The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16). 
 
"The US&nbsp;side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. 
 
The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-boasts-of-satellite-capability-warns-to-launch-more-soon-667790">North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon</a>

A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland. 
 
South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead. 
 
The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer.

<h2>North Korea delegation reaches China for talks</h2>

A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Watch:&nbsp;US, Japan &amp; S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision

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North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details. 
 
The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19. 
 
The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”.

The United States issued a warning to North Korea that any kind of nuclear attack against the country or its allies "is unacceptable and will result in the end of the (Kim Jong) Un regime”. The warning was issued by the country in a joint US-South Korean statement on Saturday (Dec 16). "The US side reiterated that any nuclear attack by the DPRK against the ROK will be met with a swift, overwhelming, and decisive response," read the statement. The second US-Republic of Korea Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) started in Washington on Friday (Dec 15) to hold talks over nuclear deterrence, as part of a commitment between the two countries where they share more insight regarding the planning if there is a conflict with North Korea. Also read: North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon A range of ballistic missiles have been developed and tested by Pyongyang which can reach targets in Japan, South Korea and the US mainland. South Korea's deputy national security adviser Kim Tae-hyo on Friday (Dec 16) said that North Korea is likely to test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile in December, which is being seen as a nuclear threat regardless of its range since it has the capability of carrying a nuclear warhead. The third NCG will be held in South Korea next summer. North Korea delegation reaches China for talks A North Korean diplomatic delegation has reached China to hold talks which will focus on strengthening co-operation, said North Korean state media on Saturday (Dec 17), as Pyongyang is taking little steps towards opening its borders and resuming trade with its neighbouring countries after the COVID-19 pandemic. Watch: US, Japan & S. Korea to share missile warning data, North Korea slams the decision North Korean Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Pak Myong Ho and counterpart Sun Weidong talked about increasing strategic co-operation and improving bilateral relations on Friday (Dec 16), said KCNA in a statement, without giving any further details. The visit of North Korean officials to China to discuss political issues publicly has been rare since January 2020, when the former country closed its borders to stop the spread of COVID-19. The trip of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in September was his first overseas visit since the pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

US warns nuclear attack by North Korea will result in end of Kim Jong Un’s regime

Experts on Wednesday (Dec 13) warned that there could be two nuclear weapons tests in 2024 ― one by Russia and the other by North Korea. Next year, which will see many elections including in India, the United States, and Russia, analysts think that nuclear tests will be long remembered.&nbsp;

Analysts at the Korea Institute for National Unification, which is a state-funded think tank, said while speaking at a conference in Seoul that Russia will likely conduct its first nuclear test in more than 30 years.&nbsp;

It will be followed by a nuclear test by North Korea, the first time since 2017, as they talked about the prospects for inter-Korean relations.&nbsp;

As quoted by The Korea Times, Hyun Seung-soo, an expert on Russia at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-funded think tank, said: "To demonstrate its military capabilities to the world and its own people, Russia is expected to conduct a nuclear test next year. This could give fresh impetus to North Korea's own nuclear test."&nbsp;

The remarks again sparked nuclear catastrophe fear amid ongoing wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and other geopolitical conflicts.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-is-confident-over-victory-in-war-says-goals-have-not-changed-in-ukraine-669620">Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

Hyun stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to claim "overwhelming victory" in the upcoming election and to threaten Moscow's adversaries, he may consider nuclear testing which is possible now than ever after Russia revoked his country's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).&nbsp;

Putin might consider&nbsp;making a significant and decisive move in the offensive against Ukraine amid a battlefield stalemate.&nbsp;

Kim Jin-ha, another senior analyst at the think tank talked about whether or not Russia and North Korea will coordinate before the expected nuclear tests.&nbsp;

Kim said that it is unlikely, but since nations have close ties and share similar goals of strengthening against the West, Pyongyang may factor in the Russian timing.&nbsp;

As quoted, Kim said: "One possible scenario is to test-fire Haeil (a North Korean underwater drone claimed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead)… Because the regime needs to prove its capability to actually operate nuclear weapons (to seek disarmament negotiations with the US eventually) with real evidence."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Hamas Chief says ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-civilian-killed-11-injured-after-russian-drone-missile-attacks-in-south-ukraine-kyiv-669564">At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine</a>&nbsp;

<h2>South Korea urges Russia to help sanction North Korea&nbsp;</h2>

A senior South Korean official said on Tuesday that Russia should help impose new sanctions against North Korea over its recent launch of a spy satellite. The official also said that Moscow must enforce existing bans on the isolated country's labour exports.&nbsp;

South Korea's unification minister Kim Yung-ho, in charge of inter-Korean ties, said last month's satellite launch violated UN Security Council resolutions banning North Korea's use of ballistic technology.&nbsp;

There are "clear signs" of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, and Seoul is also looking into whether Russia has accepted more North Korean workers in defiance of U.N. resolutions, Kim said.&nbsp;

"As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia has responsibility to faithfully implement its sanctions resolutions," he told a news conference.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Experts on Wednesday (Dec 13) warned that there could be two nuclear weapons tests in 2024 ― one by Russia and the other by North Korea. Next year, which will see many elections including in India, the United States, and Russia, analysts think that nuclear tests will be long remembered.

Experts on Wednesday (Dec 13) warned that there could be two nuclear weapons tests in 2024 ― one by Russia and the other by North Korea. Next year, which will see many elections including in India, the United States, and Russia, analysts think that nuclear tests will be long remembered. Analysts at the Korea Institute for National Unification, which is a state-funded think tank, said while speaking at a conference in Seoul that Russia will likely conduct its first nuclear test in more than 30 years. It will be followed by a nuclear test by North Korea, the first time since 2017, as they talked about the prospects for inter-Korean relations. As quoted by The Korea Times, Hyun Seung-soo, an expert on Russia at the Korea Institute for National Unification, a state-funded think tank, said: "To demonstrate its military capabilities to the world and its own people, Russia is expected to conduct a nuclear test next year. This could give fresh impetus to North Korea's own nuclear test." The remarks again sparked nuclear catastrophe fear amid ongoing wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Israel-Hamas war, and other geopolitical conflicts. Also read: Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine Hyun stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is all set to claim "overwhelming victory" in the upcoming election and to threaten Moscow's adversaries, he may consider nuclear testing which is possible now than ever after Russia revoked his country's ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). Putin might consider making a significant and decisive move in the offensive against Ukraine amid a battlefield stalemate. Kim Jin-ha, another senior analyst at the think tank talked about whether or not Russia and North Korea will coordinate before the expected nuclear tests. Kim said that it is unlikely, but since nations have close ties and share similar goals of strengthening against the West, Pyongyang may factor in the Russian timing. As quoted, Kim said: "One possible scenario is to test-fire Haeil (a North Korean underwater drone claimed to be capable of carrying a nuclear warhead)… Because the regime needs to prove its capability to actually operate nuclear weapons (to seek disarmament negotiations with the US eventually) with real evidence." Watch: Hamas Chief says ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel × Also read: At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine South Korea urges Russia to help sanction North Korea A senior South Korean official said on Tuesday that Russia should help impose new sanctions against North Korea over its recent launch of a spy satellite. The official also said that Moscow must enforce existing bans on the isolated country's labour exports. South Korea's unification minister Kim Yung-ho, in charge of inter-Korean ties, said last month's satellite launch violated UN Security Council resolutions banning North Korea's use of ballistic technology. There are "clear signs" of military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow, and Seoul is also looking into whether Russia has accepted more North Korean workers in defiance of U.N. resolutions, Kim said. "As a permanent member of the Security Council, Russia has responsibility to faithfully implement its sanctions resolutions," he told a news conference. (With inputs from agencies)

Nuclear tests or Elections - How 2024 will be remembered? Here's what analysts think

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

"If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself.

