North Korean on Friday extended a provocative run in weapons tests by firing cruise missiles into the sea, as leader Kim Jong Un called for his military to step up war preparations while touring a shipyard.

North Korea launches several cruise missiles

South Korean president Yoon Suk Yeol has issued a stark warning, raising concerns about potential provocations from North Korea. Ahead of the nation's parliamentary elections in April.

Yoon Suk Yeol warns North Korea may try to disrupt April polls

<p>North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week.</p>

<h2><strong>What did South Korea say?</strong></h2>

<p>South Korea’s military “detected several unknown cruise missiles launched into the West Sea of North Korea around 07:00 (local time)”, said Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS)&nbsp;in a statement. However, the number of missiles was not specified.</p>

<p>“While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” the JCS told reporters, as quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea fires 200 artillery shells; South Korea evacuates 2 border islands</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-fires-200-artillery-shells-south-korea-evacuates-2-border-islands-677001/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>The launch comes amid a rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea’s recent missile tests</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, on Monday (Jan 29) said its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine&nbsp;a day prior.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by American and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korea, on Wednesday (Jan 24), claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile-pulhwasal-3-31-683422">‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</a> which it said was currently under development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the time, KCNA had also reported that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation.</p>

<p>Notably, the testing of cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly at lower altitudes, is not banned under current United Nations sanctions on North Korea, unlike their ballistic counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-kim-jong-un-reportedly-tears-down-fathers-reunification-monument-why-is-it-a-big-deal-684814">Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal?</a></strong></p>

<p>Cruise missiles are also more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept.</p>

<p>The rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula is marked by the North Korean leader’s weapons test and increasingly hostile rhetoric against South Korea, including calling for Seoul to be branded as its “primary foe”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week.

North Korea fired several cruise missiles into waters off its west coast on Tuesday (Jan 30), said South Korea’s military, marking the third time that Pyongyang has tested cruise missiles in less than a week. What did South Korea say? South Korea’s military “detected several unknown cruise missiles launched into the West Sea of North Korea around 07:00 (local time)”, said Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in a statement. However, the number of missiles was not specified. “While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” the JCS told reporters, as quoted by the South Korean news agency Yonhap. WATCH | North Korea fires 200 artillery shells; South Korea evacuates 2 border islands The launch comes amid a rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula. North Korea’s recent missile tests North Korea’s state-run news agency KCNA, on Monday (Jan 29) said its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine a day prior. On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border. ALSO READ | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by American and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences. North Korea, on Wednesday (Jan 24), claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development. At the time, KCNA had also reported that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation. Notably, the testing of cruise missiles, which are jet-propelled and fly at lower altitudes, is not banned under current United Nations sanctions on North Korea, unlike their ballistic counterparts. ALSO READ | Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal? Cruise missiles are also more sophisticated ballistic missiles, making them harder to detect and intercept. The rise in tensions in the Korean peninsula is marked by the North Korean leader’s weapons test and increasingly hostile rhetoric against South Korea, including calling for Seoul to be branded as its “primary foe”. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires 'several' cruise missiles off its west coast, says South Korea’s military

<p>North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the Arch of Reunification</strong></h2>

<p>The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-says-arch-of-reunification-disappeared-from-pyongyang-world-news-wion-683222/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre&nbsp;wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea.</p>

<p>The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-calls-for-more-practical-offensive-war-deterrence-to-counter-us-south-korea-581166">North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea &nbsp;(DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rise in tensions between the two Koreas</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nkoreas-kim-calls-for-skorea-to-be-seen-as-the-most-hostile-state-threatens-war-680451">&nbsp;North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war</a></strong></p>

<p>It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger.</p>

<p>The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-confirms-kim-oversaw-launch-of-cruise-missiles-from-submarine-684638">Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine</a></strong></p>

<p>The communication&nbsp;was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>An ‘unachieved wish’</strong></h2>

<p>Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung.</p>

<p>“Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho.</p>

<p>Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor.</p>

<p>However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-us-south-korea-nuclear-weapons-deal-about-is-this-end-of-peace-in-korean-peninsula-586684">Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula?</a></strong></p>

<p>While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added.</p>

<h2><strong>The US factor</strong></h2>

<p>Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-thousands-of-north-koreans-holds-rallies-denouncing-us-609023">'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the US and South Korea&nbsp;have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month.

