The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” &nbsp;with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress.&nbsp;"President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively.Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs.&nbsp;In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions.<h2>How did North Korea respond?</h2>North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

The White House on Friday in a statement confirmed that it “remains open to engaging” with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to achieve a “fully denuclearised North Korea”. This development comes a day after the Trump administration's crackdown on illicit funding loops of North Korea. The statement is coherent with the objectives of the first term, where Trump held three high-level summits with North Korea to pursue denuclearisation, though these talks failed without any concrete progress. "President Trump in his first term held three historic summits with North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un that stabilised the Korean Peninsula and achieved the first-ever leader-level agreement on denuclearisation," said a White House official to Yonhap News Agency. The three meetings happened in Singapore in 2018, Hanoi in February 2019, and Panmunjom in June 2019, respectively. Notably, on July 24, the US Department of the Treasury sanctioned the Korea Sobaeksu Trading Company and three individuals, Kim Se Un, Jo Kyong Hun, and Myong Chol Min, allegedly linking them with illicit funding of Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs. In June, Trump seemed optimistic to get "the conflict solved" with North Korea, if there is one, hinting at the possibility of a dialogue. The administration seems to be taking a dual approach, on the one hand remaining open to diplomacy and on the other hand pressuring it through sanctions and enforcement actions. How did North Korea respond? North Korea did not respond positively to Trump's overtures. Late in June, North Korean diplomats refused a letter from Trump displaying a strong pushback against any renewed communication. Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un has repeatedly denounced the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership. It vowed to modernise its missiles and increase its nuclear arsenal. Analysts suggest that North Korea is less interested in US engagement, with strong diplomatic relations with Russia and China.

The White House on Friday said that it wants a fully denuclearised North Korea and remains open to talks with Kim Jong Un for that purpose. Historically, North Korea opposed US dominance in the Korean Peninsula and the US, South Korea and Japan military partnership.

Trump open to talks with Kim — but only after ‘FULL DENUCLEARISATION'

The practice of parading replica equipment is not unique to North Korea, but its apparent frequency and ambition have prompted questions about the true strength of the country's defence forces.

The practice of parading replica equipment is not unique to North Korea, but its apparent frequency and ambition have prompted questions about the true strength of the country's defence forces.

Does North Korea’s Air Force use fake fighter jets during parades?

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation.&nbsp;According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle".&nbsp;A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials.However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed&nbsp;North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine.&nbsp;Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems.&nbsp;To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines.&nbsp;Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine.&nbsp;Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

Amid the escalating Russia-Ukraine war, North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un has instructed the Pyongyang military to prepare for a "real war" during a recent artillery firing exercise, according to the state media. He has urged his armed forces to remain combat-ready. This comes as North Korea seeks to deepen ties with Russia and strengthen military cooperation. According to the state media, the North Korean leader has instructed his armed forces to be "capable of destroying the enemy in every battle". A video shared on the state television showed artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea. As seen in the video, Kim was observing the drill through binoculars from an observation post, along with two senior military officials. However, the exact location of Wednesday's exercise was not revealed. https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-honours-north-korean-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine-1751475589437/embed North Korea has deployed defence troops and weapons to aid Russia during its nearly 30-month-long offensive against Ukraine. While the leader Kim Jong Un had given "unconditional support" for Russia in their war with Ukraine. Earlier, the Western intelligence agencies claimed that North Korea had sent more than 10,000 security troops to Russia's Kursk region last year. Additionally, it also provided them with artillery shells, missiles, and long-range rocket systems. To maintain secrecy, the North Koreans were given Russian uniforms, weapons, and falsified military documents. They were even assigned Russian names, and most of them were 'born' in the Siberian republic of Tuva, where the population has Asian features. These troops were integrated into Russian marine and assault corps units and sent to the frontlines. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticised Russia for exploiting these soldiers, and described them as being raised in an information vacuum and used by Russia solely to prolong and escalate its war against Ukraine. Moreover, Ukraine's military thinks the conflict serves as a training ground for North Korean soldiers. According to Major General Vadym Skybytskyi, HUR’s deputy chief, who told The Guardian that the North Korean troops are gaining valuable experience in modern warfare. He said they are learning from earlier mistakes by trial and error.

The North Korean leader has instructed the armed forces to be ready for a combat as Russia-Ukraine war intensifies. Kim Jong Un directed the army as a video shared by local media shows artillery unit soldiers firing shells into the sea.

North Korea preparing for 'real war'? Kim Jong Un orders armed forces to stay 'combat ready' amid raging Russia-Ukraine war

As North Korea opens a new waterfront resort to increase the country's business and economic growth, however, without foreign visitors, Kim Jong-un's plan would not work. The North Korean leader hoped that one day with tourist cash, it would offset financially punishing sanctions.Earlier this week on Thursday, a crowd of North Korean families gathered on a 2.5-mile-long scenic beach on its central east coast, according to state media.“The joy and optimism of the tourists were overflowing everywhere, and the song of happiness resounded in the windows of bright lodgings,” the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said.The Wonsan Kalma resort, which can accommodate 20,000 people, was opened to attract foreign tourists, Kim said as his wife and his daughter attended a ceremony in late June after the resort was built.However, Kim's plans did not go as he planned. The North Korean state media released photos of North Korean families, bathing, skiing, and riding water slides at the resort. But, there were no foreign tourists.According to the South Korean officials, Russian tourists were expected to visit the beach over the summer, however, there would be fewer people due to limited transportation options in North Korea and poor road conditions.Recently, visits by hundreds of Russian tourists have shown a good relationship between the two countries after North Korea supplied much-needed personnel and weaponry to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine.However, when it comes to China, the citizens are still not allowed to travel to North Korea. China fears that North Korea will build relations with Russia, which could reduce its leverage over an uncooperative Pyongyang.Kim has been promoting tourism after the United Nations imposed severe sanctions in 2017, banning all of North Korea's main exports, including coal and textiles. The sanctions were announced to deprive North Korea of the means of earning foreign currency to finance its nuclear and missile programs.&nbsp;

Kim's plans did not go as he planned. The North Korean state media released photos of North Korean families, bathing, skiing, and riding water slides at the resort. But, there were no foreign tourists.

As North Korea opens a new waterfront resort to increase the country's business and economic growth, however, without foreign visitors, Kim Jong-un's plan would not work. The North Korean leader hoped that one day with tourist cash, it would offset financially punishing sanctions. Earlier this week on Thursday, a crowd of North Korean families gathered on a 2.5-mile-long scenic beach on its central east coast, according to state media. “The joy and optimism of the tourists were overflowing everywhere, and the song of happiness resounded in the windows of bright lodgings,” the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said. The Wonsan Kalma resort, which can accommodate 20,000 people, was opened to attract foreign tourists, Kim said as his wife and his daughter attended a ceremony in late June after the resort was built. However, Kim's plans did not go as he planned. The North Korean state media released photos of North Korean families, bathing, skiing, and riding water slides at the resort. But, there were no foreign tourists. According to the South Korean officials, Russian tourists were expected to visit the beach over the summer, however, there would be fewer people due to limited transportation options in North Korea and poor road conditions. Recently, visits by hundreds of Russian tourists have shown a good relationship between the two countries after North Korea supplied much-needed personnel and weaponry to aid Russia in its war against Ukraine. However, when it comes to China, the citizens are still not allowed to travel to North Korea. China fears that North Korea will build relations with Russia, which could reduce its leverage over an uncooperative Pyongyang. Kim has been promoting tourism after the United Nations imposed severe sanctions in 2017, banning all of North Korea's main exports, including coal and textiles. The sanctions were announced to deprive North Korea of the means of earning foreign currency to finance its nuclear and missile programs.