The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN&nbsp;Security Council resolutions.

<h2>US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea</h2>

The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-makes-rare-appearance-at-un-defends-spy-satellite-launch-663579">North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images</a>

US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies.

"I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said.

<h2>Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’</h2>

Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite.

The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9).

North Korea has warned that it would carry more spy satellite launches in the coming months in order to gather more information about the military activities of its enemies, a commentary carried by state news agency KCNA said on Saturday (Dec 9). "If necessary, they will perfectly execute the job of guiding and leading us towards a super strong strike," the anonymous commentary said while defending space development as its right to defend itself. The satellites will be sported after the Malligyong-1 satellite that Pyongyang launched in the month of November, the move which governments in the United States, South Korea and Japan condemned stating it violated UN Security Council resolutions. US, S Korea and Japan security advisors set to discuss North Korea The national security advisers of the United States, South Korea and Japan are scheduled to hold a trilateral meeting in Seoul on Saturday (Dec 9) after Pyongyang warned of launching more spy satellites. Also read: North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images US Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell on Thursday said that Washington was to focus more on deterrence while also working with its allies. "I am worried that North Korea, in the current environment, has decided that they are no longer interested in diplomacy with the United States," Campbell said. Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ Earlier, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his spy rocket satellite. The regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea boasts of satellite capability, warns to launch more soon

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7).&nbsp;

The Seoul-based human rights group, Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), stated that they were forcibly deported by China in October under the cover of darkness in the "largest mass repatriation of its kind in years".&nbsp;

The report suggests that they could have faced abuses at the hands of North Korean authorities. The report hasn't revealed any identity of the defectors, but it mentioned that most of them are women.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-xi-jinping-hold-talks-with-eus-von-der-leyen-and-charles-michel-in-beijing-667036">China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing</a>&nbsp;

The report by the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) noted that no communication has been established with around 600 defectors.&nbsp;

The report came about two months after South Korea lodged a protest with China over the suspected repatriation of a large number of North Koreans. They were reportedly trying to flee to South Korea.&nbsp;

TJWG claims that on October 9, the defectors were transported in guarded buses and vans from Chinese detention centres.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-italy-leaves-bri-china-warns-against-smearing-of-the-mega-initiative-667257">As Italy leaves BRI, China warns against 'smearing' of the mega-initiative</a>

<h2>North Korea calls the defectors criminals' and 'traitors</h2>

In a statement, the group said, "No communication has been established with the defectors since they were sent back."&nbsp;

It added, "Those forcibly returned face the prospect of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, imprisonment in concentration camps, forced abortions and execution as their authoritative regime brands them 'criminals' and 'traitors.'"

As quoted by NBC News, Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, said: "Unlike North Korea, China does actually care about its international reputation" and "We believe that more forceful criticism and more forceful action from the US side might make Beijing rethink its policy".&nbsp;

So far, there's no comment from the North Korean state media, but they had long denounced defectors as "human scum".&nbsp;

In the past few years, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tightened borders further.&nbsp;

There's a lack of official remarks on the case, but in October, the Chinese foreign ministry denied that there were "so-called defectors" in the nation.&nbsp;

However, they said that North Koreans had illegally entered for economic reasons and that China always handled the issue according to the law.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7).

Hundreds of North Koreans apparently "disappeared" after they were repatriated from China and sent back to the hermit kingdom, where they were expected to face imprisonment, a rights group said Thursday (Dec 7). The Seoul-based human rights group, Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG), stated that they were forcibly deported by China in October under the cover of darkness in the "largest mass repatriation of its kind in years". The report suggests that they could have faced abuses at the hands of North Korean authorities. The report hasn't revealed any identity of the defectors, but it mentioned that most of them are women. Also read: China's Xi Jinping holds talks with EU's von der Leyen and Charles Michel in Beijing The report by the Transitional Justice Working Group (TJWG) noted that no communication has been established with around 600 defectors. The report came about two months after South Korea lodged a protest with China over the suspected repatriation of a large number of North Koreans. They were reportedly trying to flee to South Korea. TJWG claims that on October 9, the defectors were transported in guarded buses and vans from Chinese detention centres. Watch: EU-China Summit: Top European Union officials meet with Xi in China Summit × Also read: As Italy leaves BRI, China warns against 'smearing' of the mega-initiative North Korea calls the defectors criminals' and 'traitors In a statement, the group said, "No communication has been established with the defectors since they were sent back." It added, "Those forcibly returned face the prospect of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, imprisonment in concentration camps, forced abortions and execution as their authoritative regime brands them 'criminals' and 'traitors.'" As quoted by NBC News, Ethan Hee-Seok Shin, a legal analyst at TJWG, said: "Unlike North Korea, China does actually care about its international reputation" and "We believe that more forceful criticism and more forceful action from the US side might make Beijing rethink its policy". So far, there's no comment from the North Korean state media, but they had long denounced defectors as "human scum". In the past few years, the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tightened borders further. There's a lack of official remarks on the case, but in October, the Chinese foreign ministry denied that there were "so-called defectors" in the nation. However, they said that North Koreans had illegally entered for economic reasons and that China always handled the issue according to the law. (With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of North Korean defectors were sent back by China...then they disappeared: Report

In an unbelievable moment, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un was seen bursting into tears in front of thousands of “mothers” of the country and begging them to give birth to more babies so that the rapid decline in the birth rate of the country can be stopped. 
 
While delivering the highly choreographed plea to the women who had gathered to attend the National Mothers’ Meeting in Pyongyang on Sunday (Dec 3), the dictator could be seen dabbing his eyes using a handkerchief. 
 
Kim Jong-un, while addressing the women as “Dear Mothers”, said, “Preventing a decline in birth rates and good childcare are all of our housekeeping duties we need to handle while working with mothers.” 
 
He said that his country was being confronted with a host of “social tasks that our mothers should join to tackle.”

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NEW: North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un starts crying as he begs North Koreans to have more babies. 
 
North Korean birth rates are about to skyrocket 📈 
 
The incident happened at the National Mothers Meeting hosted by the dictator who started dabbing his eyes in an effort to get… <a href="https://t.co/F8xg0dZ05J">pic.twitter.com/F8xg0dZ05J</a>
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) <a href="https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/1732072056387403883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“These tasks include bringing up their children so that they will steadfastly carry forward our revolution, eliminating the recently-increasing non-socialist practices, promoting family harmony and social unity, establishing a sound way of cultural and moral life, making the communist virtues and traits of helping and leading one another forward prevail over our society, stopping the declining birth rate, and taking good care of children and educating them effectively,” said Kim Jong-un.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-calls-for-military-preparedness-as-us-slaps-fresh-sanctions-664853">Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions</a>

“These belong to our common family affairs, which we need to deal with by joining hands with our mothers,” he added.

<h2>North Korea's declining birth rate</h2>

As per the estimates of the United Nations Population Fund, North Korea's average fertility rate or the average number of children born stood at 1.8 in 2023, amid an increasing decline in the birth rate during recent decades. 
 