North Korea has reportedly demolished a major monument which symbolised the goal of reconciliation with South Korea following the orders of their leader Kim Jong Un who called the massive structure that his father constructed in the capital city Pyongyang, an “eyesore,” earlier this month. While the move seems to be in line with the North Korean leader’s rhetoric and volatile temperament, and given the rise of tensions between Pyongyang and Seoul, it is important to know what the monument symbolised and why it’s reported razing is making the headlines. About the Arch of Reunification The Arch of Reunification, officially known as the Monument to the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification, is said to be one of the major monuments in the North Korean capital city and is located on the Pyongyang-Kaesong (reunification highway). WATCH | North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang However, satellite imagery of Pyongyang, last week, showed that the 30 metre-tall and 61.5- metre wide symbol was no longer there, according to a report by NK News, an online outlet that monitors North Korea. The American website in its report also stressed that the images are ‘hazy’ at best and one snapshot was taken Tuesday (Jan 23) by an inter-Korean rail crossing at Kaesong did not clearly show any construction crews. Therefore, a higher-definition picture is needed to be certain that the monument has in fact disappeared. The arch was unveiled a year after the 2000 inter-Korea summit between Kim’s father North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, and former South Korean President Kim Dae-jung. The summit resulted in a joint declaration, in which both countries agreed to pursue reunification through peaceful means. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for more ‘practical, offensive’ war deterrence to counter US, South Korea The 30-metre-tall monument was symbolic of the three charters – self-reliance, peace and national cooperation, according to South Korean government records. The arch symbolised reunification plans through diplomacy put forward by Kim’s father. Since Kim Jong Un’s grandfather, Kim Il-Sung took over the premiership of the newly formed Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), North Korea’s official name, in 1948, he had hoped to reunify with South Korea. However, he took a different approach. Kim Il-Sung unlike his son tried to reunify Korea by force and launched an invasion of South Korea triggering the Korean War, which ended in a stalemate three years later. Rise in tensions between the two Koreas Earlier this month, in a speech at North Korea’s rubber-stamp parliament, Kim called for the country’s constitution to be changed to ensure that South Korea is defined as “the most hostile state,” reported the state media KCNA. According to Kim, the constitution should be amended to educate North Koreans that South Korea is a “primary foe and invariable principal enemy”. During the same speech, on January 15, he had also called the massive monument that his father constructed in Pyongyang an “eyesore” and vowed to get rid of it. ALSO READ | North Korea’s Kim calls for South Korea to be seen as ‘the most hostile state’, threatens war It was around the same time that North Korea had abolished agencies that oversaw cooperation and reunification, indicating that Kim was no longer interested in seeking reconciliation with South Korea. Additionally, three organisations dealing with unification and inter-Korean tourism were also shut down, the state media had reported, earlier this month. On January 15, Kim said Pyongyang would not recognise the two countries’ de facto maritime border, the Northern Limit Line (NLL). Last year, in April, the South Korean Unification Ministry said that North Korea had not responded to their regularly held calls, adding that this is the first time since October 2021 that all inter-Korean military lines or liaison calls have stopped for more than a day. The communication lines were first opened in 2018 when the two countries set up hotlines after a series of summits aimed at decreasing tensions in the region. However, it was not the first time that North Korea unilaterally shut down the communications links in a display of anger. The line was restored in July 2021 following North Korea’s shutdown for nearly a year after its anger over South Korean activists sending leaflets critical of Kim’s regime across the border by balloon. ALSO READ | Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine The communication was cut off in 2023 also around the time when South Korea was holding drills with the United States, which North Korea has long viewed as an enemy. Pyongyang, which reportedly has nuclear weapons, also tested a record number of missiles last year. It also seems like it is going to be more of the same in 2024, as within the first month of the year, North Korea has already tested a number of missiles, including a cruise missile dubbed Pulhwasal-3-3, on January 24 and again on January 28. This was after North Korea had fired more than 200 artillery rounds near a disputed maritime border with South Korea prompting Seoul to take “corresponding” action with live fire drills. The exchange prompted the evacuation of nearly 2,000 residents of two remote South Korean islands to bomb shelters. An ‘unachieved wish’ Kim Jong Un was 26 years old when he took over North Korea, days after his father’s death, and like his predecessors, he too has ruled the country with an iron fist ever since. However, unlike his father and grandfather, the incumbent leader does not seem to be interested in the idea of reunification. Cho Han-bum, a researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification told AFP, earlier this month, that the North Korean system has long been grounded on the idea of reunification, an unachieved wish of the country’s founding leader and Kim’s grandfather Kim II Sung. “Now he is denying everything that his predecessors have done,” said Cho. Therefore, if confirmed, getting rid of his father’s monument would be a big step for Kim, who was known to be his favourite son and hence became his successor. However, it seems as though since his grandfather’s invasion and his father’s diplomacy did not work, Kim is charting his own course, which involves ramping up military rhetoric and posturing. ALSO READ | Explained | What is US-South Korea nuclear weapons deal about? Is this end of peace in Korean Peninsula? While reunification has long been on the North Korean agenda, Kim, earlier this month said that he had concluded that unification with the South was no longer possible and accused Seoul of seeking the collapse of his regime and unification by absorption. The Korea Institute for National Unification, a think-tank, said Kim has all but removed the ‘concept of unity’ from North Korean policy, reported Metro newspaper. Therefore, by reportedly removing the Arch of Reunification ‘the history of inter-Korean relations was completely denied’ and the ‘geopolitical risks’ to South Korea will continue to rise, analysts added. The US factor Pyongyang’s hatred towards Washington can be traced back to the Korean War where then-US President Harry Truman’s declaration prompted nearly two dozen countries to send troops and medical units to back South Korea, during the war. ALSO READ | 'Vow of revenge': North Koreans rally to mark 73rd anniversary of Korean War, denounce US Meanwhile, North Korea was supported by both the Soviet Union and China. Therefore, the alliances over the years have not changed all that much. Even today, Pyongyang maintains good relations with Beijing and Moscow. Except for Kim’s brief “bromance” with former US President Donald Trump when he was the commander-in-chief, not like the much-awaited meeting between the two leaders produced any tangible results. Meanwhile, the US and South Korea have conducted a number of drills amid Kim’s increasing military rhetoric and posturing. Last year, Washington, for the first time since the 1980s also deployed a nuclear-armed ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) to a South Korean port. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Kim Jong Un reportedly tears down father’s reunification monument. Why is it a big deal?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidZ11TIRPcXynm" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A day after South Korea claimed its notorious neighbour fired "several unidentified cruise missiles" off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA confirmed its leader Kim Jong Un indeed oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles remained in the air for 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, added KCNA, but refused to divulge how far they flew or whether they had been launched from above or below the water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korea said Sunday's test from the submarine "had no impact on the security of a neighbouring country and has nothing to do with the regional situation". The KCNA report mentioned Kim "expressed great satisfaction" with the launch.</p>