Kim's plans did not go as he planned. The North Korean state media released photos of North Korean families, bathing, skiing, and riding water slides at the resort. But, there were no foreign tourists.

North Korea opened beach resort to boost economy, but no foreign tourists spotted. Is Kim's plan failing?

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung has acknowledged that it remains unclear whether Seoul and Washington can settle their high-stakes tariff negotiations before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, as both sides struggle to reconcile competing demands. At his first news conference since taking office last month, Lee struck a cautious tone, saying talks with the United States were “clearly not easy” and that negotiators were still working to clarify their positions and define common ground. As per the Associated Press, Lee warned that it was impossible to guarantee an agreement before Trump’s deadline next week, even as both governments race to avoid punishing new tariffs on South Korean exports.<h2>A deadline with big stakes</h2>The sense of urgency stems from Trump’s 90-day pause on new “global reciprocal tariffs,” which is set to expire on July 9. Once that pause ends, South Korean goods could be hit with sweeping 25 per cent tariffs—posing a major threat to the trade-dependent economy. South Korean officials are particularly worried about the possibility of higher duties on critical sectors such as automobiles and semiconductors. According to the Associated Press, these industries are the backbone of the country’s exports and a vital source of jobs and growth.&nbsp;Lee said it was essential to secure a “truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides,” but admitted the process was proving complex and politically sensitive. “It’s difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best,” he told reporters.<h2>Trump’s tough stance</h2>President Trump has championed his “America First” approach to trade, demanding what he calls fairer, more balanced deals with key partners. The Trump administration argues that some foreign producers have unfairly benefited from past trade rules at America’s expense. The Associated Press reports that Trump has also insisted on new tariff measures to stop companies from evading existing duties by shipping Chinese-made goods through third countries like Vietnam or South Korea.&nbsp;Beyond tariffs, there are concerns in Seoul that Trump might use the trade negotiations to demand higher payments from South Korea to cover the cost of hosting 28,000 US troops on the peninsula forces seen as vital to deterring North Korean threats.<h2>Lee’s cautious approach</h2>Lee, who came to power after winning a snap election following the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, has sought to balance a firm defence of South Korea’s interests with a pragmatic approach to US ties.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Associated Press notes that Lee has consistently urged patience in tariff negotiations, arguing that rushing into a deal could undermine the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, is reportedly arranging meetings in Washington with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a last-ditch bid to secure a compromise.<h2>Broader diplomatic goals</h2>While trade is dominating headlines, Lee also used his news conference to lay out his vision for improving relations with North Korea. According to the Associated Press, Lee pledged to restart long-dormant inter-Korean talks, despite acknowledging that deep-seated distrust would make quick progress difficult. He also proposed resuming more frequent summits with Japan and reaffirmed his intention to pursue “pragmatic diplomacy” that balances ties with the US, China, Russia and North Korea.&nbsp;Lee’s government has already taken small steps to ease tensions with Pyongyang, halting anti-North propaganda broadcasts at the border and cracking down on activists who send leaflet balloons across the heavily fortified frontier.<h2>A delicate balance</h2>Lee’s challenge now is to secure a trade deal with Washington that shields Korean industry from crippling tariffs, while also managing an unpredictable relationship with North Korea and navigating Trump’s transactional approach to alliances.&nbsp;As the tariff deadline looms, South Korea’s new president is walking a tightrope, seeking to avoid economic disruption while maintaining the country’s strategic security partnership with the United States.&nbsp;(With inputs from the agencies)&nbsp;

With US tariffs set to hit South Korean exports, President Lee Jae Myung voices doubts over reaching a deal in time, as Seoul scrambles to protect key industries and manage diplomatic ties with Washington.

South Korea’s new President Lee Jae Myung has acknowledged that it remains unclear whether Seoul and Washington can settle their high-stakes tariff negotiations before a deadline set by US President Donald Trump, as both sides struggle to reconcile competing demands. At his first news conference since taking office last month, Lee struck a cautious tone, saying talks with the United States were “clearly not easy” and that negotiators were still working to clarify their positions and define common ground. As per the Associated Press, Lee warned that it was impossible to guarantee an agreement before Trump’s deadline next week, even as both governments race to avoid punishing new tariffs on South Korean exports. A deadline with big stakes The sense of urgency stems from Trump’s 90-day pause on new “global reciprocal tariffs,” which is set to expire on July 9. Once that pause ends, South Korean goods could be hit with sweeping 25 per cent tariffs—posing a major threat to the trade-dependent economy. South Korean officials are particularly worried about the possibility of higher duties on critical sectors such as automobiles and semiconductors. According to the Associated Press, these industries are the backbone of the country’s exports and a vital source of jobs and growth. Lee said it was essential to secure a “truly reciprocal outcome that benefits both sides,” but admitted the process was proving complex and politically sensitive. “It’s difficult to say with certainty whether we will be able to reach a conclusion by July 8. We are now doing our best,” he told reporters. Trump’s tough stance President Trump has championed his “America First” approach to trade, demanding what he calls fairer, more balanced deals with key partners. The Trump administration argues that some foreign producers have unfairly benefited from past trade rules at America’s expense. The Associated Press reports that Trump has also insisted on new tariff measures to stop companies from evading existing duties by shipping Chinese-made goods through third countries like Vietnam or South Korea. Beyond tariffs, there are concerns in Seoul that Trump might use the trade negotiations to demand higher payments from South Korea to cover the cost of hosting 28,000 US troops on the peninsula forces seen as vital to deterring North Korean threats. Lee’s cautious approach Lee, who came to power after winning a snap election following the ouster of conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol, has sought to balance a firm defence of South Korea’s interests with a pragmatic approach to US ties. The Associated Press notes that Lee has consistently urged patience in tariff negotiations, arguing that rushing into a deal could undermine the national interest. His trade minister, Yeo Han-koo, is reportedly arranging meetings in Washington with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in a last-ditch bid to secure a compromise. Broader diplomatic goals While trade is dominating headlines, Lee also used his news conference to lay out his vision for improving relations with North Korea. According to the Associated Press, Lee pledged to restart long-dormant inter-Korean talks, despite acknowledging that deep-seated distrust would make quick progress difficult. He also proposed resuming more frequent summits with Japan and reaffirmed his intention to pursue “pragmatic diplomacy” that balances ties with the US, China, Russia and North Korea. Lee’s government has already taken small steps to ease tensions with Pyongyang, halting anti-North propaganda broadcasts at the border and cracking down on activists who send leaflet balloons across the heavily fortified frontier. A delicate balance Lee’s challenge now is to secure a trade deal with Washington that shields Korean industry from crippling tariffs, while also managing an unpredictable relationship with North Korea and navigating Trump’s transactional approach to alliances. As the tariff deadline looms, South Korea’s new president is walking a tightrope, seeking to avoid economic disruption while maintaining the country’s strategic security partnership with the United States. (With inputs from the agencies)

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung warns of uncertainty over sealing a US tariff deal before Trump’s looming July 9 deadline.