The fertility rate has been comparatively higher in some neighbourhoods of North Korea, compared to other areas which have been facing a similar downward trend.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions

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The fertility rate also dropped in South Korea to a record low of 0.78 last year, while Japan's figure of fertility rate dwindled to 1.26. 
 
The declining birth rates in South Korea have further led to a shortage of paediatricians, and those present in the city have been organising matchmaking events to boost birth rates. 
 
“Given North Korea lacks resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties to revive and develop its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces are not provided,” said a report prepared by Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute.

(With inputs from agencies)

In an unbelievable moment, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un was seen bursting into tears in front of thousands of “mothers” of the country and begging them to give birth to more babies so that the rapid decline in the birth rate of the country can be stopped.

In an unbelievable moment, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un was seen bursting into tears in front of thousands of “mothers” of the country and begging them to give birth to more babies so that the rapid decline in the birth rate of the country can be stopped. While delivering the highly choreographed plea to the women who had gathered to attend the National Mothers’ Meeting in Pyongyang on Sunday (Dec 3), the dictator could be seen dabbing his eyes using a handkerchief. Kim Jong-un, while addressing the women as “Dear Mothers”, said, “Preventing a decline in birth rates and good childcare are all of our housekeeping duties we need to handle while working with mothers.” He said that his country was being confronted with a host of “social tasks that our mothers should join to tackle.” NEW: North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un starts crying as he begs North Koreans to have more babies. North Korean birth rates are about to skyrocket 📈 The incident happened at the National Mothers Meeting hosted by the dictator who started dabbing his eyes in an effort to get… pic.twitter.com/F8xg0dZ05J — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 5, 2023 × “These tasks include bringing up their children so that they will steadfastly carry forward our revolution, eliminating the recently-increasing non-socialist practices, promoting family harmony and social unity, establishing a sound way of cultural and moral life, making the communist virtues and traits of helping and leading one another forward prevail over our society, stopping the declining birth rate, and taking good care of children and educating them effectively,” said Kim Jong-un. Also read: Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions “These belong to our common family affairs, which we need to deal with by joining hands with our mothers,” he added. North Korea's declining birth rate As per the estimates of the United Nations Population Fund, North Korea's average fertility rate or the average number of children born stood at 1.8 in 2023, amid an increasing decline in the birth rate during recent decades. The fertility rate has been comparatively higher in some neighbourhoods of North Korea, compared to other areas which have been facing a similar downward trend. Watch: North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions The fertility rate also dropped in South Korea to a record low of 0.78 last year, while Japan's figure of fertility rate dwindled to 1.26. The declining birth rates in South Korea have further led to a shortage of paediatricians, and those present in the city have been organising matchmaking events to boost birth rates. “Given North Korea lacks resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties to revive and develop its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces are not provided,” said a report prepared by Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: North Korea's Kim Jong-un's teary-eyed appeal to arrest declining birth rate

Kim Jong Un broke into tears while speaking at an event for mothers in North Korea. Apparently, North Korea's declining birthrate made him cry. The dictator has called for the women of North Korea to have more children.

Gravitas: Watch: Kim Jong Un breaks down into tears

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.&nbsp;

“Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children.

Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said.

South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014.

This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-north-korea-sees-strange-uptick-in-number-of-people-suffering-from-hair-loss-663536">North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss</a>

Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries.

“Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG.

In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s.

The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided.

Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years. “Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children. Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said. South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014. This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014. Also read: North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries. “Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG. In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s. The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided. Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for North Korean women to have more children to halt fall in birthrate

North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war.

The warning by North Korea came after the country successfully launched its inaugural military spy satellite on November 21, sharing images of military installations in the US mainland, Japan, and Guam, to which Washington responded with sanctions. The regime in Pyongyang asserted that it would activate its war deterrence measures in response to any perceived threat against its strategic assets, reported Reuters.

According to state media KCNA, the North Korean defense ministry spokesperson in a statement said, "In case the U.S. tries to violate the legitimate territory of a sovereign state by weaponising the latest technologies illegally and unjustly, the DPRK will consider taking responsive action measures for self-defence to undermine or destroy the viability of the U.S. spy satellites."&nbsp;

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A spokesperson from the US Space Command reportedly spoke of Washington's ability to deny adversaries' space power using various means.

In a subsequent statement on the matter, North Korea's foreign ministry announced its intent to take countermeasures against individuals and organisations from the US and its "vassal forces" involved in imposing and enforcing sanctions against North Korea.

The regime also argued that such sanctions violated international law.

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North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of concern for the United States. Despite numerous sanctions, North Korea has continued its development of nuclear capabilities. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear programme, viewing it as a threat to regional and global security.

“The DPRK is unabashedly trying to advance its nuclear weapons delivery systems by testing ballistic missile technology in clear violation of this council’s resolutions,” US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told UNSC members earlier.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rebuffed US appeals for a resumption of diplomatic efforts. She criticised the US for its condemnation of North Korea's recent spy satellite launch and pledged to carry out additional launches in defiance of United Nations prohibitions.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war.

North Korea issued a stern warning on Saturday (Dec 2) declaring that any interference by US in its satellite operations would be tantamount to a declaration of war. The warning by North Korea came after the country successfully launched its inaugural military spy satellite on November 21, sharing images of military installations in the US mainland, Japan, and Guam, to which Washington responded with sanctions. The regime in Pyongyang asserted that it would activate its war deterrence measures in response to any perceived threat against its strategic assets, reported Reuters. According to state media KCNA, the North Korean defense ministry spokesperson in a statement said, "In case the U.S. tries to violate the legitimate territory of a sovereign state by weaponising the latest technologies illegally and unjustly, the DPRK will consider taking responsive action measures for self-defence to undermine or destroy the viability of the U.S. spy satellites." Also Read | Zaporizhzhia plant's power cut carried risk of nuclear 'accident': Ukraine A spokesperson from the US Space Command reportedly spoke of Washington's ability to deny adversaries' space power using various means. In a subsequent statement on the matter, North Korea's foreign ministry announced its intent to take countermeasures against individuals and organisations from the US and its "vassal forces" involved in imposing and enforcing sanctions against North Korea. The regime also argued that such sanctions violated international law. Also Read | What after Gaza war ends? Israel plans to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, says report Watch | China mystery illness: US Senators push for urgent China travel ban × North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons has been a major source of concern for the United States. Despite numerous sanctions, North Korea has continued its development of nuclear capabilities. The US has consistently opposed North Korea's nuclear programme, viewing it as a threat to regional and global security. “The DPRK is unabashedly trying to advance its nuclear weapons delivery systems by testing ballistic missile technology in clear violation of this council’s resolutions,” US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield told UNSC members earlier. Meanwhile, Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un rebuffed US appeals for a resumption of diplomatic efforts. She criticised the US for its condemnation of North Korea's recent spy satellite launch and pledged to carry out additional launches in defiance of United Nations prohibitions. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea roars back at US, says satellite interference will be seen as declaration of war

South Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from&nbsp;California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday (Dec 1), days after arch-enemy North Korea did the same.&nbsp;

The satellite was placed in orbit by the powerful rocket, a little over an hour after the launch. Notably,&nbsp;SpaceX stopped its livestream after stage separation and no views of the rocket's second stage were offered.

