North Korea has announced the appointment of Kim Yo Jong as a department director at a recent Workers’ Party congress, reinforcing her growing influence within the country’s political hierarchy. The move signals continued consolidation of power within the ruling leadership and highlights her prominent role in policy messaging and party affairs.


North Korea: Kim Yo Jong Appointed Department Director at Party Congress 

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has been promoted within the ruling Workers’ Party, state media reported Tuesday (Feb 24). This comes on the heels of South Korea’s spy agency report that the North Korean leader has selected his teen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor.<h2>Kim Jong Un's sister promoted inside the party</h2>According to the Korean Central News Agency, the party’s Central Committee named Kim Yo Jong as a full department director. Previously, she was a deputy department director. The announcement came during a rare party congress in Pyongyang, a once-in-five-years gathering that sets policy on everything from economic planning to military strategy.The congress is only the ninth of its kind under the Kim family’s decades-long rule. Thousands of party elites are attending, offering an unusual glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most opaque governments.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kim-jong-un-s-teen-heiress-vs-ruthless-aunt-inside-north-korea-s-deadly-succession-war-1771234403560">Kim Jong Un’s teen heiress vs ruthless aunt: Inside North Korea’s deadly succession war</a><h2>Who will be North Korea's next leader?</h2>Kim Yo Jong has long been considered one of her brother’s most trusted confidants. Educated in Switzerland alongside Kim Jong Un, she rose quickly after he took power in 2011 following the death of their father, Kim Jong Il. Over the years, she has become a key public voice for Pyongyang, issuing sharp statements directed at Seoul and Washington.She briefly stepped onto the global stage in 2018 when she visited South Korea during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a period marked by warmer inter-Korean ties.Attention at the congress is not limited to her promotion. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has said Kim’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, may be undergoing preparation as a potential successor. Believed to be around 13, she has appeared at missile tests and high-profile state events since 2022.Meanwhile, analysts note that Kim Yo Jong, seen as the second most powerful figure in the country, commands significant political and military backing.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/revealed-at-least-6-epstein-secret-storage-units-missed-by-fbi-what-are-they-hiding-unseen-pics-of-young-victims-blackmail-material-powerful-men-1771892294014">REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding?</a><h2>North Korea's nuclear future to be unveiled</h2>Later in the congress, Kim Jong Un is expected to outline the next phase of North Korea’s nuclear programme. At the previous gathering five years ago, he labelled the United States his country’s "biggest enemy." &nbsp;

Kim Yo Jong has been promoted to full department director in North Korea’s ruling party, amid swirling succession questions. South Korea’s spy agency says Kim Ju Ae may be groomed as heir, setting up a potential power tussle inside Pyongyang.

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has been promoted within the ruling Workers’ Party, state media reported Tuesday (Feb 24). This comes on the heels of South Korea’s spy agency report that the North Korean leader has selected his teen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor. Kim Jong Un's sister promoted inside the party According to the Korean Central News Agency, the party’s Central Committee named Kim Yo Jong as a full department director. Previously, she was a deputy department director. The announcement came during a rare party congress in Pyongyang, a once-in-five-years gathering that sets policy on everything from economic planning to military strategy. The congress is only the ninth of its kind under the Kim family’s decades-long rule. Thousands of party elites are attending, offering an unusual glimpse into the inner workings of one of the world’s most opaque governments. Also read | Kim Jong Un’s teen heiress vs ruthless aunt: Inside North Korea’s deadly succession war Who will be North Korea's next leader? Kim Yo Jong has long been considered one of her brother’s most trusted confidants. Educated in Switzerland alongside Kim Jong Un, she rose quickly after he took power in 2011 following the death of their father, Kim Jong Il. Over the years, she has become a key public voice for Pyongyang, issuing sharp statements directed at Seoul and Washington. She briefly stepped onto the global stage in 2018 when she visited South Korea during the PyeongChang Winter Olympics, a period marked by warmer inter-Korean ties. Attention at the congress is not limited to her promotion. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has said Kim’s teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, may be undergoing preparation as a potential successor. Believed to be around 13, she has appeared at missile tests and high-profile state events since 2022. Meanwhile, analysts note that Kim Yo Jong, seen as the second most powerful figure in the country, commands significant political and military backing. Also read | REVEALED! At least 6 Epstein secret storage units missed by FBI. What are they hiding? North Korea's nuclear future to be unveiled Later in the congress, Kim Jong Un is expected to outline the next phase of North Korea’s nuclear programme. At the previous gathering five years ago, he labelled the United States his country’s "biggest enemy."