US–South Korea tariff deal in doubt as Trump’s deadline approaches

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change.&nbsp;Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks.&nbsp;President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim.&nbsp;That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions.&nbsp;"Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained.&nbsp;North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum.&nbsp;These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed.&nbsp;In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable.&nbsp;As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal."&nbsp;And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said.&nbsp;It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Trumps Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear armed North Korea Whats next for Kim Jong Un

While American B-2 bombers streak across Iran, bombing facilities related to Tehran's nuclear ambitions, policymakers and experts in East Asia were already preoccupied with a key question: What message does this send to North Korea, a nation whose nuclear program is much more advanced than that of Iran? Experts warn that Washington's military interventions might make Pyongyang more determined to step up its weapons program and expand coordination with Russia, as well as harden its leader Kim Jong Un's conviction that nuclear weapons are the ultimate defense against US-enforced regime change. Even after years of attempts to dissuade North Korea from keeping its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is believed to have several nuclear weapons, along with missiles capable of reaching the United States – thus, any potential military attack on the Korean Peninsula would have immensely greater risks. President Trump's attack on Iran's nuclear facilities will inevitably further strengthen the legitimacy of North Korea's long-held policy of regime survival and nuclear armament," Lim Eul-chul, a professor of North Korean studies at South Korea's Kyungnam University was quoted saying to CNN. "North Korea views the recent US air strike as a preemptive military attack and will probably speed up efforts to improve its own preemptive nuclear missile capability," added Lim. That speed, experts warn, might be delivered by way of Russian support, as a result of an emerging military romance the two neighbors have embarked upon since Moscow invaded Ukraine. Since it was formally established in 2024, North Korea's strategic alliance with Russia has emerged as a very important economic and military lifeline for Pyongyang in the face of continuing Western sanctions. "Under the strategic partnership with Russia, Pyongyang will tend to proceed to cooperative weapons development, cooperative military drills, technology exchange, and increased mutual interdependence in economic and military areas," Lim explained. North Korea has dispatched over 14,000 troops and millions of ammunition, including missiles and rockets, to support Russia's invasion, says a report by the Multilateral Sanctions Monitoring Team (MSMT), a program composed of 11 United Nations members. Russia has returned the favour by supplying North Korea with diverse precious pieces of weaponry and technology, such as air defense systems, anti-aircraft missiles, electronic warfare capabilities and refined petroleum. These activities "enables North Korea to finance its military projects and continue to expand its ballistic missiles programmes, which are themselves illegal under several (UN Security Council resolutions), and acquire first-hand exposure to contemporary warfare," the study showed. In Kim's view, recent US military intervention in Iran is following a disturbing pattern of logic: countries without nuclear power, from Iraq and Libya to Iran, are susceptible to US intervention, Victor Cha, Korea chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies was quoted saying to CNN. North Korea, having now tested six nuclear devices and built long-range missiles, regards its arsenal as non-negotiable. As described by Cha, Washington's attacks against Tehran's nuclear facilities will certainly make an indelible mark on the Kim regime. "The strikes against Iran will only reinforce two things for North Korea, neither one of which plays well for US policy," he said. "One: the US has no use-of-force alternative for North Korea's nuclear program like they did with Israel and Iran. Two: the attack only confirms in Kim Jong Un's mind his commitment to continue seeking and having a nuclear arsenal." And the difference between Iran and North Korea is dramatic, especially when it comes to nuclear weapons. Iran, on the other hand, has not yet produced a deliverable nuclear weapon and its uranium enrichment had still fallen below the level for weaponisation, the International Atomic Energy Agency's most recent estimate said. It had also engaged in years of diplomatic efforts with the US and Western nations regarding its nuclear program, diplomacy that was ostensibly still active when Trump authorised B-2 stealth bombers to release "bunker busting" bombs on Iran's nuclear sites. North Korea is estimated to have between 40 and 50 warheads, as well as the capability to deliver them throughout the region and possibly even to the US mainland.

Despite yearslong efforts to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program, the Kim regime is thought to possess multiple nuclear weapons, as well as missiles that can potentially reach the United States&nbsp;

Trump’s Iran strike sends chilling signal to nuclear-armed North Korea. What's next for Kim Jong Un?

The United States, 75 years ago, controlled North Korea's Pyongyang for eight weeks. According to the US Army histories, in 1950, the US Army's Cavalry Division along with a division of South Korean soldiers captured the North Korean capital on October 19.According to the histories, the US forces quickly got comfortable there, making it their home. All this happened during the "Korean War", also known as "The Forgotten War", which occurred during 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953.One of the world's most secretive cities, Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, was under the US Army's control. By October 22, the US Eighth Army had set up its advance headquarters in what was the headquarters building for North Korean leader Kim Il Sung.However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command.<h2>Why was it called 'The Forgotten War'?</h2>The war in Korea was overshadowed by World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN.The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.

However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.

The United States, 75 years ago, controlled North Korea's Pyongyang for eight weeks. According to the US Army histories, in 1950, the US Army's Cavalry Division along with a division of South Korean soldiers captured the North Korean capital on October 19. According to the histories, the US forces quickly got comfortable there, making it their home. All this happened during the "Korean War", also known as "The Forgotten War", which occurred during 25 June 1950 – 27 July 1953. One of the world's most secretive cities, Pyongyang, North Korea's capital, was under the US Army's control. By October 22, the US Eighth Army had set up its advance headquarters in what was the headquarters building for North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5. The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command. Why was it called 'The Forgotten War'? The war in Korea was overshadowed by World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier. The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN. The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.

However, this period did not last long. The Chinese troops entered the war in late November 1950 and pushed South Korean and US forces out of Pyongyang by December 5.

US Army once controlled one of the world’s most SECRETIVE cities - Hint: A North Korean city - Here's all you need to know

The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command.The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.<h2>'The Forgotten War'</h2>The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN.The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline.On the directions of the United Nations Command, 16 nations including the US, sent combat troops to South Korea. While the Chinese troops intervened on the North Korean side.<h2>How it started?</h2>It all began when North Korean forces stormed across the 38th parallel dividing North and South Korea. Later in 1953, an armistice stopped the war, however, it was never officially over since there was no peace treaty.During the three years of war, the US aircraft dropped 635,000 tons of bombs, both high explosive and incendiary on North Korea.It is more than the 500,000 tons of bombs the US dropped in the Pacific in the entirety of the Second World War, according to a report."We went over there and fought the war and eventually burned down every town in North Korea anyway, some way or another," General Curtis LeMay, father of US strategic bombing and the architect of fire raids that destroyed swathes of Japanese cities in World War II, said.He said that the bombing of North Korea has effects that still have effects to this day.