South Korea's defence ministry issued an update saying it had&nbsp;"successfully established communication with an overseas ground station".&nbsp;

"With this successful launch of the military satellite, our military has secured independent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," the ministry said.&nbsp;

It added that the satellite would help the country gain an overwhelming advantage in competition with North Korea. Notably, the Friday launch was the first of the five satellites that SpaceX has been contracted to launch by 2025.

The South Korean satellite is called&nbsp;425 Project EO/IR and weighs 800 kg in mass. It has infrared (heat-seeking wavelengths) as well as electro-optical capabilities. The subsequent satellites are expected to feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which can "see" through cloud cover and at night.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-examines-spy-satellite-images-of-major-target-regions-662729">Watch |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions</a>

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<h2>South Korea's answer to Pyongyang's advances&nbsp;</h2>

Seoul had until now relied on its American allies for satellite reconnaissance which left it short in certain situations. However, the move was necessitated after Pyongyang claimed in November that it had successfully placed its "Malligyong-1" spy satellite in orbit.&nbsp;

Since the launch of the satellite, North Korea has claimed that its leader Kim Jong Un&nbsp;had reviewed spy satellite photos of Seoul, the White House, the Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk.&nbsp;

There has been a significant change in attitude from Pyongyang ever since it deployed the satellite. On Friday, Kim Jong Un,&nbsp;called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, referring to South Korea and the US.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-calls-for-military-preparedness-as-us-slaps-fresh-sanctions-664853">Also read |&nbsp;Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions</a>

Wary of the enemies, Pyongyang has vowed to deploy armed forces and weapons in large numbers on its border with the South. A day earlier, Kim visited the Air Force headquarters and rolled out operational strategic guidelines to improve the military's readiness and war capabilities.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday (Dec 1), days after arch-enemy North Korea did the same.

South Korea successfully launched its first spy satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday (Dec 1), days after arch-enemy North Korea did the same. The satellite was placed in orbit by the powerful rocket, a little over an hour after the launch. Notably, SpaceX stopped its livestream after stage separation and no views of the rocket's second stage were offered. South Korea's defence ministry issued an update saying it had "successfully established communication with an overseas ground station". "With this successful launch of the military satellite, our military has secured independent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities," the ministry said. It added that the satellite would help the country gain an overwhelming advantage in competition with North Korea. Notably, the Friday launch was the first of the five satellites that SpaceX has been contracted to launch by 2025. The South Korean satellite is called 425 Project EO/IR and weighs 800 kg in mass. It has infrared (heat-seeking wavelengths) as well as electro-optical capabilities. The subsequent satellites are expected to feature synthetic aperture radar (SAR), which can "see" through cloud cover and at night. Watch | North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions South Korea's answer to Pyongyang's advances Seoul had until now relied on its American allies for satellite reconnaissance which left it short in certain situations. However, the move was necessitated after Pyongyang claimed in November that it had successfully placed its "Malligyong-1" spy satellite in orbit. Since the launch of the satellite, North Korea has claimed that its leader Kim Jong Un had reviewed spy satellite photos of Seoul, the White House, the Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk. There has been a significant change in attitude from Pyongyang ever since it deployed the satellite. On Friday, Kim Jong Un, called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, referring to South Korea and the US. Also read | Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions Wary of the enemies, Pyongyang has vowed to deploy armed forces and weapons in large numbers on its border with the South. A day earlier, Kim visited the Air Force headquarters and rolled out operational strategic guidelines to improve the military's readiness and war capabilities. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea launches spy satellite aboard SpaceX Falcon 9, days after North Korea did the same

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, especially in the backdrop of the launch of the spy satellite, state media KCNA said on Friday (Dec 1).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for the military to be prepared for any provocation by enemies, especially in the backdrop of the launch of the spy satellite, state media KCNA said on Friday (Dec 1). Wary of the enemies, Pyongyang has vowed to deploy armed forces and weapons in large numbers on its border with the South. A day earlier, Kim visited the Air Force headquarters and rolled out operational strategic guidelines to improve the military's readiness and war capabilities. "(Kim) highly evaluated the pilots' tight readiness to perform air combat missions without a glitch regardless of any unfavourable settings," KCNA said. Kim's provocative stance comes hours after Washington announced fresh sanctions on North Korea for the launch of the spy satellite. US has repeatedly condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite, calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. On Thursday, the US Treasury Department said it was slapping sanctions, in coordination with Australia, Japan and South Korea on cyber espionage group Kimsuky, accusing it of gathering intelligence to support North Korea's strategic and nuclear ambitions. "Today's actions by the United States, Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea reflect our collective commitment to contesting Pyongyang's illicit and destabilising activities," said Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian Nelson. "We will remain focused on targeting these key nodes in the DPRK's illicit revenue generation and weapons proliferation." Watch | North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions Will not compromise sovereignty: Kim Yo Jong Kim's statement of 'military preparedness' builds upon his sister Kim Yo Jong's comments, calling out the USA for its hypocrisy. The no. 2 in Pyongyang said the hermit nation would never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty. "We make it clear once again to the US, which asked the DPRK to fix the time and agenda for resuming the DPRK-US dialogue," Kim said. "The sovereignty of an independent state can never be an agenda item for negotiations, and therefore, the DPRK will never sit face to face with the US for that purpose," she added. Also read | Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite Since the launch of the satellite, North Korea has claimed that its leader Kim Jong Un has reviewed spy satellite photos of the White House, Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for military preparedness as US slaps fresh sanctions

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that&nbsp;the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA.

Reflecting on USA's criticism of North Korea launching a spy satellite recently, Kim said it was&nbsp;Washington's "double standards" and "high-handed and arbitrary practices" which dent regional peace and stability.

Notably, Kim also inspected&nbsp;photos of a US naval base in San Diego and a Kadena air base in Japan, taken by the&nbsp;spy satellite.

US had earlier condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions.

However,&nbsp;North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, in a rare appearance at the Security Council&nbsp;said only Washington and South Korea were having trouble with Pyongyang deploying a satellite.&nbsp;

"One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," said Kim.

"It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-examines-spy-satellite-images-of-major-target-regions-662729">Watch |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Kim Yo Jong's attack on 'senile' Biden</h2>

This is not the first time the North Korean dictator's sister has targeted the US while mincing no words. When the spy satellite failed during the first launch, she referred to the US as a 'group of gangsters'.&nbsp;

"The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite...it is illegal and threatening," she said.&nbsp;

In April, earlier this year, she targeted President Joe Biden, calling him 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements.&nbsp;

“When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” KCNA quoted her saying.&nbsp;

“The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-inspects-photos-of-major-target-regions-taken-by-spy-satellite-662596">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite</a>

At the time, she was referring to Biden's statement wherein he said&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies.&nbsp;

"A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had&nbsp;said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has called out the USA for its hypocrisy whilst adding that the hermit nation will never sit to face Washington for negotiations over its sovereignty, according to state news agency KCNA. Reflecting on USA's criticism of North Korea launching a spy satellite recently, Kim said it was Washington's "double standards" and "high-handed and arbitrary practices" which dent regional peace and stability. Notably, Kim also inspected photos of a US naval base in San Diego and a Kadena air base in Japan, taken by the spy satellite. US had earlier condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. However, North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, in a rare appearance at the Security Council said only Washington and South Korea were having trouble with Pyongyang deploying a satellite. "One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," said Kim. "It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing." Watch | North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions × Kim Yo Jong's attack on 'senile' Biden This is not the first time the North Korean dictator's sister has targeted the US while mincing no words. When the spy satellite failed during the first launch, she referred to the US as a 'group of gangsters'. "The US is a group of gangsters who would claim that even if the DPRK launches a satellite...it is illegal and threatening," she said. In April, earlier this year, she targeted President Joe Biden, calling him 'senile' and 'too miscalculating and irresponsibly brave' for his statements. “When we consider that this expression was personally used by the president of the US, our most hostile adversary, it is threatening rhetoric for which he should be prepared for far too great an after-storm,” KCNA quoted her saying. “The pipe dream of the US and (South) Korea will henceforth be faced with the entity of more powerful strength." Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite At the time, she was referring to Biden's statement wherein he said Kim Jong Un's regime would cease to exist if he were to launch a nuclear attack on the United States or its allies. "A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies or partners is unacceptable and will result at the end of whatever regime were to take such an action," Biden had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un’s sister calls out USA for 'double standards' over N Korea's spy satellite

Why are people in North Korea losing hair? Has an infection led to this or is there some other reason? Molly Gambhir tells you about the developments that have left experts scratching their heads.

