim said, probably meant to contain the political fallout that could result in the upcoming talks falling apart before they even start. On Wednesday, South Korea's military said the missile flew 450 km (280 miles) and reached an altitude of 910 km (565 miles). It was likely a Pukguksong-class weapon, as the North's earlier submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) under development were known. South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said the Pukguksong, or Pole Star in Korean, would have had a range of about 1,300 km (910 miles) on a standard trajectory. North Korea had been developing SLBM technology before it suspended long-range missile and nuclear tests and began talks with the United States that led to the first summit between Kim and Trump in Singapore on June 2018. The latest version of the Pukguksong may be the longest-range North Korean missile that uses solid fuel and the first nuclear-capable missile to be tested since November 2017, Ankit Panda of the US-based Federation of American Scientists said. North Korea has been developing rocket engines that burn solid fuel, which has advantages in military use compared with liquid fuel because it is stable and versatile, allowing it to be stored in missiles until they are ready for launch.

Successfully tested new submarine-launched ballistic missile: North Korea

North Korea has fired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-still-hopes-for-talks-after-latest-north-korean-missile-tests-240001">unidentified short-range projectiles</a>, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source.

The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap.&nbsp;

The nuclear-armed North described an earlier missile launch as a warning to the South over planned joint military drills with the United States.

The projectiles were fired in the pre-dawn hours from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea, the JCS told Yonhap.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-koreans-remain-unfazed-by-north-koreas-missile-test-239690/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The nuclear-armed North is banned from ballistic missile launches under UN Security Council resolutions.

There was no immediate comment from Pyongyang on the latest launch.

As North Korea carried out its third weapons test in eight days Friday, according to the South's military, but US President Donald Trump said he had "no problem" with the spate of launches by Pyongyang.

The nuclear-armed North is barred from ballistic missile tests under UN resolutions and its actions have drawn condemnation from European members of the Security Council but a comparatively sanguine response from Trump, who has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, generating global headlines on each occasion.

"I have no problem. We'll see what happens but short range (missiles) are very standard," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Ohio.

Kim and Trump agreed to resume denuclearisation talks during their impromptu June encounter in the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap.

North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. The launches, the third round of missile launches in a week, were fired off separately from North Korea's eastern coast early Friday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff told Yonhap. The nuclear-armed North described an earlier missile launch as a warning to the South over planned joint military drills with the United States. The projectiles were fired in the pre-dawn hours from Yonghung, South Hamgyong Province, into the East Sea, the JCS told Yonhap. Watch Video: The nuclear-armed North is banned from ballistic missile launches under UN Security Council resolutions. There was no immediate comment from Pyongyang on the latest launch. As North Korea carried out its third weapons test in eight days Friday, according to the South's military, but US President Donald Trump said he had "no problem" with the spate of launches by Pyongyang. The nuclear-armed North is barred from ballistic missile tests under UN resolutions and its actions have drawn condemnation from European members of the Security Council but a comparatively sanguine response from Trump, who has met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times, generating global headlines on each occasion. "I have no problem. We'll see what happens but short range (missiles) are very standard," Trump told reporters as he left the White House for a rally in Ohio. Kim and Trump agreed to resume denuclearisation talks during their impromptu June encounter in the Demilitarised Zone(DMZ) that divides the peninsula, but that working-level dialogue has yet to begin.

North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-says-new-missile-a-solemn-warning-to-south-korean-warmongers-238512">launched two other missiles</a> intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches.

The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches.

Watch Video:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-tests-are-warning-to-south-korea-238647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation."

He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue.

Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security.

North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks.

The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment.

Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea.

Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks.

North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim.

A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field.

The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief.

Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen."

Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon."

On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long".

Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week.

Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri.

"We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills.