Kim Yo Jong has been promoted to full department director in North Korea’s ruling party, amid swirling succession questions. South Korea’s spy agency says Kim Ju Ae may be groomed as heir, setting up a potential power tussle inside Pyongyang.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un’s sister Kim Yo Jong promoted at party congress amid heir speculation

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected as the general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party at a rare congress, state media said on Monday. 

The decision was made on Sunday - day four of the congress - "in accordance with the unshakable will and unanimous desire of all the delegates", the Korean Central News Agency said.

Kim Jong Un Re-Elected as Party Chief Vows to Improve Living Standards

North Korea has unveiled a new 600mm multiple rocket launcher system that state media claims can carry tactical nuclear warheads and place all of South Korea within range. The display comes after recent hypersonic and ballistic missile tests, the unveiling of the Hwasong-20 ICBM, and images of a nuclear-powered submarine. What does this latest show of strength mean for regional security?


North Korea Unveils Nuclear-Capable 600mm Rocket System 

North Korea has unveiled an upgraded 600mm rocket launcher with a 400 km strike range and possible nuclear capability. Leader Kim Jong Un called it fit for “strategic missions,” highlighting its destructive power. Here's all we know about its features.

North Korea has unveiled an upgraded 600mm rocket launcher with a 400 km strike range and possible nuclear capability. Leader Kim Jong Un called it fit for “strategic missions,” highlighting its destructive power. Here's all we know about its features.

Enemy can't expect 'God’s protection': North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher

North Korea says it has completed a new housing district in Pyongyang for families of soldiers killed while fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. Leader Kim Jong Un described the project as a tribute to the war dead. The development signals deepening ties between North Korea and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.


North Korea's Kim Opens Housing Areas For Families Of Soldiers Killed in Ukraine War 

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is reportedly being groomed as North Korea’s next leader, but experts warn she could face a fierce power struggle with her influential aunt, Kim Yo Jong.

Kim Jong Un’s daughter, Kim Ju Ae, is reportedly being groomed as North Korea’s next leader, but experts warn she could face a fierce power struggle with her influential aunt, Kim Yo Jong.

Kim Jong Un’s teen heiress vs ruthless aunt: Inside North Korea’s deadly succession war

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has paid tribute to troops reportedly involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, signaling Pyongyang’s political alignment and military support. The gesture underscores North Korea’s growing involvement and strategic positioning amid the ongoing war in Eastern Europe.


N Korea Supremo Pays Respect to Troops Fighting in Russia-Ukraine War

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits an under-construction military memorial to pay tribute to the country’s troops. The supreme leader praised the bravery and dedication of soldiers, emphasizing loyalty and commitment to the nation. Watch the latest from Pyongyang on this historic visit.


N Korea Supremo Kim Jong Un Visits Under-Construction Memorial | Kim Hails Bravery of Soldiers 

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has announced the next phase of the country’s nuclear program, signaling a significant escalation in regional tensions.

North Korea: Leader Kim Jong Un Flags Next Nuclear Phase

North Korea has signaled a fresh nuclear escalation after firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its east coast, marking its second missile test of 2026. The launches come as South Korea, the United States, and Japan hold rapid talks to strengthen their defence posture against Pyongyang.


North Korea's Latest Missile Test Blurs Artillery-Ballistic Line

North Korea: 2nd Missile Test in 2026, Seoul-US-Japan Hold Rapid Talks

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has showcased a rare softer public tone after praising a resort project he had previously criticised.