Gravitas: Why are people in North Korea losing hair?

For the first time since the 1960s North Korea has made a rare mention of dissenting votes in the country's recent elections. The figure is 0.09% this is a small trunk who voted against the selected candidates for the provincial Council.

North Korea's rare mention of dissenting votes

North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;on Tuesday made a rare mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, although analysts dismissed it as an attempt to portray an image of a normal society rather than signalling any meaningful increase of rights in the authoritarian state.

The reclusive&nbsp;North&nbsp;has one of the most highly controlled societies in the world, with leader Kim Jong Un accused of using a system of patronage and repression to retain absolute power.

Reporting on the results of Sunday's election for deputies to regional people's assemblies, the&nbsp;North's state media said 0.09 per cent and 0.13 per cent voted against the selected candidates for the provincial and city councils, respectively.

"Among the voters who took part in the ballot-casting, 99.91 per cent voted for the candidates for deputies to provincial people's assemblies.... (and) 99.87 per cent voted for candidates for deputies to city and county people's assemblies," state news agency KCNA said.

The&nbsp;North's parliament and regional councils serve as a rubber stamp to the ruling Workers' Party, with their elections usually registering over 99 per cent&nbsp;voter turnout.

This month's election marks the first time&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has referred to dissenting votes in local polls since the 1960s, an official at South&nbsp;Korea's unification ministry handling relations with the&nbsp;North&nbsp;said.

Held every four years, the latest regional election was also the first polls since&nbsp;North&nbsp;Korea&nbsp; revised its election law in August to allow multiple candidates.

"The portrayal of a more democratic society, particularly in comparison to South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;and the U.S., is aimed at reinforcing the regime's legitimacy and authenticity on the world stage," the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, a think tank, said in a report.

A photo released by state media showed Kim Jong Un casting a ballot, standing before two boxes - one in green for approval, and the other in red for dissent.

"Discreet voting will likely remain limited as the boxes will continue to be conspicuously monitored," the report said, adding that the candidate selection process will remain tightly controlled by Pyongyang.

The voter turnout slightly decreased to 99.63 per cent from 99.98 per cent&nbsp;four years ago, a sign analysts say that could indicate a minor weakening in state control in a country where voting is considered mandatory.

North Korea on Tuesday made a rare mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, although analysts dismissed it as an attempt to portray an image of a normal society rather than signalling any meaningful increase of rights in the authoritarian state.

North Korea on Tuesday made a rare mention of dissenting votes in recent elections, although analysts dismissed it as an attempt to portray an image of a normal society rather than signalling any meaningful increase of rights in the authoritarian state. The reclusive North has one of the most highly controlled societies in the world, with leader Kim Jong Un accused of using a system of patronage and repression to retain absolute power. Reporting on the results of Sunday's election for deputies to regional people's assemblies, the North's state media said 0.09 per cent and 0.13 per cent voted against the selected candidates for the provincial and city councils, respectively. "Among the voters who took part in the ballot-casting, 99.91 per cent voted for the candidates for deputies to provincial people's assemblies.... (and) 99.87 per cent voted for candidates for deputies to city and county people's assemblies," state news agency KCNA said. The North's parliament and regional councils serve as a rubber stamp to the ruling Workers' Party, with their elections usually registering over 99 per cent voter turnout. This month's election marks the first time North Korea has referred to dissenting votes in local polls since the 1960s, an official at South Korea's unification ministry handling relations with the North said. Held every four years, the latest regional election was also the first polls since North Korea revised its election law in August to allow multiple candidates. "The portrayal of a more democratic society, particularly in comparison to South Korea and the U.S., is aimed at reinforcing the regime's legitimacy and authenticity on the world stage," the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, a think tank, said in a report. A photo released by state media showed Kim Jong Un casting a ballot, standing before two boxes - one in green for approval, and the other in red for dissent. "Discreet voting will likely remain limited as the boxes will continue to be conspicuously monitored," the report said, adding that the candidate selection process will remain tightly controlled by Pyongyang. The voter turnout slightly decreased to 99.63 per cent from 99.98 per cent four years ago, a sign analysts say that could indicate a minor weakening in state control in a country where voting is considered mandatory.

North Korea cites rare dissent in elections even as 99 per cent voters back candidates

In a rare move, North Korea's ambassador appeared at the UN Security Council on Monday (Nov 27) and defended his country's launch of a spy rocket satellite, calling it an act of self-defence.

This came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the photos of "major target regions", including that of the White House and Pentagon.

Countries like South Korea and Japan have said that Pyongyang breached Security Council resolutions by launching the spy satellite earlier this week.

North Korea earlier said that its latest satellite has captured and sent across images of major US and South Korean military sites, as well as photos of the Italian capital Rome.&nbsp;

As per the state-run KCNA news agency, the satellite took "in detail" images of the White House and the Pentagon in Washington which Kim later studied.

The report further said that he had also counted the number of aircraft carriers at a military base and a shipyard in the neighbouring state of Virginia.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-inspects-photos-of-major-target-regions-taken-by-spy-satellite-662596">North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite</a>

<h2>No other countries face restrictions on satellites, says Kim Song</h2>

North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, at the Security Council, expressed disappointment over no other country facing restrictions over satellites.

"No other nation in the world is in the security environment as critical as the DPRK," said Kim, using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," he said.

"It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-rocket-stage-explodes-after-separation-during-launch-video-suggests-662135">North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests</a>

Mocking US charges, he stated that the satellite technology also assisted North Korea in sharpening its projectile capability, tauntingly remarking if the United States put satellites into orbit "with a catapult."

The US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, rebuffed North Korea's claim that it was acting in self-defence and said that joint US-South Korean exercises were "routine" and "defensive in nature".

"We intentionally reduce risk and pursue transparency by announcing the exercises in advance including the dates and the activities, unlike the DPRK," she said, adding that the drills did not violate Security Council resolutions.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare move, North Korea's ambassador appeared at the UN Security Council on Monday (Nov 27) and defended his country's launch of a spy rocket satellite, calling it an act of self-defence.