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles early on Wednesday, the South Korean military said, only days after it launched two other missiles intended to pressure South Korea and the United States to stop upcoming military drills. The latest launches were from the Hodo peninsula on North Korea's east coast, the same area from where last week's were conducted, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement. It said it was monitoring in case of additional launches. The JCS in Seoul said later the North had fired ballistic missiles that flew about 250 km (155 miles). South Korean news agency Yonhap said they appeared to be a different type to previous launches. Watch Video: Colonel Lee Peters, a spokesman for US military forces in South Korea, said: "We are aware of reports of a missile launch from North Korea and we will continue to monitor the situation." He did not comment when asked whether the joint South Korea-US drills, scheduled to begin next month, would continue. Japan's defence ministry said no missiles had reached Japanese territory or its exclusive economic zone, and the launches did not threaten Japan's immediate security. North Korea had test-fired two new short-range ballistic missiles on July 25, its first missile tests since leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met on June 30 and agreed to revive stalled denuclearisation talks. The White House, the Pentagon and the US State Department did not respond immediately to requests for comment. Trump and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo both played down last week's launches and Pompeo has continued to express hope for a diplomatic way forward with North Korea. Since Trump and Kim's June 30 meeting in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between the two Koreas, Pyongyang has accused Washington of breaking a promise by planning to hold joint military exercises with South Korea next month and warned that these could derail any talks. North Korea has also warned of a possible end to its freeze on nuclear and long-range missile tests that has been in place since 2017, which Trump has repeatedly upheld as evidence of the success of his engagement with Kim. A top South Korean official said last month the drills would go ahead as planned but would mainly involve computer simulations and not troops in the field. The February summit in Vietnam between Trump and Kim collapsed after the two sides failed to reconcile differences between Washington's demands for Pyongyang's complete denuclearisation and North Korean demands for sanctions relief. Trump reiterated to reporters at the White House earlier on Tuesday that he had a good relationship with Kim, but added: "We'll see what happens. I can't tell you what's going to happen." Pompeo said on Monday he hoped working-level talks to revive denuclearisation talks could occur "very soon." On Tuesday, he told reporters travelling with him on a visit to Asia he did not know when this would happen but hoped US Special Representative for North Korea Stephen Biegun and his new counterpart could meet "before too long". Pompeo and North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho had been expected to meet on the sidelines of a Southeast Asian security forum in Bangkok this week but Ri cancelled his trip, a diplomatic source said told Reuters last week. Pompeo said on Tuesday he did not anticipate that the North Koreans would be in Bangkok but, if they were, he would look forward to a chance to meet Ri. "We’ll see if they are there and, if they are, I’m confident we will meet," he said.

Ahead of South Korea, US military drill, North Korea fires two short-range ballistic missiles

Kim Jong-un is on a four-day visit<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-the-rational-actor-who-made-history-this-year-184965"> to China to meet President Xi Jinping</a>, Chinese and North Korean state media said Tuesday, after a special train was reported to have been seen crossing the border.

The North's leader, accompanied by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-will-grant-kim-jong-uns-wishes-after-denuclearisation-south-korea-president-181032">his wife Ri Sol Ju and several senior</a> officials set off from Pyongyang station on board his private train on Monday, the Korean Central News Agency reported.

China's official Xinhua news agency also confirmed the visit.

The trip is at Xi's invitation and set to run over four days, KCNA added, with Kim slated to return on Thursday.

China is the isolated, nuclear-armed North's key diplomatic ally and main source of trade and aid, and the visit is likely to heighten speculation about a potential second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump.

Kim - whose birthday is reportedly on Tuesday, although that has never been confirmed by Pyongyang - visited China three times last year to pay his respects to Xi.

Until his first trip in March, Kim had not met Xi for more than six years after inheriting power from his father, as relations between the neighbours, once described as close as "lips and teeth", deteriorated.

But a whirlwind of diplomacy enveloped the Korean Peninsula last year, with Kim also meeting the South's President Moon Jae-in three times, and culminating in his high-profile Singapore summit with US counterpart Donald Trump in June.

None of Kim's 2018 trips to China was announced in advance, and the earliest indications of the first one - before Kim met either Moon or Trump - came when his train was spotted in Beijing.

The South's Yonhap news agency cited an informed source late Monday saying that a special North Korean train had been seen crossing the border and was expected in Beijing Tuesday morning.

In the Chinese border city of Dandong, dozens of security vehicles and officials blocked the roads around the train station on Monday before the train passed through, Yonhap reported, before reopening them afterwards.

Japan's Kyodo news agency added that hotel guests in Dandong had not been allowed to enter rooms facing the river that forms the border on Monday afternoon, in what it cited sources describing as "an apparent move to prevent the train from being seen".

Officials from the presidential Blue House in Seoul were said to be monitoring the situation.

At the Singapore summit, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely-worded pledge about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but progress has since stalled amid disagreements over what that means, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice.

Negotiations were underway on the location of their next meeting, Trump said Sunday, while remaining evasive on its timing.