<p>Sunday’s launches were North Korea’s third-known launch event of 2024, following a previous round of cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday?</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" data-gtm-yt-inspected-7="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/why-did-north-koreas-kim-jong-un-not-celebrate-his-40th-birthday-678260/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did S Korea claim?</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border.</p>

<p>“Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea's Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea denounces US-South Korea drills</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by the US and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile-pulhwasal-3-31-683422" target="_blank"><strong>North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</strong></a></p>

<p>“The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The launch also comes after Kim branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate Seoul, as he toured major weapons factories earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A day after South Korea claimed its notorious neighbour fired "several unidentified cruise missiles" off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA confirmed its leader Kim Jong Un indeed oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine.

A day after South Korea claimed its notorious neighbour fired "several unidentified cruise missiles" off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), North Korea's state-run news agency KCNA confirmed its leader Kim Jong Un indeed oversaw the launch of Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles from a submarine. The two Pulhwasal-3-31 missiles remained in the air for 7,421 seconds and 7,445 seconds, added KCNA, but refused to divulge how far they flew or whether they had been launched from above or below the water. North Korea said Sunday's test from the submarine "had no impact on the security of a neighbouring country and has nothing to do with the regional situation". The KCNA report mentioned Kim "expressed great satisfaction" with the launch. Sunday’s launches were North Korea’s third-known launch event of 2024, following a previous round of cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Also watch: Why did North Korea's Kim Jong Un not celebrate his 40th birthday? What did S Korea claim? On Sunday (Jan 28), the South Korean military said its neighbour had fired an unidentified cruise missile around the Sinpo area, days after it staged live-fire exercises near the tense maritime border. “Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea's Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as quoted by AFP. North Korea denounces US-South Korea drills Earlier on Sunday, Pyongyang denounced a series of military drills conducted by the US and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences. Also read | North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ “The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said, as per Reuters. The launch also comes after Kim branded South Korea his principal enemy and warned he would not hesitate to annihilate Seoul, as he toured major weapons factories earlier this month. "The historic time has come at last when we should define as a state most hostile toward the Democratic People's Republic of Korea the entity called the Republic of Korea (South Korea)," said Kim. (With inputs from agencies)

Day after Seoul's claims, N Korea confirms Kim oversaw launch of cruise missiles from submarine

<p>North Korea fired “several unidentified cruise missiles” off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), said South Korea’s military amid a rise in tensions between the two countries. The latest launch comes days after North Korea claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>North Korea’s latest missile launch</h2>

<p>“Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea's Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea fires cruise missiles near Sinpo area</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-fires-cruise-missiles-near-sinpno-area-684425/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Seoul did not specify the number of missiles that were launched, citing an ongoing analysis, but said it had strengthened monitoring and vigilance and was working with the United States to analyse the latest launch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” said JCS, in a statement, as quoted by South Korean news agency Yonhap.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea denounces US-South Korea drills</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, the North Korean state media KCNA denounced a series of military drills conducted by the US and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-claims-to-have-tested-new-strategic-cruise-missile-pulhwasal-3-31-683422">North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</a></strong></p>