Kim Jong Un's Soft Side on Diplay, Praises Resort He Once Criticised | WION

North Korea is producing enough nuclear material a year for up to 20 weapons, the South's President Lee Jae Myung said. 

South Korea's President Lee Warns of Kim's Nukes

North Korea accused the South on Saturday of flying another spy drone over its territory this month, a claim that Seoul denied.

North Korea Accuses South of Another Drone Incursion

North Korea drone accusation, South Korea denies drone claim, KCNA drone photos, inter-Korean tensions, Ahn Gyu-back response, Lee Jae Myung investigation, DPRK airspace violation, Korean Peninsula security, military drone dispute 2026.

North Korea accused South Korea of flying a spy drone into its airspace and released photos of wreckage. Seoul denied the claim, saying it had no record and the drone wasn’t its model. Pyongyang warned of consequences if such flights continue amid rising tensions.

'Seoul will pay dear price...': North Korea accuses South of drone incursion, calls it 'unpardonable hysteria': What's happening

North Korea's 2026 missile tests show a move toward tactical nuclear use and mass production. Kim Jong Un aims to cement the nation as a permanent nuclear power through new five-year goals.

North Korea's 2026 missile tests show a move toward tactical nuclear use and mass production. Kim Jong Un aims to cement the nation as a permanent nuclear power through new five-year goals.

'North Korea’s missile tests': What they reveals about its long-term strategy

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was inspecting the construction of a memorial for North Korean troops recently, where he gave a lift to his daughter and staff members on a forklift. Images released by KCNA show Ju Ae and some officials standing on a forklift, several inches above the ground, while Kim Jong Un handled the steering wheel. It was a strange scene and an amusing picture as the North Korean leader drove the forklift. The memorial is being built for troops who died ​fighting overseas, KCNA reported. He was there with his daughter Ju Ae and some members of his entourage. Notably, Pyongyang has a mutual ​defence pact with Russia, as part of which North Korea sent around ⁠14,000 soldiers to join the Russian troops against Ukraine. According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources, more ‍than 6,000 of ​them were killed.<h2>Kim termed North Korean soldiers heroes</h2>At the site, Kim called these soldiers "heroes who sacrificed ‍themselves ‍without hesitation". He added, "No in the world can overcome such an army that is absolutely loyal to the orders of the party". Russia and North Korea share close military and security relations and are countries that stand against the West. Pyongyang has stood with Moscow in its war against Ukraine and even sent its workers to help with other jobs since there is a lack of workforce due to the war. North Korea and Russia signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-launch-justified-reaction-to-recent-geopolitical-crisis-1767608452926/embed&nbsp;At the memorial, Kim participated in tree-planting with his daughter Ju Ae. She wore a red muffler and can be seen shovelling earth with her father in the photos released by state media. Recently, a photo exhibition detailing North Korea's progress under Kim also opened in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the country tested more ballistic missiles on Monday with Kim watching the first such test this year. South Korea and Japan reported that they detected two hypersonic missiles. Kim said these tests showed that DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear forces were ready to take on the enemies.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un was seen operating a forklift at the memorial site for slain soldiers, with his daughter and staff standing on it. He liften them up several inches above the ground as well, as seen in bizarre pictures released by KCNA.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was inspecting the construction of a memorial for North Korean troops recently, where he gave a lift to his daughter and staff members on a forklift. Images released by KCNA show Ju Ae and some officials standing on a forklift, several inches above the ground, while Kim Jong Un handled the steering wheel. It was a strange scene and an amusing picture as the North Korean leader drove the forklift. The memorial is being built for troops who died fighting overseas, KCNA reported. He was there with his daughter Ju Ae and some members of his entourage. Notably, Pyongyang has a mutual defence pact with Russia, as part of which North Korea sent around ⁠14,000 soldiers to join the Russian troops against Ukraine. According to South Korean, Ukrainian and Western sources, more ‍than 6,000 of them were killed. Kim termed North Korean soldiers heroes At the site, Kim called these soldiers "heroes who sacrificed ‍themselves ‍without hesitation". He added, "No in the world can overcome such an army that is absolutely loyal to the orders of the party". Russia and North Korea share close military and security relations and are countries that stand against the West. Pyongyang has stood with Moscow in its war against Ukraine and even sent its workers to help with other jobs since there is a lack of workforce due to the war. North Korea and Russia signed the Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in 2024. https://www.wionews.com/videos/north-korea-missile-launch-justified-reaction-to-recent-geopolitical-crisis-1767608452926/embed At the memorial, Kim participated in tree-planting with his daughter Ju Ae. She wore a red muffler and can be seen shovelling earth with her father in the photos released by state media. Recently, a photo exhibition detailing North Korea's progress under Kim also opened in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, the country tested more ballistic missiles on Monday with Kim watching the first such test this year. South Korea and Japan reported that they detected two hypersonic missiles. Kim said these tests showed that DPRK's (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) nuclear forces were ready to take on the enemies.