The US president said last week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents.

"We are negotiating a location," he told reporters. "They do want to meet and we want to meet and we'll see what happens."

Washington is demanding Pyongyang gives up its nuclear arsenal before any relief from economic sanctions is granted, while the North is insisting on immediate concessions from the US.

Culminating in late 2017, Pyongyang carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

Kim Jong-un is on a four-day visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, Chinese and North Korean state media said Tuesday, after a special train was reported to have been seen crossing the border.

Kim Jong-un is on a four-day visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, Chinese and North Korean state media said Tuesday, after a special train was reported to have been seen crossing the border. The North's leader, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju and several senior officials set off from Pyongyang station on board his private train on Monday, the Korean Central News Agency reported. China's official Xinhua news agency also confirmed the visit. The trip is at Xi's invitation and set to run over four days, KCNA added, with Kim slated to return on Thursday. China is the isolated, nuclear-armed North's key diplomatic ally and main source of trade and aid, and the visit is likely to heighten speculation about a potential second summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump. Kim - whose birthday is reportedly on Tuesday, although that has never been confirmed by Pyongyang - visited China three times last year to pay his respects to Xi. Until his first trip in March, Kim had not met Xi for more than six years after inheriting power from his father, as relations between the neighbours, once described as close as "lips and teeth", deteriorated. But a whirlwind of diplomacy enveloped the Korean Peninsula last year, with Kim also meeting the South's President Moon Jae-in three times, and culminating in his high-profile Singapore summit with US counterpart Donald Trump in June. None of Kim's 2018 trips to China was announced in advance, and the earliest indications of the first one - before Kim met either Moon or Trump - came when his train was spotted in Beijing. The South's Yonhap news agency cited an informed source late Monday saying that a special North Korean train had been seen crossing the border and was expected in Beijing Tuesday morning. In the Chinese border city of Dandong, dozens of security vehicles and officials blocked the roads around the train station on Monday before the train passed through, Yonhap reported, before reopening them afterwards. Japan's Kyodo news agency added that hotel guests in Dandong had not been allowed to enter rooms facing the river that forms the border on Monday afternoon, in what it cited sources describing as "an apparent move to prevent the train from being seen". Officials from the presidential Blue House in Seoul were said to be monitoring the situation. At the Singapore summit, Kim and Trump signed a vaguely-worded pledge about the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, but progress has since stalled amid disagreements over what that means, with meetings and visits cancelled at short notice. Negotiations were underway on the location of their next meeting, Trump said Sunday, while remaining evasive on its timing. The US president said last week he had received a "great letter" from the North Korean leader but declined to reveal its contents. "We are negotiating a location," he told reporters. "They do want to meet and we want to meet and we'll see what happens." Washington is demanding Pyongyang gives up its nuclear arsenal before any relief from economic sanctions is granted, while the North is insisting on immediate concessions from the US. Culminating in late 2017, Pyongyang carried out six atomic blasts and launched rockets capable of reaching the entire US mainland, but has now carried out no such tests for more than a year.

Kim Jong-un on 4-day visit to China to meet President Xi: Report

Just hours after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-inspects-testing-of-newly-developed-tactical-weapon-report-177604">North Korea reportedly tested</a> a new "high-tech" weapon, the US said it was confident Kim Jong-un would fulfil his promise of de denuclearising&nbsp;the Korean Peninsula.

"At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearization and creating a brighter future for North Korea," the US state department spokesman said.&nbsp;

According to state-controlled Yonhap news agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed tactical weapon. The report comes after US vice-president Pence announced on Thursday that President Trump would be holding a second round of meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Despite the talks, military manoeuvres have been taking place by both sides. US aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan and the USS John C Stennis conducted war drills in the &nbsp;Philippine Sea close to North Korean waters even as a US think tank declared recently that North Korea was still maintaining ballistic nuclear sites despite promises to denuclearise.

However, the US state department said it was in touch with the North Koreans on the issue of denuclearisation.

"The President has made clear that if Kim Jong Un denuclearizes, there is a bright future for North Korea," the State Department said, adding,"we remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and chairman Kim will be fulfilled."

President Trump and Kim had met in Singapore in June with the North Korean leader pledging to completely do away with nuclear missiles and establish official contact with its neighbour in the south.