<p>“The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said, as per Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea’s reported launch on Sunday comes days after it claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development, reported KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Thursday (Jan 25), the state media report had also said that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation.</p>

<p>The KCNA report also confirmed the South Korean military’s statement which said North Korea fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea, a day prior.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-cruise-missiles-towards-yellow-sea-says-south-korea-683042">North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>Sunday’s launches were North Korea’s third-known launch event of 2024, following a previous round of cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles.</p>

<p>Pyongyang has ramped up confrontation with Seoul and its ally Washington in the last few months. However, the US and South Korean officials said that they have not spotted any&nbsp;signs of North Korea intending&nbsp;to take imminent military action.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea fired “several unidentified cruise missiles” off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), said South Korea’s military amid a rise in tensions between the two countries.

North Korea fired “several unidentified cruise missiles” off its east coast on Sunday (Jan 28), said South Korea’s military amid a rise in tensions between the two countries. The latest launch comes days after North Korea claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile. North Korea’s latest missile launch “Our military detected several unidentified cruise missiles fired near waters around North Korea's Sinpo area at 8:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff in a statement, as quoted by AFP. WATCH | North Korea fires cruise missiles near Sinpo area Seoul did not specify the number of missiles that were launched, citing an ongoing analysis, but said it had strengthened monitoring and vigilance and was working with the United States to analyse the latest launch. “While strengthening our monitoring and vigilance, our military has been closely coordinating with the United States to monitor additional signs of North Korea’s provocations,” said JCS, in a statement, as quoted by South Korean news agency Yonhap. North Korea denounces US-South Korea drills Earlier on Sunday, the North Korean state media KCNA denounced a series of military drills conducted by the US and South Korean troops in recent weeks and warned of “merciless” consequences. ALSO READ | North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ “The reality that nuclear war exercises against our republic have been going on like crazy since the beginning of the New Year demands that we be fully prepared for a deadly war,” the dispatch said, as per Reuters. ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ North Korea’s reported launch on Sunday comes days after it claimed to have tested its new strategic cruise missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development, reported KCNA. On Thursday (Jan 25), the state media report had also said that the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation. The KCNA report also confirmed the South Korean military’s statement which said North Korea fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea, a day prior. ALSO READ | North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea Sunday’s launches were North Korea’s third-known launch event of 2024, following a previous round of cruise missile tests on January 24 and January 14, which were the country’s first solid-fuel intermediate-range ballistic missiles. Pyongyang has ramped up confrontation with Seoul and its ally Washington in the last few months. However, the US and South Korean officials said that they have not spotted any signs of North Korea intending to take imminent military action. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires ‘several’ cruise missiles off its east coast, says South Korea’s military

Tesla is planning to build new electric vehicles. There is a new mobile game that is empowering girls in India. The week gone by was buzzing with a lot of exciting tech developments. And we bring you the most interesting ones in our tech wrap.

North Korea's AI development raises concerns

North Korea has fired several cruise missiles in waters off its east coast, South Korea's military says. Chinese foreign Minister holds meeting with North Korean counterpart. China & North Korea celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations. The 'Bonhomie' deepens between North Korea & China, both the countries boost Defence ties. Watch to know more!

North Korea launches cruise missiles, South Korean military reports multiple launches

Chinese foreign Minister holds meeting with North Korean counterpart. China & North Korea celebrate 75 years of bilateral relations. The 'Bonhomie' deepens between North Korea & China, both the countries boost Defence ties. Watch to know more!

China & North Korea to bolster 'Tactical Co-operation' in the region

North Korea announced on Thursday that it successfully conducted the first flight test of a new cruise missile 'Pulhwasal-3-31', which it claimed was a “strategic” weapon capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

North Korea tests new strategic cruise missile 'Pulhwasal-3-31'

<p>North Korea claims to have tested its new strategic cruise missile on Wednesday (Jan 24), the state media KCNA&nbsp;reported on Thursday (Jan 25). This comes a day after the South Korean military said Pyongyang fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on Thursday called for “levelling up” the living standards and called failure to provide people with basic living necessities, including food, a “serious political issue,” reported the state media.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea&nbsp;says it tested ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea claims to have tested a missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development, reported the state media, saying the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;North Korea says it tested new strategic cruise missile 'Pulhwasal-3-31'</strong></p>

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<p>However, the KCNA did not specify the number of missiles tested. The report confirmed the South Korean military’s statement which said North Korea fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement.</p>

<p>Seoul’s defence minister, Shin Won-sik, condemned the launches as a serious threat to his country. Meanwhile, the KCNA, citing The Missile Administration, said that the test was part of the process of updating the country’s weapon system.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-multiple-cruise-missiles-towards-yellow-sea-says-south-korea-683042">North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea</a></strong></p>