In a rare move, North Korea's ambassador appeared at the UN Security Council on Monday (Nov 27) and defended his country's launch of a spy rocket satellite, calling it an act of self-defence. This came after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the photos of "major target regions", including that of the White House and Pentagon. Countries like South Korea and Japan have said that Pyongyang breached Security Council resolutions by launching the spy satellite earlier this week. North Korea earlier said that its latest satellite has captured and sent across images of major US and South Korean military sites, as well as photos of the Italian capital Rome. As per the state-run KCNA news agency, the satellite took "in detail" images of the White House and the Pentagon in Washington which Kim later studied. The report further said that he had also counted the number of aircraft carriers at a military base and a shipyard in the neighbouring state of Virginia. Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite No other countries face restrictions on satellites, says Kim Song North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, at the Security Council, expressed disappointment over no other country facing restrictions over satellites. "No other nation in the world is in the security environment as critical as the DPRK," said Kim, using the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. "One belligerent party, the United States, is threatening us with a nuclear weapon," he said. "It is a legitimate right for the DPRK as another belligerent party to develop, test, manufacture and possess weapons systems equivalent to those that the United States possesses or is developing." Also read: North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests Mocking US charges, he stated that the satellite technology also assisted North Korea in sharpening its projectile capability, tauntingly remarking if the United States put satellites into orbit "with a catapult." The US ambassador, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, rebuffed North Korea's claim that it was acting in self-defence and said that joint US-South Korean exercises were "routine" and "defensive in nature". "We intentionally reduce risk and pursue transparency by announcing the exercises in advance including the dates and the activities, unlike the DPRK," she said, adding that the drills did not violate Security Council resolutions. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea makes rare appearance at UN, defends spy satellite launch after Kim inspects White House images

North Korea is seeing a strange uptick in the number of citizens suffering from hair loss, according to reports on Monday (Nov 27) citing South Korean experts. Speaking to Radio Free Asia (RFA), experts said how the phenomenon appeared to derive from multiple sources, including infections that caused hair loss as an after-effect and use of soap and laundry detergent.

Speaking to RFA, Dr Choi Jeong Hoon from the Public Policy Research Institute at Seoul's Korea University, said that it is "not easy" for North Koreans to find "mild" chemical products.

Dr Hoon, who was earlier in North Korea and fled to the south, said that ordinary North Korean citizens cannot afford to worry about hair loss and the cost of treatment is expensive.&nbsp;

Another expert said that the military caps might also damage hair due to lack of proper ventilation, which leads to bacterial buildup and clogged pores that can result in thinning hair, Fox News reported.

Ahn Kyung Soo, who runs a blog on health news in North Korea, said that many treatments are more akin to oriental medicines. The report by Fox News also said that hair loss is not just a problem in North Korea, but also South Korea.

In recent years, South Korea has seen sudden and widespread hair loss among citizens. Hair loss became an issue in last year's presidential election. Lee Jae-myung, a candidate in the election who is not bold, garnered from voters after proposing that the government should pay for treatment of hair loss.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea is seeing a strange uptick in the number of citizens suffering from hair loss, according to reports on Monday (Nov 27) citing South Korean experts. Speaking to Radio Free Asia (RFA), experts said how the phenomenon appeared to derive from multiple sources, including infections that caused hair loss as an after-effect and use of soap and laundry detergent.

North Korea is seeing a strange uptick in the number of citizens suffering from hair loss, according to reports on Monday (Nov 27) citing South Korean experts. Speaking to Radio Free Asia (RFA), experts said how the phenomenon appeared to derive from multiple sources, including infections that caused hair loss as an after-effect and use of soap and laundry detergent. Speaking to RFA, Dr Choi Jeong Hoon from the Public Policy Research Institute at Seoul's Korea University, said that it is "not easy" for North Koreans to find "mild" chemical products. Dr Hoon, who was earlier in North Korea and fled to the south, said that ordinary North Korean citizens cannot afford to worry about hair loss and the cost of treatment is expensive. Another expert said that the military caps might also damage hair due to lack of proper ventilation, which leads to bacterial buildup and clogged pores that can result in thinning hair, Fox News reported. Ahn Kyung Soo, who runs a blog on health news in North Korea, said that many treatments are more akin to oriental medicines. The report by Fox News also said that hair loss is not just a problem in North Korea, but also South Korea. In recent years, South Korea has seen sudden and widespread hair loss among citizens. Hair loss became an issue in last year's presidential election. Lee Jae-myung, a candidate in the election who is not bold, garnered from voters after proposing that the government should pay for treatment of hair loss. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss

The tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated big time over the weekend as it was reported Monday (Nov 27) that Pyongyang has rushed its troops near the border with the South.

North Korea rushes troops, heavy weapons near border

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated as it was reported on Monday (Nov 27) that Pyongyang has rushed its troops near the border with the South after ending a military pact with its neighbour.

Citing Yonhap news agency, Reuters reported that North Korea has deployed ‘soldiers and heavy weapons at guard posts’ following the suspension of the pact.

Pyongyang on Monday also came down heavily on Seoul and its Western allies after they released a joint statement last week condemning a recent satellite launch.

North Korea warned&nbsp;it would continue to exercise its sovereign rights, including satellite launches.&nbsp;“It is a legal and just way to exercise its right to defend itself and thoroughly respond to and precisely monitor the serious military action by the U.S. and its followers,” state news agency KCNA reported.

<h2>How tensions escalated last week</h2>

It all started when North Korea claimed to have launched a spy satellite into space last Tuesday (Nov 21). This prompted Seoul to partially suspend the 2018 inter-Korean pact designed to reduce military tensions on the Korean peninsula, saying it would resume surveillance flights along the border.

Responding to this move, Pyongyang announced Thursday (Nov 23) that it was completely withdrawing from the pact.

A statement from the defence ministry, carried by state media KCNA, said its forces "will not be bound" by the agreement and that all military measures "will be restored immediately."

It added that South Korea would be forced to "pay dearly" for its decision to withdraw from part of the agreement.

<h2>What’s behind North Korea’s bold stance?</h2>

North Korea’s highly contentious missile programme is believed to have received fresh blessings from Moscow.&nbsp;

According to South Korean intelligence agencies, Russia provided technical assistance to North Korea for Tuesday's launch of a rocket that put its "Malligyong-1" spy satellite into orbit.

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions

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South Korea had warned before the launch that if the North defied international requests not to go ahead with the deployment of the satellite, it would have little choice but to reconsider the 2018 agreement signed by Kim and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

<h2>Experts say the agreement was ‘already defunct’</h2>

Experts believe that while the military pact was already ‘defunct, the recent episode is still likely to escalate tensions between the hostile neighbours.

RahJong-yil, a former diplomat and senior South Korean intelligence officer, was quoted by DW as saying, “I would say that the ending of the agreement itself is not all that significant, largely because the North has been repeatedly violating the terms of the deal for the last few years anyway."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-inspects-photos-of-major-target-regions-taken-by-spy-satellite-662596">Also read:&nbsp;North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite</a>

"And now they have put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, you could argue that much of the 2018 agreement was meaningless anyway," he added.

"Now, we have to pay attention to the developments they are making with their weapons, which the North describes as its 'three-dimensional capability'," he said. "We know they are investing heavily in nuclear weapons, long-range missiles — including submarine-launched missiles — and space weapons. This is the challenge we must focus on now."

(With inputs from agencies)

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated as it was reported on Monday (Nov 27) that Pyongyang has rushed its troops near the border with the South after ending a military pact with its neighbour.