The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.

The Korean war that began 75 years ago this week, was considered as the first major armed conflict of the Cold War era. More than 135,000 North Korean troops invaded South Korea, beginning a war that took millions of lives and causing impact which is still there today. The US Army intervened in the war, sending combat troops in aid of South Korea under the United Nations Command. The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier. 'The Forgotten War' The US Army referred to the Korean War as "the Forgotten War" as it got less public attention compared to World War II and the Vietnam War. The US, however, never declared war on North Korea and instead called it a "police action" under the orders of the UN. The war fought from 1950 until 1953, was also overlooked by the media and the public as they were focusing on the larger and impactful events, and leaving the Korean War on the sideline. On the directions of the United Nations Command, 16 nations including the US, sent combat troops to South Korea. While the Chinese troops intervened on the North Korean side. How it started? It all began when North Korean forces stormed across the 38th parallel dividing North and South Korea. Later in 1953, an armistice stopped the war, however, it was never officially over since there was no peace treaty. During the three years of war, the US aircraft dropped 635,000 tons of bombs, both high explosive and incendiary on North Korea. It is more than the 500,000 tons of bombs the US dropped in the Pacific in the entirety of the Second World War, according to a report. "We went over there and fought the war and eventually burned down every town in North Korea anyway, some way or another," General Curtis LeMay, father of US strategic bombing and the architect of fire raids that destroyed swathes of Japanese cities in World War II, said. He said that the bombing of North Korea has effects that still have effects to this day.

The war in Korea was overshadowed by the World War II, a much bigger conflict that ended less than five years earlier.

'The Forgotten War': 75 years ago, US intervened in North Korea-South Korea war with 635,000 tons of bombs - It has never ended

North Korea starts a resort, Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area, to boost tourism, but it is open only to Russians and North Koreans

North Korea starts a resort, Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area, to boost tourism, but it is open only to Russians and North Koreans

North Korea starts a coastal resort open only for Russians and North Koreans

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.”&nbsp;Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;Trump&#39;s here to destroy democracy in Europe&quot;: ‘Kim Jong Un’ crashes NATO summit in The Hague, stages satirical protest . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONUncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONUncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NATOSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NATOSummit</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/natosummit2025?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#natosummit2025</a> <a href="https://t.co/W987ipE4Oe">pic.twitter.com/W987ipE4Oe</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1937849223107821870?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 25, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;NATO Chief Mark Rutte urged allies and industries to do more, better and together, stressing the demand signal NATO is sending to the defence industry. The leaders of the Western defence at the summit in The Hague are set to commit to spending five per cent of national output on defence and related infrastructure.&nbsp;Trump is also set to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the second day of the Summit. When asked about the meeting, he said, “We’ll discuss his difficulties. He’s got a little difficulty. Zelensky, he’s a nice guy. I mean, I’m going to meet him today.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

A man impersonating the Supreme Leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, was seen protesting outside the ongoing NATO Summit in the Netherlands. The international discussions will focus on a variety of issues, including the Israel-Iran war, the Russia-Ukraine war and others. The talks come a day after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Tel Aviv and Tehran, bringing the 12-day conflict to an end. Staging a satirical protest, the ‘Kim Jong Un’ lookalike said, “I’m coming to see my good friend Donald Trump.” He added that US President Donald Trump is “on the side of autocracy”, adding that he is here to encourage him and “destroy democracy in Europe.” He was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’ He said, “Donald Trump is now on the side of autocracy, not democracy. So I’m here to encourage him, here to destroy democracy in Europe.” Responding to a question by a reporter, he said, “Me and him, we’re best buddies. And he will not do anything to me. My missiles reach mainland USA. I can hit Hawaii in a couple of hours, I can hit Guam, and I can hit Los Angeles, and even Mar-a-Lago in Florida. So, Trump really is my friend, but he knows that I’m a man to be feared.”

‘Kim Jong Un’ impersonator was carrying a balloon rocket with text reading ‘Trump’s here to negotiate peace – Putin’s peace’ and ‘Europe, my troops are already in Ukraine, where are yours?’

‘Kim Jong Un’ at NATO Summit? Man impersonates North Korean leader, stages satirical protest | WATCH

North Korea is known for its tight grip over its citizens. There is a blanket ban on consuming international content, and the state controls what the people watch and hear. It basically wants to cut off all kinds of foreign influence. Controlling every action of the residents has led Kim Jong Un's administration to take some extreme steps. This includes how people express themselves and what words they use.&nbsp;BBC reported that a smartphone smuggled out of the country displayed the ways the state keeps a check on its citizens. The publication found that phones in North Korea are programmed to autocorrect words that are forbidden in the country.&nbsp;For example, the South Korean word "oppa", which means older brother but is also commonly used for friends and even romantic partners, changes to "comrade" when typed. A warning message also pops up - "This word can only be used to describe your siblings."&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/elon-musk-black-eye-white-house-farewell-doge-son-x-1748665971348">'Go ahead, punch me...': Musk reveals who gave him the black eye seen at his White House farewell</a>&nbsp;If someone in North Korea is seen using the word "oppa" for someone other than a brother, it would be a hint that they are changing their use based on the South Korean TV shows and films.&nbsp;South Korea is translated to "puppet state", the term North Korea uses for its neighbouring country.&nbsp;<h2>Screenshot sent to the administration every 5 minutes</h2>&nbsp;The phone also takes a screenshot every five minutes, which then goes across to government officials, as a way to keep an eye on the activities. The user has no control over these files. They can be seen listed in a folder, but they cannot open it.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/hand-of-god-ultrasound-protecting-unborn-baby-with-heart-defect-1748575947368">Mother says she saw God protecting her unborn baby with heart condition in ultrasound</a> Having people cut off from the outside world helps the North Korean government to control every narrative. All kinds of South Korean entertainment, including music, TV shows and movies, are banned in the country. Reports suggest that under a 2020 law, anyone found consuming or distributing South Korean media content can be handed the death penalty.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the BBC, such people can be publicly executed. One can escape death, but will have to pay for the crime with extreme labour.&nbsp;Other foreign media are also not allowed. The state controls all the media outlets in the country, and the Korean Central News Agency censors content. There have been instances of individuals being publicly sentenced for accessing and distributing foreign media.&nbsp;

North Korea strictly censors everything the citizens watch and do on their phones. It can control what they are doing on their devices and receive a report every 5 minutes.