North Korea's latest missile test was the first since the country tested a succession of missiles last year and early this year. Despite this, US and North Korean officials have continued to their back-channel talks.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to meet North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, a senior aide to Kim Jong Un, in New York earlier this month, but it was postponed to a later date.

Just hours after North Korea reportedly tested a new "high-tech" weapon, the US said it was confident Kim Jong-un would fulfil his promise of de denuclearising the Korean Peninsula.

Just hours after North Korea reportedly tested a new "high-tech" weapon, the US said it was confident Kim Jong-un would fulfil his promise of de denuclearising the Korean Peninsula. "At the Singapore Summit, President Trump and chairman Kim made a number of commitments regarding final, fully verified denuclearization and creating a brighter future for North Korea," the US state department spokesman said. According to state-controlled Yonhap news agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the testing of a newly developed tactical weapon. The report comes after US vice-president Pence announced on Thursday that President Trump would be holding a second round of meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Despite the talks, military manoeuvres have been taking place by both sides. US aircraft carriers USS Ronald Reagan and the USS John C Stennis conducted war drills in the Philippine Sea close to North Korean waters even as a US think tank declared recently that North Korea was still maintaining ballistic nuclear sites despite promises to denuclearise. However, the US state department said it was in touch with the North Koreans on the issue of denuclearisation. "The President has made clear that if Kim Jong Un denuclearizes, there is a bright future for North Korea," the State Department said, adding,"we remain confident that the promises made by President Trump and chairman Kim will be fulfilled." President Trump and Kim had met in Singapore in June with the North Korean leader pledging to completely do away with nuclear missiles and establish official contact with its neighbour in the south. North Korea's latest missile test was the first since the country tested a succession of missiles last year and early this year. Despite this, US and North Korean officials have continued to their back-channel talks. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was due to meet North Korea's Kim Yong Chol, a senior aide to Kim Jong Un, in New York earlier this month, but it was postponed to a later date.

Confident Kim will fulfill denuclearisation promise: US

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet North Korea's number two Kim Yong Chol in New York on Thursday, the State Department said.

They "will discuss making progress on all four pillars of the Singapore Summit joint statement, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization," a statement said, referring to the agreement signed at a June summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The meeting comes with the two sides at loggerheads nearly five months after the summit, in which Trump and Kim pledged to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

North Korea's foreign ministry has warned that Pyongyang will "seriously" consider reviving its <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-strict-un-sanctions-until-north-korea-acts-on-denuclearisation-153455">nuclear weapons programme</a>&nbsp;unless US sanctions are lifted.

In announcing the meeting with Kim Jong Chol on Sunday, Pompeo said he expected to "make some real progress" including on laying the groundwork for a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un.

Kim Yong Chol is a general, a former top intelligence chief and right-hand man to the North Korean leader.

He visited the White House in the diplomatic run-up to the Singapore summit, and has been Pompeo's chief interlocutor in the months since.

In mid-October, Pompeo evoked the possibility of a second summit, preceded by talks with Kim Yong Chol.

"We're working on finding dates and times and places that will work for each of the two leaders," Pompeo said at the time.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet North Korea's number two Kim Yong Chol in New York on Thursday, the State Department said. They "will discuss making progress on all four pillars of the Singapore Summit joint statement, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization," a statement said, referring to the agreement signed at a June summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo will meet North Korea's number two Kim Yong Chol in New York on Thursday, the State Department said. They "will discuss making progress on all four pillars of the Singapore Summit joint statement, including achieving the final, fully verified denuclearization," a statement said, referring to the agreement signed at a June summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The meeting comes with the two sides at loggerheads nearly five months after the summit, in which Trump and Kim pledged to work toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. North Korea's foreign ministry has warned that Pyongyang will "seriously" consider reviving its nuclear weapons programme unless US sanctions are lifted. In announcing the meeting with Kim Jong Chol on Sunday, Pompeo said he expected to "make some real progress" including on laying the groundwork for a second summit between Trump and Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Chol is a general, a former top intelligence chief and right-hand man to the North Korean leader. He visited the White House in the diplomatic run-up to the Singapore summit, and has been Pompeo's chief interlocutor in the months since. In mid-October, Pompeo evoked the possibility of a second summit, preceded by talks with Kim Yong Chol. "We're working on finding dates and times and places that will work for each of the two leaders," Pompeo said at the time.

US's Mike Pompeo to meet North Korean no. 2 on Thursday

 Trump says he and Kim Jong un fell in love