Kim Jong Un was seen operating a forklift at the memorial site for slain soldiers, with his daughter and staff standing on it. He lifted them up several inches above the ground as well, as seen in bizarre pictures released by KCNA.

Bizarre photos show Kim Jong Un lifting daughter Ju Ae and staff on a forklift

Trump foreign policy 2026, Iran nuclear threat, North Korea hypersonic missiles, US national security, global conflict risk 2026

Trump foreign policy 2026, Iran nuclear threat, North Korea hypersonic missiles, US national security, global conflict risk 2026

'Iran or North Korea': Who is a bigger threat for Donald Trump's America in 2026?

North Korea defended its recent missile launch as a justified response to the "recent geopolitical crisis" triggered by the U.S. military strike and capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Pyongyang framed the test as a key strategic move amid escalating global tensions following Washington's intervention in Caracas. 


North Korea Missile Launch Justified: 'Reaction to Recent Geopolitical Crisis'

North Korea defended its recent missile launch as a justified response to the "recent geopolitical crisis" triggered by the U.S. military strike and capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro. Pyongyang framed the test as a key strategic move amid escalating global tensions following Washington's intervention in Caracas. 

North Korea Missile Launch Justified: 'Reaction to Recent Geopolitical Crisis' 

Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s hypersonic missile tests rehearse real war amid rising tensions. Pyongyang condemned the US capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro as a sovereignty breach. The US says launches pose no immediate threat; Japan issued alerts as Seoul seeks China’s help.

Kim Jong Un said North Korea’s hypersonic missile tests rehearse real war amid rising tensions. Pyongyang condemned the US capture of Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro as a sovereignty breach. The US says launches pose no immediate threat; Japan issued alerts as Seoul seeks China’s help.

'Preparing for actual war': North Korea reveals REAL reason for missile launch amid US attack on Venezuela

North Korea fired several ballistic missiles from its capital Pyongyang towards the sea off its east coast at around 7:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, South Korea’s military said.

South Korea Convenes Emergency Meeting as North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile

Pyongyang Fires Ballistic Missiles as S. Korean President Lee Jae-Myung Makes State Visit to China

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared with his daughter Ju Ae at the Kumsusan mausoleum on New Year’s Day, a rare and symbolic outing that has reignited speculation over succession in Pyongyang.


Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Steps Into Spotlight at Mausoleum, Fuels Succession Talk 