North Korea is known for its tight grip over its citizens. There is a blanket ban on consuming international content, and the state controls what the people watch and hear. It basically wants to cut off all kinds of foreign influence. Controlling every action of the residents has led Kim Jong Un's administration to take some extreme steps. This includes how people express themselves and what words they use. BBC reported that a smartphone smuggled out of the country displayed the ways the state keeps a check on its citizens. The publication found that phones in North Korea are programmed to autocorrect words that are forbidden in the country. For example, the South Korean word "oppa", which means older brother but is also commonly used for friends and even romantic partners, changes to "comrade" when typed. A warning message also pops up - "This word can only be used to describe your siblings." Also Read: 'Go ahead, punch me...': Musk reveals who gave him the black eye seen at his White House farewell If someone in North Korea is seen using the word "oppa" for someone other than a brother, it would be a hint that they are changing their use based on the South Korean TV shows and films. South Korea is translated to "puppet state", the term North Korea uses for its neighbouring country. Screenshot sent to the administration every 5 minutes The phone also takes a screenshot every five minutes, which then goes across to government officials, as a way to keep an eye on the activities. The user has no control over these files. They can be seen listed in a folder, but they cannot open it. Also Read: Mother says she saw God protecting her unborn baby with heart condition in ultrasound Having people cut off from the outside world helps the North Korean government to control every narrative. All kinds of South Korean entertainment, including music, TV shows and movies, are banned in the country. Reports suggest that under a 2020 law, anyone found consuming or distributing South Korean media content can be handed the death penalty. According to the BBC, such people can be publicly executed. One can escape death, but will have to pay for the crime with extreme labour. Other foreign media are also not allowed. The state controls all the media outlets in the country, and the Korean Central News Agency censors content. There have been instances of individuals being publicly sentenced for accessing and distributing foreign media.

North Korea strictly censors everything the citizens watch and do on their phones. It can control what they are doing on their devices and receive a report every 5 minutes.

Screenshot every 5 minutes: North Korean smartphones are govt moles and can get you killed

A report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claims that Washington is considering scaling back its military presence in South Korea. However, reports from Seoul indicate that the South Korean Defence Ministry have not received any formal communication from Washington.If the reports were to be true, Washington is reviewing proposals to withdraw approximately 4500 troops from South Korea. There are approximately 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, part of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). These forces serve as a critical deterrent to the nuclear-armed North Korea. They organise and participate in joint operations and drills as part of trilateral security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan.&nbsp;The report at WSJ also states that Washington is planning to relocate these forces to other parts of the Indo-Pacific region, such as Guam. Even though no concrete official reports confirm this, Trump's rhetoric indicates the same. Trump historically called South Korea a ‘money machine’ in October before his second term at the White House. He insisted back then that if he were to be the next President, South Korea would have to pay billions more to host the American Army.&nbsp;The US &nbsp;and South Korea agreed on a new deal which sees the cost of deploying the US army in South Korea rise by 8.3 per cent to $1.1 billion in 2026.<h2>North Korea's growing threat&nbsp;</h2>A senior researcher of Carnegie Endowment, an international think tank, states that North Korea is in the ‘strongest strategic position in decades’. According to the intelligence report of the United States Defence Intelligence Agency, '2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment', North Korea is most certainly in a position to launch a prolonged war. It has now developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the continental United States. Military experts in South Korea believe that it is actively receiving aid from Russia, including military cooperation, SA-22 surface-to-air missile systems, and electronic warfare equipment. It is also reciprocating by providing military and material support to Russia against Ukraine. These two nations also signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement last year. Frequent missile tests and provocative actions have heightened tensions in the region. On the other hand, &nbsp;North Korea’s critical economic and political dependence on China underpins the bilateral relationship between these two. The presence of US military troops acts as a deterrent to hinting to Pyongyang that any aggression would be reciprocated with a strong military response.&nbsp;<h2>South Korea's Military Autonomy</h2>South Korea ranks 5th in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, with advanced weaponry, military readiness, and cybersecurity. It isn't entirely dependent on the US for deterrence. It allocates $222 billion to defence spending.&nbsp;It has a Three-Axis Defence System comprising of Kill Chain preemptive strike strategy, a multi-layered Korea Air and Missile Defence System, and Korea's Massive Punishment and Retaliation doctrine. It also has other advanced weaponry, such as a fleet of F-35 stealth fighters, Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles capable of penetrating underground bunkers. It has indigenously developed AI-powered military tech that enables drones and fighter jets to fly autonomously.&nbsp;"Territorial defence can no longer rely solely on human resources,” said Seong Tae Jeong, chief technology officer at the Advanced Defence Science and Technology Research Institute at South Korea’s Agency for Defence DevelopmentSouth Korea and Japan have been working towards less reliance on the US, as Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was pushing for an ‘Asian NATO’- a long-term strategy for a viable ally in the region.&nbsp;Despite not having its nuclear arsenal, it comes under the US nuclear umbrella. Seoul does have civil nuclear technology and a missile system capable of delivering a payload if it ever chooses to pursue nuclear ambitions.<h2>Deterrence Dynamics and Risks</h2>Maintaining a credible deterrent in the face of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions remains a challenge for the United States. Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI), with the support of the Defence Threat Reduction Agency, produced a report on the United States' readiness for deterrence in the region. The report's striking findings indicate that if a conflict starts with China or North Korea, the United States will not be able to deter the other one either North Korea or China from escalating the conflict. What could start from one flash point could escalate into much more. The US-South Korea conflict with North Korea could quickly spill into a Nuclear War. Other flashpoints, like Taiwan, is also facing growing military, diplomatic, and information pressure from China towards its long-term objective of unification. North Korea continues to support its nuclear weapon program by increasing its plutonium and highly enriched uranium, adding to its arsenal.&nbsp;Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea, met with Gen. Ken-ichiro Nagumo, commander of the Japanese Joint Operations Command, on May 20.&nbsp;Brunson reiterated that USFK is committed to maintaining the momentum of trilateral cooperation. "The partnership between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is evolving beyond confidence-building measures and is maturing into a cornerstone of regional stability", stated Brunson.However, scaling back does not necessarily mean a reduction in deterrence; the US could possibly justify this scaling down by citing the advanced technology and increased military spending of South Korea. Still in South Korea, this reduction might spark the debate of having its own nuclear arsenal and stepping out of the US umbrella. Domestically, this will resonate with the USA's ‘America first’ policy.&nbsp;Nonetheless, this potentially emboldens China and North Korea, destabilising the balance of power in the region. Beijing might pursue its expansionist ambitions and push territorial integrity of Taiwan if the US seems increasingly adamant about its ‘America first’ policy. In a conflict situation, the United States is likely to face operational and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the Korean Peninsula.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest a scaling down of USFK in South Korea. How could this move potentially alter the power dynamics in the Korean Peninsula 