<p>On Thursday, South Korea also announced that it was beginning the mass production of medium-altitude reconnaissance drones and aims to deploy them in 2027&nbsp;in a bid to improve surveillance capabilities and contribute to defence exports.</p>

<h2><strong>Kim calls for ‘levelling up’ living standards</strong></h2>

<p>While the North Korean leadership is spending money on missiles, Pyongyang, over recent decades has suffered serious food shortages, including a famine in the 1990s, and now Kim has called for finding ways to improve economic development.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kim’s remarks were made in a speech while discussing regional development at a meeting of the country’s ruling party, held between Tuesday (Jan 23) and Wednesday, reported the KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Pyongyang has repeatedly faced criticism due to Kim’s prioritising the military and its banned weapons programmes over adequately providing for its people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Korea’s unification minister, who is charged with handling relations with its neighbour, described the food situation in North Korea as “still bad” last year, despite an uptick in trade with China.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-korea-in-a-public-trial-puts-2-teens-under-12-years-of-hard-labour-for-watching-k-pop-681813">North Korea teens sent to 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop</a></strong></p>

<p>However, during a recent party meeting, Kim asked his party to bring about a swift change to raise the living standards of people throughout the country, reported KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Today, failure to satisfactorily provide the people in local areas with basic living necessities including condiments, foodstuff and consumption goods has arisen as a serious political issue that our party and government can never sidestep,” said Kim, as quoted by KCNA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also called for closing the gaps between urban and rural areas through its new regional development policy. “At present, it is a very urgent immediate task for levelling up the material and cultural living standards of the regional people,” said the North Korean leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


North Korea claims to have tested its new strategic cruise missile on Wednesday (Jan 24), the state media KCNA reported on Thursday (Jan 25). This comes a day after the South Korean military said Pyongyang fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea.

North Korea claims to have tested its new strategic cruise missile on Wednesday (Jan 24), the state media KCNA reported on Thursday (Jan 25). This comes a day after the South Korean military said Pyongyang fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea. Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, on Thursday called for “levelling up” the living standards and called failure to provide people with basic living necessities, including food, a “serious political issue,” reported the state media. North Korea says it tested ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ North Korea claims to have tested a missile dubbed ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’ which it said was currently under development, reported the state media, saying the test-firing had no impact on the security of neighbouring countries, and it had “nothing” to do with the regional situation. WATCH | North Korea says it tested new strategic cruise missile 'Pulhwasal-3-31' However, the KCNA did not specify the number of missiles tested. The report confirmed the South Korean military’s statement which said North Korea fired several cruise missiles towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday. “Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today,” said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement. Seoul’s defence minister, Shin Won-sik, condemned the launches as a serious threat to his country. Meanwhile, the KCNA, citing The Missile Administration, said that the test was part of the process of updating the country’s weapon system. ALSO READ | North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea On Thursday, South Korea also announced that it was beginning the mass production of medium-altitude reconnaissance drones and aims to deploy them in 2027 in a bid to improve surveillance capabilities and contribute to defence exports. Kim calls for ‘levelling up’ living standards While the North Korean leadership is spending money on missiles, Pyongyang, over recent decades has suffered serious food shortages, including a famine in the 1990s, and now Kim has called for finding ways to improve economic development. Kim’s remarks were made in a speech while discussing regional development at a meeting of the country’s ruling party, held between Tuesday (Jan 23) and Wednesday, reported the KCNA. Notably, Pyongyang has repeatedly faced criticism due to Kim’s prioritising the military and its banned weapons programmes over adequately providing for its people. South Korea’s unification minister, who is charged with handling relations with its neighbour, described the food situation in North Korea as “still bad” last year, despite an uptick in trade with China. ALSO READ | North Korea teens sent to 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop However, during a recent party meeting, Kim asked his party to bring about a swift change to raise the living standards of people throughout the country, reported KCNA. “Today, failure to satisfactorily provide the people in local areas with basic living necessities including condiments, foodstuff and consumption goods has arisen as a serious political issue that our party and government can never sidestep,” said Kim, as quoted by KCNA. He also called for closing the gaps between urban and rural areas through its new regional development policy. “At present, it is a very urgent immediate task for levelling up the material and cultural living standards of the regional people,” said the North Korean leader. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea claims to have tested new strategic cruise missile ‘Pulhwasal-3-31’

North Korea says it tested new strategic cruise missile 'Pulhwasal-3-31'

North Korea tests new missile | Blinken's visit to Africa | WION Speed News

Pyongyang claimed that it successfully launched a military spy satellite into orbit late on the 21st of November. Tuesday's launch was Pyongyang's third attempt at securing a military eye in the sky after two failed ventures in May and August this year.