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an “invincible alliance” with Russia in the New Year’s message, state media said on Thursday. According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. At least 600 North Korean soldiers have died, and thousands more have sustained injuries, according to South Korean estimates. North Korea is said to be receiving financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies from Russia in return for the military assistance, say analysts.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-vows-to-reunify-china-and-taiwan-urges-for-growth-in-new-year-s-eve-speech-1767193882182">Xi Jinping vows to reunify China and Taiwan, urges for growth in New Year’s Eve speech</a>&nbsp;Kim praised his soldiers fighting in an “alien land”, while hailing their “heroic” defence of the nation’s honour and instructing them to “be brave”, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.&nbsp;<h2>‘Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow‘</h2>&nbsp;“As the whole country is enveloped in a festive atmosphere of greeting the new year, I all the more miss you, who are fighting bravely on the battlefields in the alien land even at this moment,” he said, according to KCNA.“Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow,” Kim added.&nbsp;The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the “invincible alliance” with Russia, calling on them to fight “for the fraternal Russian people”.Kim further hinted that more overseas action would take place this year, highlighting “remarkable feats you will perform on the overseas battlefields”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mali-and-burkina-faso-retaliate-to-trump-s-action-ban-entry-for-us-citizens-1767187487091">Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens</a>&nbsp;Kim marked the new year with a lavish celebration and speech at Pyongyang’s May Day stadium, reported state media. Images shared by KCNA showed Kim accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his daughter Ju Ae, who is widely believed to be his likely successor.&nbsp;<h2>‘Soldiers told to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoners’</h2>&nbsp;North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia has offered an economic lifeline to Kim’s regime and allowed him to rebuff US and South Korean overtures for dialogue.However, several accounts of the real situation paint a grim picture for the North Korean soldiers fighting the bloodiest war in Europe.Pyongyang has ordered its soldiers to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, according to South Korea’s intelligence service and accounts by two North Koreans captured by Ukraine.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/drdo-successfully-conducts-salvo-launch-of-indigenously-developed-pralay-missiles-off-odisha-coast-1767182736639">DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of indigenously developed Pralay missiles off Odisha coast</a>&nbsp;The two men, held captive by Kyiv since January 2025 after sustaining injuries on the battlefield, have expressed a desire to defect to the South.

North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia has offered an economic lifeline to Kim’s regime and allowed him to rebuff US and South Korean overtures for dialogue. However, several accounts paint a grim picture for the North Korean soldiers fighting the bloodiest war in Europe.

The North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, has praised his troops fighting abroad as forging an “invincible alliance” with Russia in the New Year’s message, state media said on Thursday. According to South Korean and Western intelligence agencies, Pyongyang has sent thousands of troops to support Russia’s nearly four-year invasion of Ukraine. At least 600 North Korean soldiers have died, and thousands more have sustained injuries, according to South Korean estimates. North Korea is said to be receiving financial aid, military technology, and food and energy supplies from Russia in return for the military assistance, say analysts. Also Read: Xi Jinping vows to reunify China and Taiwan, urges for growth in New Year’s Eve speech Kim praised his soldiers fighting in an “alien land”, while hailing their “heroic” defence of the nation’s honour and instructing them to “be brave”, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said. ‘Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow‘ “As the whole country is enveloped in a festive atmosphere of greeting the new year, I all the more miss you, who are fighting bravely on the battlefields in the alien land even at this moment,” he said, according to KCNA. “Behind you are Pyongyang and Moscow,” Kim added. The North Korean leader praised soldiers for strengthening the “invincible alliance” with Russia, calling on them to fight “for the fraternal Russian people”. Kim further hinted that more overseas action would take place this year, highlighting “remarkable feats you will perform on the overseas battlefields”. Also Read: Mali and Burkina Faso retaliate to Trump’s action, ban entry for US citizens Kim marked the new year with a lavish celebration and speech at Pyongyang’s May Day stadium, reported state media. Images shared by KCNA showed Kim accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his daughter Ju Ae, who is widely believed to be his likely successor. ‘Soldiers told to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoners’ North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia has offered an economic lifeline to Kim’s regime and allowed him to rebuff US and South Korean overtures for dialogue. However, several accounts of the real situation paint a grim picture for the North Korean soldiers fighting the bloodiest war in Europe. Pyongyang has ordered its soldiers to kill themselves rather than be taken prisoner, according to South Korea’s intelligence service and accounts by two North Koreans captured by Ukraine. Also Read: DRDO successfully conducts salvo launch of indigenously developed Pralay missiles off Odisha coast The two men, held captive by Kyiv since January 2025 after sustaining injuries on the battlefield, have expressed a desire to defect to the South.