Tensions between North Korea and South Korea escalated as it was reported on Monday (Nov 27) that Pyongyang has rushed its troops near the border with the South after ending a military pact with its neighbour. Citing Yonhap news agency, Reuters reported that North Korea has deployed ‘soldiers and heavy weapons at guard posts’ following the suspension of the pact. Pyongyang on Monday also came down heavily on Seoul and its Western allies after they released a joint statement last week condemning a recent satellite launch. North Korea warned it would continue to exercise its sovereign rights, including satellite launches. “It is a legal and just way to exercise its right to defend itself and thoroughly respond to and precisely monitor the serious military action by the U.S. and its followers,” state news agency KCNA reported. How tensions escalated last week It all started when North Korea claimed to have launched a spy satellite into space last Tuesday (Nov 21). This prompted Seoul to partially suspend the 2018 inter-Korean pact designed to reduce military tensions on the Korean peninsula, saying it would resume surveillance flights along the border. Responding to this move, Pyongyang announced Thursday (Nov 23) that it was completely withdrawing from the pact. A statement from the defence ministry, carried by state media KCNA, said its forces "will not be bound" by the agreement and that all military measures "will be restored immediately." It added that South Korea would be forced to "pay dearly" for its decision to withdraw from part of the agreement. What’s behind North Korea’s bold stance? North Korea’s highly contentious missile programme is believed to have received fresh blessings from Moscow. According to South Korean intelligence agencies, Russia provided technical assistance to North Korea for Tuesday's launch of a rocket that put its "Malligyong-1" spy satellite into orbit. Watch: North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions × South Korea had warned before the launch that if the North defied international requests not to go ahead with the deployment of the satellite, it would have little choice but to reconsider the 2018 agreement signed by Kim and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Experts say the agreement was ‘already defunct’ Experts believe that while the military pact was already ‘defunct, the recent episode is still likely to escalate tensions between the hostile neighbours. RahJong-yil, a former diplomat and senior South Korean intelligence officer, was quoted by DW as saying, “I would say that the ending of the agreement itself is not all that significant, largely because the North has been repeatedly violating the terms of the deal for the last few years anyway." Also read: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite "And now they have put a reconnaissance satellite into orbit, you could argue that much of the 2018 agreement was meaningless anyway," he added. "Now, we have to pay attention to the developments they are making with their weapons, which the North describes as its 'three-dimensional capability'," he said. "We know they are investing heavily in nuclear weapons, long-range missiles — including submarine-launched missiles — and space weapons. This is the challenge we must focus on now." (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea rushes troops, heavy weapons near border with South, warns of more satellite launches

North Korea has deployed troops and heavy weapons near border with South Korea following teh suspension of military accord between the nations.

North Korea deploys more troops and weapons at graud posts with South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25).

These regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases.

Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA.

The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located.

"The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. That process would continue on Saturday, it said.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Kim reviewed photographs of major US military bases in Guam.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-rocket-stage-explodes-after-separation-during-launch-video-suggests-662135">North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests</a>

State-run news agency KCNA said that Kim "watched the aerospace photos of Anderson Air Force Base, Apra Harbor and other major military bases of the US forces taken in the sky above Guam in the Pacific, which were received at 9:21 am on Nov 22".&nbsp;

<h2>Top diplomats of US, Japan, South Korea discuss Pyongyang's satellite launch</h2>

The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan discussed Pyongyang's launch of the satellite over telephone conversation and condemned the move, the US State Department said on Friday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko "strongly condemned the (Nov. 21) launch for its destabilizing effect on the region," the State Department said in a statement.

North Korea invited global condemnation, after releasing a statement saying that it placed its first spy satellite in orbit, for breaching UN resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic projectile programmes.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25).

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un examined the pictures of "major target regions" that were taken by his new spy rocket satellite, state media reported on Saturday (Nov 25). These regions included South Korea's capital Seoul and all the other cities that host US military bases. Kim inspected the shots, along with other imagery captured of some areas within North Korea, during his visit to the control centre of the National Aerospace Technology Administration (NATA) in Pyongyang on Friday (Nov 24), reported state news agency KCNA. The pictures were taken as the satellite passed over the peninsula on Friday morning, said KCNA, which included captures of Seoul, and Mokpo, Kunsan, Pyeongtaek, Osan, where US and South Korean military bases are located. "The NATA reported to Kim Jong Un on the plan for photographing the region of South Korean puppets and the additional fine-tuning process of the reconnaissance satellite," the report said. That process would continue on Saturday, it said. On Tuesday, Kim reviewed photographs of major US military bases in Guam. Also read: North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests State-run news agency KCNA said that Kim "watched the aerospace photos of Anderson Air Force Base, Apra Harbor and other major military bases of the US forces taken in the sky above Guam in the Pacific, which were received at 9:21 am on Nov 22". Top diplomats of US, Japan, South Korea discuss Pyongyang's satellite launch The top diplomats of the United States, South Korea and Japan discussed Pyongyang's launch of the satellite over telephone conversation and condemned the move, the US State Department said on Friday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin and Japan Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko "strongly condemned the (Nov. 21) launch for its destabilizing effect on the region," the State Department said in a statement. North Korea invited global condemnation, after releasing a statement saying that it placed its first spy satellite in orbit, for breaching UN resolutions that bar its use of technology applicable to ballistic projectile programmes. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspects photos of ‘major target regions’ taken by spy satellite

After successfully launching its first spy satellite North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un examined the photos taken by the new satellite. Kim inspected the major Target regions including South Korean capital of Seoul and other cities that host US military bases.

North Korea's Kim Jong-un examines spy satellite images of major target regions

Description: North Korea is infamous for the level of control the government exerts over its citizens. It's been discovered that the country is using unethical ways and fraudulent techniques to dispatch thousands of skilled I.T. Workers overseas. Find out more in this report.

North Koreans using fake identities to land remote jobs

North Korea accused South Korea of scrapping the deal, known as the Comprehensive Military Agreement (CMA), and said Seoul will be held "wholly accountable in case an irretrievable clash breaks out" between the two Koreas.

North Korea scraps military deal with South, vows to deploy new weapons at border

In the latest development from North Korea's spy satellite launch, it has been found that one of the stages of the rocket exploded after separation on Tuesday (Nov 21).

As per analysts, the detonation was likely a deliberate destruction attempt to prevent recovery.

The footage was captured in a camera used by South Korea's Yonsei University to watch and study meteors, according to news agency Reuters.

"This time they appear to have detonated the first stage propellant in mid-air," Byun Yong-Ik, an astronomy professor at Yonsei University, told Reuters.

"This kind of measure was not seen in the previous launch attempts, and it could have been an effort to prevent South Korean and US&nbsp;authorities from recovering the propellant as it is equipped with a new engine."

Marco Langbroek, a satellite expert at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, said the video showed the first and second stages, with the first stage blowing up after the separation of the second stage.

"This certainly is unusual," he told Reuters, noting that most rocket stages are left to fall into the sea.

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Langbroek then said that it wasn't yet clear if the act was intentional or an accident, however, North Korea said that it had used a destruct mechanism during its last launch in August as a safety measure after the rocket had failed.

&nbsp;"I feel it is certainly possible that it was done intentionally, to prevent recovery of an intact stage by the West," he said.

The South Korean army is seeking to find and recover debris from the rocket, said South Korea's defence ministry on Thursday (Nov 23).

<h2>North Korea suspends military deal with South</h2>

Pyongyang on Thursday (Nov 23) suspended its military pact with Seoul further warning that it will "place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas."

It also condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper".

The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said.