Pyongyang third time lucky after two failed launches in 2023 | World At War

<p>Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state.</p>

<p>The testing of weapons was accelerated by Pyongyang in the new year, which included tests of what the country called an "underwater nuclear weapon system" as well as a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile.</p>

<p>"Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement.</p>

<p>"The detailed specifications are being closely analysed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities," the statement added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-north-korea-in-a-public-trial-puts-2-teens-under-12-years-of-hard-labour-for-watching-k-pop-681813">North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop</a></p>

<p>Unlike the country's ballistic counterparts, cruise missile testing is not banned under the current sanctions imposed by the United Nations over Pyongyang. Cruise missiles are generally jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude in comparison to other more sophisticated ballistic missiles, which makes them harder to intercept and detect. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest missile launch by North Korea comes as South Korea has been carrying out a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off its east coast, "in light of serious security situations" with the North, which runs till Thursday (Jan 25), as per the South's navy.</p>

<p>"We will achieve our mission to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory and neutralize them completely under any circumstances," said the drill's commander in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>North Korea-South Korea's deteriorating ties&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In recent months, there has been a sharp deterioration in ties between the two countries, with the two sides carrying out live-fire drills along the border, finalising key tension-reducing agreements and increasing frontier security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week declared South Korea as the country's "principal enemy" and said that a war can break out even if there is a territorial infringement of 0.001 mm.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Japan, US, South Korea share real-time data on North Korea's missiles&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The North Korean leader further said that Pyongyang will not recognise the de facto maritime border between the two countries - the Northern Limit Line - and appealed for constitutional changes which permitted the North to "occupy" Seoul in war, said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).</p>

<p>Meanwhile, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol informed his cabinet that if the nuclear-armed North adopts any provocative move, Seoul's response will be "multiple times stronger", while emphasising his military's "overwhelming response capabilities".</p>

<p>At North Korea's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened to launch a nuclear attack on&nbsp;South and appealed for a build-up of the military arsenal as any armed conflict, he warned, can "break out any time".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state.

Several cruise missiles were fired by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea on Wednesday (Jan 24), said Seoul's military, the latest in a series of tension-raising steps being taken by the nuclear-armed state. The testing of weapons was accelerated by Pyongyang in the new year, which included tests of what the country called an "underwater nuclear weapon system" as well as a solid-fuelled hypersonic ballistic missile. "Our military detected several cruise missiles launched by North Korea towards the Yellow Sea at around 7:00 am today," said the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a statement. "The detailed specifications are being closely analysed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities," the statement added. Also read: North Korea teens, in a public trial, put under 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop Unlike the country's ballistic counterparts, cruise missile testing is not banned under the current sanctions imposed by the United Nations over Pyongyang. Cruise missiles are generally jet-propelled and fly at a lower altitude in comparison to other more sophisticated ballistic missiles, which makes them harder to intercept and detect. The latest missile launch by North Korea comes as South Korea has been carrying out a 10-day special forces infiltration drill off its east coast, "in light of serious security situations" with the North, which runs till Thursday (Jan 25), as per the South's navy. "We will achieve our mission to infiltrate deep into the enemy's territory and neutralize them completely under any circumstances," said the drill's commander in a statement. North Korea-South Korea's deteriorating ties In recent months, there has been a sharp deterioration in ties between the two countries, with the two sides carrying out live-fire drills along the border, finalising key tension-reducing agreements and increasing frontier security. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un last week declared South Korea as the country's "principal enemy" and said that a war can break out even if there is a territorial infringement of 0.001 mm. Watch: Japan, US, South Korea share real-time data on North Korea's missiles The North Korean leader further said that Pyongyang will not recognise the de facto maritime border between the two countries - the Northern Limit Line - and appealed for constitutional changes which permitted the North to "occupy" Seoul in war, said the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Meanwhile, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol informed his cabinet that if the nuclear-armed North adopts any provocative move, Seoul's response will be "multiple times stronger", while emphasising his military's "overwhelming response capabilities". At North Korea's year-end policy meetings, Kim threatened to launch a nuclear attack on South and appealed for a build-up of the military arsenal as any armed conflict, he warned, can "break out any time". (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea fires multiple cruise missiles towards Yellow Sea, says South Korea

As leader Kim Jong Un continues to inflame tensions on the peninsula, North Korea's 100-foot-tall Arch of Reunification, erected in Pyongyang to honor friendly ties with the South, vanished from the capital's skyline sometime over the weekend, a report claims.