A report from the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) claims that Washington is considering scaling back its military presence in South Korea. However, reports from Seoul indicate that the South Korean Defence Ministry have not received any formal communication from Washington. If the reports were to be true, Washington is reviewing proposals to withdraw approximately 4500 troops from South Korea. There are approximately 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, part of the United States Forces Korea (USFK). These forces serve as a critical deterrent to the nuclear-armed North Korea. They organise and participate in joint operations and drills as part of trilateral security cooperation between the United States, South Korea and Japan. The report at WSJ also states that Washington is planning to relocate these forces to other parts of the Indo-Pacific region, such as Guam. Even though no concrete official reports confirm this, Trump's rhetoric indicates the same. Trump historically called South Korea a ‘money machine’ in October before his second term at the White House. He insisted back then that if he were to be the next President, South Korea would have to pay billions more to host the American Army. The US and South Korea agreed on a new deal which sees the cost of deploying the US army in South Korea rise by 8.3 per cent to $1.1 billion in 2026. North Korea's growing threat A senior researcher of Carnegie Endowment, an international think tank, states that North Korea is in the ‘strongest strategic position in decades’. According to the intelligence report of the United States Defence Intelligence Agency, '2025 Worldwide Threat Assessment', North Korea is most certainly in a position to launch a prolonged war. It has now developed an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the continental United States. Military experts in South Korea believe that it is actively receiving aid from Russia, including military cooperation, SA-22 surface-to-air missile systems, and electronic warfare equipment. It is also reciprocating by providing military and material support to Russia against Ukraine. These two nations also signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership agreement last year. Frequent missile tests and provocative actions have heightened tensions in the region. On the other hand, North Korea’s critical economic and political dependence on China underpins the bilateral relationship between these two. The presence of US military troops acts as a deterrent to hinting to Pyongyang that any aggression would be reciprocated with a strong military response. South Korea's Military Autonomy South Korea ranks 5th in the 2025 Global Firepower Index, with advanced weaponry, military readiness, and cybersecurity. It isn't entirely dependent on the US for deterrence. It allocates $222 billion to defence spending. It has a Three-Axis Defence System comprising of Kill Chain preemptive strike strategy, a multi-layered Korea Air and Missile Defence System, and Korea's Massive Punishment and Retaliation doctrine. It also has other advanced weaponry, such as a fleet of F-35 stealth fighters, Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missiles capable of penetrating underground bunkers. It has indigenously developed AI-powered military tech that enables drones and fighter jets to fly autonomously. "Territorial defence can no longer rely solely on human resources,” said Seong Tae Jeong, chief technology officer at the Advanced Defence Science and Technology Research Institute at South Korea’s Agency for Defence Development South Korea and Japan have been working towards less reliance on the US, as Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was pushing for an ‘Asian NATO’- a long-term strategy for a viable ally in the region. Despite not having its nuclear arsenal, it comes under the US nuclear umbrella. Seoul does have civil nuclear technology and a missile system capable of delivering a payload if it ever chooses to pursue nuclear ambitions. Deterrence Dynamics and Risks Maintaining a credible deterrent in the face of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions remains a challenge for the United States. Indo-Pacific Security Initiative (IPSI), with the support of the Defence Threat Reduction Agency, produced a report on the United States' readiness for deterrence in the region. The report's striking findings indicate that if a conflict starts with China or North Korea, the United States will not be able to deter the other one either North Korea or China from escalating the conflict. What could start from one flash point could escalate into much more. The US-South Korea conflict with North Korea could quickly spill into a Nuclear War. Other flashpoints, like Taiwan, is also facing growing military, diplomatic, and information pressure from China towards its long-term objective of unification. North Korea continues to support its nuclear weapon program by increasing its plutonium and highly enriched uranium, adding to its arsenal. Gen. Xavier T. Brunson, commander of United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea, met with Gen. Ken-ichiro Nagumo, commander of the Japanese Joint Operations Command, on May 20. Brunson reiterated that USFK is committed to maintaining the momentum of trilateral cooperation. "The partnership between the United States, the Republic of Korea, and Japan is evolving beyond confidence-building measures and is maturing into a cornerstone of regional stability", stated Brunson. However, scaling back does not necessarily mean a reduction in deterrence; the US could possibly justify this scaling down by citing the advanced technology and increased military spending of South Korea. Still in South Korea, this reduction might spark the debate of having its own nuclear arsenal and stepping out of the US umbrella. Domestically, this will resonate with the USA's ‘America first’ policy. Nonetheless, this potentially emboldens China and North Korea, destabilising the balance of power in the region. Beijing might pursue its expansionist ambitions and push territorial integrity of Taiwan if the US seems increasingly adamant about its ‘America first’ policy. In a conflict situation, the United States is likely to face operational and strategic challenges in the Indo-Pacific and the Korean Peninsula.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal suggest a scaling down of USFK in South Korea. How could this move potentially alter the power dynamics in the Korean Peninsula&nbsp;

What would happen if the US scales down its military presence in South Korea, and how could it impact deterrence against North Korea?

North Korea has fired a short-range ballistic missile from the Wonsa area, prompting strong condemnation from South Korea. Seoul labeled the launch a “clear provocation,” raising tensions in the region just ahead of Russia's Victory Day.

South Korea: North Korea fires short-range ballistic missile into East Sea

North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un has emphasized the need to develop new tanks, according to a report by state media. During an inspection of a major tank factory, Kim reviewed various tanks and other weaponry, highlighting the importance of advancing the country’s armored capabilities. The Korean Central News Agency confirmed the visit but did not disclose the name, location, or date of the facility tour.

North Korea: Kim Jong Un visits 'important' tank factory for inspection

#Gravitas North Korea has test fired nuclear capable supersonic missiles from its first-ever warship.

North Korea's new warship test fires nuclear-capable missiles

On April 30, Russia and North Korea commenced the construction of a road bridge over the Tumen River. This aims to enhance their strategic partnership.

Russia constructs river road bridge to North Korea

Kim Jong-un launches North Korea's new 5,000-ton warship 'Choe Hyon', a destroyer equipped with advanced weapons, marking a significant step in strengthening the country's naval capabilities.

North Korea unveils new 'Kim Jong Un style' 5,000-tonne warship

Russia launched one of its deadliest strikes on Ukraine's Sumy city which is located just 25 kilometers away from Russian border. The Russian attacks on Ukraine's eastern front is a part of North Korea's elaborate plan to help Moscow in its war.

North Korea dispatched long-range artillery to Russia: Report

How is North Korea supplying arms to Russia?

In a show of force against North Korea Washington is conducting joint nuclear drills with South Korea. US flew long range B-1B bombers in a show of force against North Korea the exercise comes days after the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un vowed to resist a US-led push to eliminate the North's nuclear programme.

US flies long-range bombers in drill with South Korea as North marks key anniversary

The North Korea&rsquo;s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark.
UNESCO&rsquo;s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO&rsquo;s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of &ldquo;international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.&rdquo;
According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-is-building-its-largest-most-advanced-warship-ever-reveal-satellite-photos-8961040">North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos</a>
UNESCO officials also highlighted the &ldquo;millennium eruption&rdquo; witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history.
Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
<h2>Significance of Mount Paektu</h2>
Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People&rsquo;s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born.&nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korean-students-dance-to-chart-topping-song-praising-kim-jong-un-8921036">North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate</a>
The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country&rsquo;s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here.
The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the &ldquo;Mount Baekdu Bloodline&rdquo;. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem
<h2>Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu</h2>
The country&rsquo;s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latest-north-korean-warship-to-carry-dozens-of-missiles-heres-all-we-know-so-far-8916925">'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out</a>
Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula.
Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1404_APPEAR_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1404_APPEAR_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=157&amp;tags=wion, wion news, world news, world news latest, viral" title="North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together?" id="PL_iframe_block-m9h8f3lz-3wx2kwvm-cp5c8gbi"></iframe>
Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK&rsquo;s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
(With inputs from agencies)

UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. World.