North Korea’s deepening alliance with Russia has offered an economic lifeline to Kim’s regime and allowed him to rebuff US and South Korean overtures for dialogue. However, several accounts paint a grim picture for the North Korean soldiers fighting the bloodiest war in Europe.

Kim Jong-un praises troops, hails North Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia

North Korea has ramped up missile production with the launch of long-range cruise missiles, coming shortly after joint air drills by South Korea, the U.S., and Japan. The tests mark a sharp escalation in regional tensions and highlight Pyongyang’s focus on advancing its missile capabilities.


North Korea Ramps Up Missile Production: Pyongyang Conducts Successful Missile Drill

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for increased missile production, describing it as a key “war deterrent” amid rising regional tensions.

Kim Jong Un Pushes More Missile Production As 'War Deterrent' 

South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves.&nbsp;They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world.&nbsp;Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.&nbsp;The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-becomes-first-nation-to-recognise-somaliland-as-independent-state-isreal-gaza-somalia-benjamin-netanyahu-abraham-accords-trump-1766770494091">Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state</a>&nbsp;The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials.&nbsp;Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown.“Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'”&nbsp;Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border.&nbsp;Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North.&nbsp;(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.



South Korea on Friday (Dec 26) said that it will reclassify North Korea's long-banned state newspaper as general information, easing public access, in the latest overture from the administration of dovish President Lee Jae Myung. Seoul remains officially at war with its nuclear-armed neighbour, and a decades-old national security ban on Pyongyang's propaganda remains in place. Critics, including President Lee, say South Koreans are politically mature enough to judge such material, which often idolises the North's leadership, for themselves. They also argue the ban amounts to unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy that is one of the most wired and educated countries in the world. Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement. The "official measure to reclassify Rodong Sinmun as general material will be implemented early next week through necessary administrative procedures", the government statement added. Also Read: Israel becomes first nation to recognise Somaliland as independent state The announcement comes after Seoul's unification ministry told President Lee last week that it aims to ease public access to some North Korean propaganda materials. Lee said at the time that fears "the public will fall for the propaganda and become commies" were overblown. “Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'” Lee said earlier this month he felt an apology was due to the North over his predecessor's alleged order to send drones and propaganda leaflets across the border. Pyongyang has not responded to the overture from Lee, who has sought to mend fractured ties with the North. (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

Seoul's government convened on Friday an inter-agency meeting and confirmed a consensus among the relevant parties regarding the "reclassification of the Rodong Sinmun newspaper from special material to general material", it said in a statement.

South Korea to relax decades-old ban on North Korean state newspaper

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered a radical expansion of missile and shell production for 2026. This directive comes on the heels of the unveiling of a massive 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine, marking a new era for Pyongyang's naval forces. 

North Korea's 2026 War Deterrent: Kim Jong Un Orders Massive Missile Production Surge

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has ordered his officials to step up production of missiles and artillery shells and construct more factories to meet his military’s growing need for the weapons, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has reported.

Kim Jong Un Pushes More Missile Production as 'War Deterrent'

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North Korea: Kim Yo Jong Appointed Department Director at Party Congress

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North Korea's Kim Jong Un unveils monstrous 600-mm rocket launcher: Deets inside

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North Korea accuses South of drone incursion, Seoul denies claims - What we know

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Bizarre photos show Kim Jong Un lifting daughter Ju Ae and staff on a forklift

Iran or North Korea: Who is a bigger threat for Donald Trump's America in 2026?

North Korea Missile Launch Justified: 'Reaction to Recent Geopolitical Crisis'

North Korea Missile Launch Justified: 'Reaction to Recent Geopolitical Crisis'

'Preparing for actual war': North Korea reveals REAL reason for missile launch

South Korea Convenes Emergency Meeting as North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile

Pyongyang Fires Ballistic Missiles as S. Korean President Lee Jae-Myung Makes State Visit to China

Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Steps Into Spotlight at Mausoleum, Fuels Succession Talk

Kim Jong-un praises troops, hails N. Korea’s ‘invincible alliance’ with Russia