Kim Jong-Un ordered to remove the North Korea reunification monument, says report

North Korea says Arch of Reunification disappeared from Pyongyang | World News | WION

<p>Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos. The purported video shows that the two teens are publicly sentenced to 12 years of hard labour, simply for watching K-pop.</p>

<p>Notably, to prevent any potential erosion of the regime's influence, the kim Jong Un government enforces strict measures against those who engage with South Korean culture. North Korea is infamous for tightly controlling the flow of information within its borders and access to foreign media, including South Korean films and dramas.</p>

<p>It is often reported that by punishing those who follow South Korean culture, the government seeks to maintain a monopoly on information and shape the worldview of its citizens.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vat-a-shocker-british-court-rules-walkers-poppadoms-are-potato-chips-to-attract-sales-tax-681804">VAT-a-shocker: British court rules Walkers' Poppadoms are potato chips, to attract sales tax</a></p>

<p>"Judging from the heavy punishment, it seems that this is to be shown to people across North Korea to warn them. If so, it appears this lifestyle of South Korean culture is prevalent in North Korean society," President of SAND and Doctor of Political Science at Tokyo University Choi Kyong-hui reportedly said. Kyong-hui, who is now raising alarm on the situation had&nbsp;defected from North Korea in 2001.</p>

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<p>"I think this video was edited around 2022... What is troublesome for (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un is that Millennials and Gen Z young people have changed their way of thinking. I think he's working on turning it back to the North Korean way," Choi added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the video have?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The video depicted a public trial where two students were seen in grey scrubs. They were handcuffed. Meanwhile, the trial was been observed by nearly 1,000 students in an amphitheater. All individuals, including the two 16-year-olds who were punished with hard labour, are seen wearing face masks.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/viral-baby-shower-shocks-netizens-gen-z-tiktok-star-hosts-event-for-five-women-carrying-his-babies-681803">Viral baby shower SHOCKS netizens, Gen-Z TikTok star hosts event for five women&nbsp;carrying his babies</a></p>

<p>Because of the use of masks, it is believed that the recording likely took place when the world was hit by COVID pandemic.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-donald-trump-mocks-nikki-haleys-first-name-681795">US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name</a></strong></p>

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<p>As per reports, the students received sentences after being found guilty of watching as well as sharing South Korean movies, music, and music videos with others for three months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos.

Once again, North Korea is under scrutiny for punishing those who consume South Korean pop culture, music, and entertainment. The latest footage from the South and North Development (SAND) Institute showed how two 16-year-olds in Pyongyang were convicted solely because they watched South Korean movies and music videos. The purported video shows that the two teens are publicly sentenced to 12 years of hard labour, simply for watching K-pop. Notably, to prevent any potential erosion of the regime's influence, the kim Jong Un government enforces strict measures against those who engage with South Korean culture. North Korea is infamous for tightly controlling the flow of information within its borders and access to foreign media, including South Korean films and dramas. It is often reported that by punishing those who follow South Korean culture, the government seeks to maintain a monopoly on information and shape the worldview of its citizens. Also Read | VAT-a-shocker: British court rules Walkers' Poppadoms are potato chips, to attract sales tax "Judging from the heavy punishment, it seems that this is to be shown to people across North Korea to warn them. If so, it appears this lifestyle of South Korean culture is prevalent in North Korean society," President of SAND and Doctor of Political Science at Tokyo University Choi Kyong-hui reportedly said. Kyong-hui, who is now raising alarm on the situation had defected from North Korea in 2001. × "I think this video was edited around 2022... What is troublesome for (North Korean leader) Kim Jong Un is that Millennials and Gen Z young people have changed their way of thinking. I think he's working on turning it back to the North Korean way," Choi added. What did the video have? The video depicted a public trial where two students were seen in grey scrubs. They were handcuffed. Meanwhile, the trial was been observed by nearly 1,000 students in an amphitheater. All individuals, including the two 16-year-olds who were punished with hard labour, are seen wearing face masks. Also Read | Viral baby shower SHOCKS netizens, Gen-Z TikTok star hosts event for five women carrying his babies Because of the use of masks, it is believed that the recording likely took place when the world was hit by COVID pandemic. Watch | US: Donald Trump mocks Nikki Haley’s first name × As per reports, the students received sentences after being found guilty of watching as well as sharing South Korean movies, music, and music videos with others for three months. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea teens sent to 12 years of hard labour for watching K-pop

North Korean reunification monument goes missing; Kim Jong Un escalates rivalry with South

Tensions in the Korean peninsula are flaring up. Kim calls the South "primary foe and invariable principal enemy". He is also seeking a change in the constitution. Is North Korea-South Korea unification even possible? Watch this video for all details.

Is North Korea-South Korea unification possible? Here's what Kim Jong Un says

Standing on Russian soil, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shook hands with Putin while his country launched ballistic missiles in Japan’s direction. From Kim's medium of choice for travelling to Russia, to the prolonged handshake between Kim and Putin to the locations they chose for their meetings - this diplomatic meet was high on optics and the message was directly aimed at the West. The US State department used words like 'troubled' and 'concerned' seeing the warmth between Putin and North Korea. But what is troubling the U.S.? Will North Korea aid Russia in Ukraine? Will Russia take stance with the hermit nation against US in the Korean peninsula? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Russia to enter theatre of war in Korean peninsula? | What’s Kim-Putin game plan?