The North Korea’s Mount Paektu, an active stratovolcano on the North Korean-Chinese border, has been designated as a UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Global Geopark. UNESCO’s executive board approved the recognition on Thursday (Apr 10), marking the first time a natural reservoir in North Korea has been given a global geopark designation. According to UNESCO’s website, it is given to locations that contain sites of “international geological significance managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development.” According to the executive board, Mount Paetku is characterised by magnificent landscapes formed by volcanic eruptions and well-developed glacial landforms. Also read | North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos UNESCO officials also highlighted the “millennium eruption” witnessed by Mount Paektu in 946 CE, one of the most powerful volcanic eruptions recorded in history. Last year in March, the Chinese part of the mountain, Mount Changbaishan, was listed as a global geopark by UNESCO. According to reports, North Korea had signed up for the designation a year before China in 2019. However, the review was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Significance of Mount Paektu Mount Paektu, a volcanic mountain located at the border between the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and China, last erupted over 1000 years ago. For centuries, the mountain has been considered sacred by the Koreans and is believed to be the spiritual origin of the Korean kingdom, where the founder was born. Also read | North Korean students waltz to 'chart-topping' song about Kim Jong Un, Americans fear same fate The volcanic mountain has a height of about 9,000 feet and is the highest peak in the Korean peninsula. According to a Straits Times report, Kim Il Sung fought against the Japanese occupation forces on Mount Paektu. North Koreans are led to believe that Kim Jong Il, the father of the country’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un, was born here. The Kim family legitimises their rule over the country, referring to the “Mount Baekdu Bloodline”. The mountain is also mentioned in the South Korean national anthem Kim Jong Un's past visits to Mount Paektu The country’s supreme leader visited the mountain in October 2019. Following his visit, state news agency KCNA released a series of photographs showing Kim Jong Un riding a white horse to the sacred mountain. Also read | '32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out Kim has often visited the mountain before taking important decisions and is often considered to be a symbolic move. He earlier visited the mountain in September 2018 along with former South Korean president Moon Jae-in during his visit to the country. The two leaders discussed bringing peace to the Korean peninsula. Watch | North Korea's Kim, China's Xi and Russia's Putin to appear together? Before this, Kim visited the mounted in 2017, days after he announced plans to launch DPRK’s largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea’s Mount Paektu listed as UNESCO Global Geopark. What is its significance?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called Russia’s missile strike on Sumy “barbaric,” urging Western allies to act swiftly. The attack, which occurred on Palm Sunday, killed at least 34 people and injured over 100, including civilians and children. Tensions rise as Zelensky demands increased pressure on Moscow.

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky appeals for global support after deadly Sumy attack

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever&mdash;most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang.
The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.
&ldquo;The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,&rdquo; reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy&rsquo;s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/major-ground-for-plea-is-his-ill-health-mehul-choksis-legal-team-to-file-appeal-for-his-release-8959858">'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release</a> Kim Jong Un&rsquo;s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang&rsquo;s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate&rsquo;s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship&rsquo;s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly.
&ldquo;Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,&rdquo; Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added.
South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly&rsquo;s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. &ldquo;Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,&rdquo; he said.
Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-belgium-confirms-mehul-choksis-arrest-indian-extradition-request-8960987">Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request</a> &ldquo;If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,&rdquo; he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea&rsquo;s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. &ldquo;Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,&rdquo; Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

World: The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes.

New satellite images have emerged and appear to show that North Korea is building its biggest warship ever—most likely more than double the size of any vessel in its fleet at present. Images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs, both independent satellite providers, on April 6, show the ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast of North Korea, nearly 60 kilometres (37 miles) from the capital Pyongyang. The satellite pictures reveal construction of weapons and other systems of the vessel, likely to be a guided-missile frigate (FFG), that can carry missiles in vertical launch tubes. “The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,” reveals an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The FFG is almost at par in size with the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers that are about 505 feet long, while the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 496 feet long. Also Read | 'Major ground for plea is his ill health': Mehul Choksi's legal team to file appeal for his release Kim Jong Un’s regime has been furthering rapid modernisation of the armed forces, developing new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles that can any location in the US. North has been increasing its military might even though the UN sanctions restrict its access to materials and technology needed to develop weapons. Most analysts concur that Pyongyang’s deepening ties with Russia since the Ukraine war could be helping it evade the UN sanctions, and Moscow may be offering the technology for the frigate’s missile systems. Pictures of the ship appeared in a state-run Korean Central Television report and showed Kim inspecting the ship’s construction. The KCTV video revealed the warship could have weaponry possessed by modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can fire a variety of missiles. The ship also seems to have phased-array radar that can track threats and targets more accurately and quickly. “Modern warships represent an integration challenge of communications, electronics, weapons, and both electronic and acoustic sensor technologies that is not so easily achieved,” Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain and Hawaii-based analyst told CNN. Almost any shipbuilder can get the hull and propulsion systems right, he added. South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee, who is also a member of the National Assembly’s Intelligence Committee, doubts if Pyongyang has the technical know-how to build an advanced warship or the infrastructure to support it. “Operating such a big military warship takes a significant amount of budget. They not only have to build a warship but also make a team that would operate it, and it costs to operate it, including the equipment and fuel,” he said. Also Read | Exclusive: Belgium confirms Mehul Choksi's arrest, Indian extradition request “If North Korea equips the new frigate with the hypersonic ballistic missile it claims to have successfully tested, that will have a game changing impact in the regional security,” he added. Experts who reviewed the satellite images told CNN it will take a year or more before the new warship can start sea trials. The North Korean navy has 400 patrol combatants and 70 submarines, a significant number, but most of them are old and small, as per the 2021 report of US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). The report added that North Korean navy would largely be engaged in coastal defence in any conflict with South Korea or the US, both of which have vastly superior naval forces. But Kim has been pushing to modernise North Korea’s navy by also developing submarine-launched missiles and the subs to carry them. “Now that we are soon to possess large surface warships and submarines that cannot be anchored at the existing facilities for mooring warships, the construction of a naval base for the large warships has become a pressing task,” Kim said while inspecting a site for a new naval port last September. A nuclear-powered submarine is under construction at a shipyard in the North Korean port of Sinpo, and another frigate or destroyer is in the works in Chongjin, said Yu Yong-won, a South Korean lawmaker.

North Korea is building its largest, most advanced warship ever, reveal satellite photos

The Red Square in Moscow could witness a historic gathering next month. On May 9th, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, China's Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin may appear together for the first time. Kim is expected to visit Russia in the coming months, fueling speculations that he may join his Chinese and Russian counterparts for the Victory Day parade in Moscow. However, there is no official confirmation on the date or location of Kim's visit. Kim has never made an official trip to Moscow although he traveled to Russia's Far East twice in 2019 and 2023. Watch in for more details!