This came after South announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal.

(With inputs from agencies)

In the latest development from North Korea's spy satellite launch, it has been found that one of the stages of the rocket exploded after separation on Tuesday (Nov 21).

In the latest development from North Korea's spy satellite launch, it has been found that one of the stages of the rocket exploded after separation on Tuesday (Nov 21). As per analysts, the detonation was likely a deliberate destruction attempt to prevent recovery. The footage was captured in a camera used by South Korea's Yonsei University to watch and study meteors, according to news agency Reuters. "This time they appear to have detonated the first stage propellant in mid-air," Byun Yong-Ik, an astronomy professor at Yonsei University, told Reuters. "This kind of measure was not seen in the previous launch attempts, and it could have been an effort to prevent South Korean and US authorities from recovering the propellant as it is equipped with a new engine." Marco Langbroek, a satellite expert at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands, said the video showed the first and second stages, with the first stage blowing up after the separation of the second stage. "This certainly is unusual," he told Reuters, noting that most rocket stages are left to fall into the sea. Also read: China says no 'unusual or novel pathogens' detected in influenza-like illness Langbroek then said that it wasn't yet clear if the act was intentional or an accident, however, North Korea said that it had used a destruct mechanism during its last launch in August as a safety measure after the rocket had failed. "I feel it is certainly possible that it was done intentionally, to prevent recovery of an intact stage by the West," he said. The South Korean army is seeking to find and recover debris from the rocket, said South Korea's defence ministry on Thursday (Nov 23). North Korea suspends military deal with South Pyongyang on Thursday (Nov 23) suspended its military pact with Seoul further warning that it will "place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas." It also condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper". The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said. This came after South announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea rocket stage exploded after separation during launch, video suggests

Targeting downstream clients, state-sponsored hackers in North Korea are disseminating a malicious version of a genuine program created by Taiwanese software company CyberLink.

Hackers backed by North Korea attack CyberLink users in a supply-chain assault

North & South Korea military deal scrapped after South slams North's launch of spy satellite | WION

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported.

"From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement," the statement said.

"We will withdraw military measures taken to prevent military tensions and clashes in all areas such as land, sea and air, and will place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas," the nuclear-armed North's defence ministry said, according to the South's Yonhap news agency.

The ministry said it "will not be restrained" by the 2018 agreement any longer.

This move by Pyongyang comes after Seoul on Wednesday announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal in retaliation to North's successful launch of a spy rocket satellite.

The Comprehensive Military Agreement was signed in Pyongyang on September 19, 2018, by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.&nbsp;

Under the pact, both countries agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other", by implementing military confidence-building measures in the air, land, and sea domains.

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<h2>US condemns launch</h2>

The United States and its allies condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions.

South Korea's military said that the satellite had entered orbit, further cautioning that it was too early to tell if it was functioning.

Pyongyang's defence ministry, on Thursday, reiterated that the satellite launch was part of its "right to self-defence", and disregarded the "extremely hysterical" response from the South in particular.&nbsp;

It condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper".

The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported.

North Korea on Thursday (Nov 23) said that it was suspending a military accord that it had reached with South Korea, under which measures were agreed upon to ease military tensions between the two countries, news agency Yonhap reported. "From now on, our army will never be bound by the September 19 North-South Military Agreement," the statement said. "We will withdraw military measures taken to prevent military tensions and clashes in all areas such as land, sea and air, and will place strong armed forces and advanced military equipment in border areas," the nuclear-armed North's defence ministry said, according to the South's Yonhap news agency. The ministry said it "will not be restrained" by the 2018 agreement any longer. This move by Pyongyang comes after Seoul on Wednesday announced that it would resume its surveillance operations along the border and would also partially suspend the 2018 deal in retaliation to North's successful launch of a spy rocket satellite. The Comprehensive Military Agreement was signed in Pyongyang on September 19, 2018, by Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Under the pact, both countries agreed to "completely cease all hostile acts against each other", by implementing military confidence-building measures in the air, land, and sea domains. Also read: No Gaza hostage release before Friday, say Israeli officials US condemns launch The United States and its allies condemned the launch of the "Malligyong-1" spy satellite calling it a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions. South Korea's military said that the satellite had entered orbit, further cautioning that it was too early to tell if it was functioning. Pyongyang's defence ministry, on Thursday, reiterated that the satellite launch was part of its "right to self-defence", and disregarded the "extremely hysterical" response from the South in particular. It condemned the South for placing the deal under strain through its "military provocations", stating that the agreement had "long been reduced to a mere scrap of paper". The South "must pay dearly for their irresponsible and grave political and military provocations that have pushed the present situation to an uncontrollable phase," the ministry said. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea suspends military deal with South after spy satellite launch

North Korea said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that it made a third attempt to launch its first spy satellite which was successful. The previous efforts to put a spy satellite into orbit in May and August had failed, and South Korea, Japan and the United States repeatedly urged Pyongyang not to proceed with another launch.

North Korea said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that it made a third attempt to launch its first spy satellite which was successful. The previous efforts to put a spy satellite into orbit in May and August had failed, and South Korea, Japan and the United States repeatedly urged Pyongyang not to proceed with another launch. However, North Korea vowed to go ahead anyway, informing Japan of a launch window between Wednesday and December 1. Seoul's military "detected at 13.43GMT one alleged military surveillance satellite," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said the launch was successful. As per the KCNA news agency, the rocket carrying the satellite blasted off from the North Phyongan province, flew along its designated path and "accurately put the reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyong-1' on its orbit. US, Japan condemn launch The US and Japan strongly condemned the missile launch. The US called the launch a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions that could destabilize the region. In a statement, National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the launch raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, meanwhile, said, "Today, North Korea conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology. We're currently analysing details, but at least one missile flew over Okinawa towards the Pacific Ocean." "Even if the purpose is to launch a satellite, using ballistic missile technology is a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. It is also a very serious matter that greatly concerns the safety of our people," Prime Minister Kishida said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and gather information. We will be in cooperation with the United States and South Korea in response to the situation," he added. Russia likely assisted in launch: Seoul According to a report by the news agency Reuters, South Korean officials said on Tuesday that the launch likely incorporated technical assistance from Russia. Tuesday's launch was the first since North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un met Russian President Vladimir Putin at Russia's modern space facility in September. Putin suggested that Moscow could help Pyongyang build satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea makes fresh attempt to launch first spy satellite, says it was success

Gravitas investigates the launch of North Korea's Malligyong-1 spy satellite, a major event sparking global security concerns. This report covers potential violations of U.N. resolutions, international reactions, and implications for the Korean Peninsula's space race. Stay informed on key global security issues with our in-depth analysis.

Gravitas: North Korea's military spy satellite launch raises global alarm | Gravitas Special Report

North Korea conducted a rocket launch believed to be carrying a satellite, South Korea and Japan said, in what would be Pyongyang's third attempt to place a satellite in orbit this year. South Korea's military said the rocket was believed to be carrying a spy satellite and was launched toward the south.

North Korea claims launch of first spy satellite; Japan govt issues missile warning | World DNA

North Korea has announced the successful launch of its first spy satellite in Orbit on Tuesday. It is vowed to launch more in the near future flying in the face of condemnation by the United States and American Allies the North Korea State media has released some pictures of the supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un watching the very first North Korean spy satellite being launched into space.

Why is North Korea launching a spy satellite?

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