North Korea publicly sentenced two teenage boys to 12 years of hard labour for transgression of watching South Korean TV shows, commonly known as K-dramas.

North Korean teens face 12 year hard labour sentence for watching K-Drama

North Korea says it has carried out a test of its "underwater nuclear weapons system" in response to drills by the US, South Korea and Japan this week. The underwater drone, which supposedly can carry a nuclear weapon, was tested off the east coast, state media said.

North Korea-US Tensions at all-time high | Can Trump-Kim bromance return in 2025?

North Korea has conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system in a protest against this week's joint military drills by South Korea, the United States and Japan, state media KCNA said on Friday.

North Korea says tests underwater nuclear drone, criticises US-led joint drills

Tensions spiral in the Korean Peninsula | North Korea's underwater nuclear drone test

North Korea has tested another nuclear weapon system, an underwater attack drone called the "Haeil-5-23". It was tested in waters off the east coast to mark its protest against this week's joint military drills by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The weapons test comes after Kim Jong Un declared South Korea is number one enemy and threatened to go to war if he feels threatened.

Gravitas: North Korea tests undersea nuclear armageddon | Will Kim start war with South Korea?

<p>In a show of its military capabilities, North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear arsenal 'Haeil-5-23'. This move came after a three-day combined naval drill&nbsp;by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which included an American aircraft carrier.</p>

<p>This latest test was held to push back on the joint exercise conducted by rivals aimed at enhancing the collective deterrence and response capabilities of the participating nations against North Korean threats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it remains unclear as to exactly when the test was conducted. Reports suggest that the "Haeil-5-23" system, North Korea's nuclear-capable underwater attack drones, was tested by the defence ministry's think tank.</p>

<p>The underwater testing of the nuclear system took place in the waters off its east coast.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>An unnamed spokesman from the North Korean defence ministry reportedly stated, "Our army's underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off, and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military maneuvers of the navies of the US and its allies."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thailand-man-jailed-for-record-50-years-for-criticising-the-monarchy-681421">Thailand: Man jailed for record 50 years for criticising the monarchy</a></p>

<p>North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of tension between the United States and Pyongyang. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear ambitions, viewing them as a threat to regional and global security.</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a military presence in South Korea, conducting joint military exercises with South Korean forces. These exercises have often been met with strong condemnation from North Korea, which sees them as provocations.</p>
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<p>The US has also imposed various economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear and missile programmes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a show of its military capabilities, North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear arsenal 'Haeil-5-23'. This move came after a three-day combined naval drill by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which included an American aircraft carrier.

In a show of its military capabilities, North Korea conducted a test of its underwater nuclear arsenal 'Haeil-5-23'. This move came after a three-day combined naval drill by the United States, Japan, and South Korea, which included an American aircraft carrier. This latest test was held to push back on the joint exercise conducted by rivals aimed at enhancing the collective deterrence and response capabilities of the participating nations against North Korean threats. However, it remains unclear as to exactly when the test was conducted. Reports suggest that the "Haeil-5-23" system, North Korea's nuclear-capable underwater attack drones, was tested by the defence ministry's think tank. The underwater testing of the nuclear system took place in the waters off its east coast. Also Read | China's Demographic Challenge: Ageing population threatens economic shift & growth An unnamed spokesman from the North Korean defence ministry reportedly stated, "Our army's underwater nuke-based countering posture is being further rounded off, and its various maritime and underwater responsive actions will continue to deter the hostile military maneuvers of the navies of the US and its allies." Also Read | Thailand: Man jailed for record 50 years for criticising the monarchy North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of tension between the United States and Pyongyang. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear ambitions, viewing them as a threat to regional and global security. Watch | Economic crisis deepen in West Bank amid Gaza turmoil × Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a military presence in South Korea, conducting joint military exercises with South Korean forces. These exercises have often been met with strong condemnation from North Korea, which sees them as provocations. The US has also imposed various economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear and missile programmes. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea tests 'Haeil-5-23' underwater nuke arsenal, roars back at joint naval drills

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North Korea tests nuclear-capable underwater drone

Tensions continue to spiral on the Korean peninsula. North Korea claims that it conducted a test of its underwater nuclear weapons system. Test of the Haeil-5-23 system was carried out in the waters off North Korea's eastern coast.

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Two teenagers who watched K-dramas in North Korea were given a 12-year sentence of hard labor. It is strictly prohibited in North Korea to watch South Korean dramas. Video footage of teenagers being arrested in front of hundreds of students reportedly went viral across the nation. Watch to know more!

North Korea: Teens sentenced to 12 years of hard labour for watching K Drama

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