North Korea leader, Chinese president may attend Moscow event

Putin Launches 15 Strikes On Ukraine's Kharkiv! Trump Ceasefire Plan Fails | Russia-Ukraine War | Russia-Ukraine Explosions were seen over Kyiv late during a Russian drone attack on the Ukrainian capital. Russia launched 30 drones on Kyiv and the air defence shot down 16 drones, according to Kyiv city military administration. The remaining drones did not reach their targets, likely due to electronic countermeasures, Kyiv city military administration said.

Russia-Ukraine War: Moscow launches large-scale drone strikes on Kharkiv

North Korea held its first Pyongyang International Marathon in six years, hosting foreign runners in the reclusive country that has largely closed its borders since the COVID-19 pandemic.

North Korea holds first Pyongyang international marathon after pandemic

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards.
In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-faked-birth-records-stole-children-from-mothers-for-overseas-adoption-investigation-finds-baby-exporter-adoption-scandal-scam-8895413">'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds</a>
While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type."
"They&rsquo;re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-wildfires-24-killed-as-inferno-threatens-unesco-listed-sites-with-unprecedented-damage-8893062">South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with &lsquo;unprecedented damage&rsquo;</a>
Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards."
"I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. World

North Korea's latest generation of warships can hold dozens of vertical launch cells to accommodate missiles. Satellite images have confirmed that this could give the naval force a push to generate an export opportunity. Not much information has been released about these ships that are being built in the Chongjin and Nampo shipyards. In December, South Korean military announced that it would work towards displacing about 4,000 tons, which is roughly less than half the size of a US Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. Also read: 'Baby exporter' South Korea faked birth records, stole children from mothers for overseas adoption, investigation finds While speaking to news agency Reuters, researcher Jeffrey Lewis said, "Images captured of the ship in Nampo in the last week of March, however, show cavities on its deck large enough to hold more than 50 missiles, depending on their type." "They’re pretty big cavities. I would think 32 missiles in front and a few fewer in the back would be a very reasonable number. Or it could be a much smaller number of ballistic missiles," he added. Also read: South Korea wildfires: 24 killed as inferno threatens UNESCO-listed sites with ‘unprecedented damage’ Meanwhile, Euan Graham, a senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute said, "The new ships' armament seemed to hew close to South Korean navy standards." "I think we have to take conventional enhancements seriously, because North Korea has limited resources and has invested in nuclear weapons to close the deterrence gap with the Republic of Korea and United States," he added.

'32 missiles in front and a few in the back': Details on latest North Korean warship out

South Korea&rsquo;s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il.
The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il &ldquo;goofy&rdquo; while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s demise and assessed his son&rsquo;s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: &ldquo;[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.&rdquo; The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim&rsquo;s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. &ldquo;After about six months of Kim Jong-il&rsquo;s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,&rdquo; a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. &ldquo;At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.&rdquo; The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to &ldquo;look after&rdquo; his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-to-start-meeting-candidates-to-replace-internal-intelligence-agency-chief-ronen-bar-8890568" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar</a> Kim Il-sung&rsquo;s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a &ldquo;sensitive country&rdquo; by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul&rsquo;s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was &ldquo;unfair&rdquo; and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-strikes-gold-again-discovers-record-1000-tonne-deposit-8900095">China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest</a> The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington&rsquo;s sensitive countries list.&nbsp; The rationale for South Korea&rsquo;s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol&rsquo;s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

World: The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son.

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry released the newly declassified diplomatic files of 1994 on Friday, and they reveal that major world powers were deeply concerned about North Korean leader Kim Il-sung’s succession plan after his sudden death in 1994, as they doubted the capabilities of his heir, Kim Jong-il. The files reveal that one US diplomat even called Kim Jong-il “goofy” while a Russian expert predicted that he would lose control of the country within two years, reports South China Morning Post. The documents detail how officials worldwide interpreted Kim Il-sung’s demise and assessed his son’s ability to govern. Former US vice-president Walter Mondale, who was then serving as ambassador to Japan, was quoted in the files as saying: “[Kim Jong-il] seems a bit goofy and childish, and not very good as a leader.” The files show that experts from Russia also expressed doubts over the younger Kim’s ability to rule North Korea. Notably, Russia was distancing itself from Pyongyang at that time as it navigated post-Communist reforms. “After about six months of Kim Jong-il’s regime, the military will begin to intervene in politics in earnest,” a Russian scholar who had worked in Pyongyang was quoted as saying in the files. “At most, Kim Jong-il will only be in power until the end of 1996.” The documents reveal that a Chinese official said that Beijing had no choice but to support the younger Kim due to the influence of then leader Deng Xiaoping. Kim Il-sung had personally asked Deng to “look after” his son, and therefore, Beijing could only respect the request as long as Deng was alive, the official explained. Also read: Netanyahu to start meeting candidates to replace internal intelligence agency chief Ronen Bar Kim Il-sung’s death came weeks ahead of what was supposed to be the first inter-Korea Summit, where leaders of North and South were expected to discuss nuclear issues. Though North Korea officially announced that he died of a heart attack, the files show that some Chinese officials believed the real cause of his death was overwork and stress brought on by nuclear issues and the summit. The meet was eventually cancelled and the first inter-Korea nuclear summit was held in Pyongyang in 2000. Despite all the doubts, Kim Jong-il went on to rule North Korea until his death in 2011, though his period was marked by deep economic hardships, international isolation, and the first nuclear weapons test in 2006. Seoul also released files from 1993, showing how it responded to its designation as a “sensitive country” by Washington. The designation imposed stricter controls on the transfer of nuclear-related technology, reflecting concerns over Seoul’s suspected ambitions to develop its own nuclear weapons. South Korea was listed as a sensitive country by the US in January 1981 and was removed from the list in July 1994, Aju News reported. South Korean officials then worked to persuade the US that grouping Seoul with North Korea was “unfair” and harmful to future bilateral scientific and technological cooperation. Also read | China strikes gold again, discovers record 1,000-tonne deposit, reports suggest The US Department of Energy once again designated South Korea as a nuclear sensitive country in January, shortly before former president Joe Biden left office. China, Iran, and North Korea are also on Washington’s sensitive countries list. The rationale for South Korea’s recent inclusion is suspected to be suspended South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol’s brief imposition of martial law in December amid talk of Seoul potentially developing its own nuclear weapons.

Seoul’s declassified files reveal how world powers doubted North Korea’s Kim Jong-il, US diplomat called him ‘goofy’

Russia and North Korea will soon begin construction of a road bridge over the Tumen river between the two countries, Russia's ambassador to Pyongyang was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA. Watch to know more!

Russia and North Korea to begin construction of Tumen river bridge near border

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised the test of suicide drones with artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Watch this report for more details!

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un supervises test of AI suicide drones

North Korea has conducted a test fire of its latest anti-aircraft missile system in a drill watched by leader Kim Jong Un. The North Korean state media didn’t mention the location of the test. The launch came as South Korea wrapped up a major annual joint military exercise, Freedom Shield, with the United States. Kim praised the anti-aircraft missile system and said that North Korea's army would be equipped with another major defense weapon system with laudable combat performance. Watch in for more details!

North Korea test fires anti-aircraft missile system

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