South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the&nbsp;disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises.

The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-suspends-planned-military-moves-against-south-korea-308255">Also watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea</a>

The defense chiefs, in the statement,&nbsp;said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the&nbsp;US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country&nbsp;"commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South.

In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un is yet to respond.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side. A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises. The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula. Also watch: Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea The defense chiefs, in the statement, said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea." The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country "commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South. In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy. Kim Jong Un is yet to respond. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans

70 years of Korean War: How power games kept the peninsula divided

North Korea has suspended military action plans against South Korea, Reuters reported quoting the official KCNA news agency on Wednesday. The latest development comes amid report suggested North Korean troops were taking down loudspeakers recently reinstalled at the fortified border.

North Korea has suspended military action plans against South Korea, Reuters reported quoting the official KCNA news agency on Wednesday. The latest development comes amid report suggested North Korean troops were taking down loudspeakers recently reinstalled at the fortified border. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un presided over a video conference meeting of the ruling party's Central Military Commission on Tuesday, where members "took stock of the prevailing situation" before deciding to suspend the military plans, the report said, without elaborating. The committee also discussed documents outlining measures for "further bolstering the war deterrent of the country," KCNA report added. Tensions between the Korean rival have been rising over Pyongyang's objections to plans by defector-led groups in the South to send propaganda leaflets into the North. North Korea claims the moves violate an agreement between the two aimed at preventing military confrontation and accused the defectors of insulting the dignity of North Korea's supreme leadership. Also read: North Korea seen reinstalling border loudspeakers; satellite pictures show liaison office standing but damaged North Korea's military was seen removing about 10 loudspeakers near the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on Wednesday, just days after they were seen reinstalling around 20 of the devices, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported, citing unnamed military sources. About 40 such systems were taken down after the two Koreas signed an accord in 2018 to cease "all hostile acts". A spokesman for South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles relations with the North, said it is monitoring the situation and had no change in its stance that inter-Korean agreements should be kept. Kim Jong-un's decision to suspend the unspecified military actions may represent a reprieve from weeks of increasingly provocative moves by North Korea. × In recent weeks, the North blew up a joint liaison office on its side of the border and declared an end to dialogue with the South. Reuters report quoted Jenny Town, with the US-based North Korea-monitoring website 38 North, as saying that anti-South Korea rhetoric from the North over the past week had left room for flexibility, but it was still unclear where the latest moves will lead. "Overall, it doesn’t appear that the North has necessarily wanted to be overly provocative," she said. "While it seems set on reversing the measures taken in the inter-Korean agreements -in a dramatic fashion - so far, the rhetoric has already been milder since the demolition of the liaison office."

North Korea suspends military action plans against South Korea: Report

Kim Jong Un ordered the suspension of military actions against South Korea, a move that could ease tensions after North Korea blew up a liaison office built by Seoul and warned of further provocations.

Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea

North Korea is reinstalling loudspeakers blaring propaganda across the border in its latest step away from inter-Korean peace agreements, prompting the South's military to explore similar moves, a South Korean military source said on Tuesday.

North Korea is reinstalling loudspeakers blaring propaganda across the border in its latest step away from inter-Korean peace agreements, prompting the South's military to explore similar moves, a South Korean military source said on Tuesday. Tension between the two Koreas has risen in recent weeks after the North blew up a joint liaison office on its side of the border, declared an end to dialogue and threatened military action. North Korea's military was seen putting up loudspeakers near the demilitarised zone (DMZ). Such systems were taken down after the two Koreas signed an accord in 2018 to cease "all hostile acts," the military official said. "We're also considering reinstalling our own loudspeakers," he said. "But the North hasn't begun any broadcast yet, and we're just getting ready to be able to counteract at any time." A spokeswoman at Seoul's defence ministry declined to confirm North Korea's moves but reiterated at a regular briefing that Pyongyang would "have to pay for the consequences" if it continues to defy joint efforts to foster peace. The two countries have for decades pumped out propaganda from huge banks of speakers as a form of psychological warfare. The South aired a blend of news, Korean pop songs and criticism of the northern regime, while the North blasted the South and praised its own socialist system. Commercial satellite imagery of the liaison office site on Monday showed that the building remained standing, but had been heavily damaged. Analysts at U.S.-based 38 North, which tracks North Korea, said last week that the explosion "was clearly not a controlled detonation, as the building was not levelled and there was significant collateral damage to the adjacent buildings." The North began taking its recent actions as it denounced North Korean defectors in the South sending propaganda leaflets across the border. Several defector-led groups have regularly sent flyers, food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon or in bottles in rivers. One group, led by Park Sang-hak, who fled the isolated state in 2000, said on Tuesday it flew 20 balloons containing 500,000 leaflets, 500 booklets on South Korea and 2,000 $1 bills. South Korea's government has pursued legal action to stop such activities, citing safety concerns for residents in border towns, but controversy remains over whether it violates the country's protections for freedom of expression. Pyongyang's state media said on Monday angry North Koreans have also prepared some 12 million leaflets to be sent back.

North Korea seen reinstalling border loudspeakers; satellite pictures show liaison office standing but damaged

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”.

His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details.

The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps.

Bolton also revealed that Trump “always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first”.

Related story:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-google-amazon-take-aim-at-trump-visa-ban-308029" hreflang="en">Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban</a>

The memoir was published on Tuesday, and is perhaps the first of its kind in the entire US history. Trump had attempted to block the release of the book, which was denied by US court. According to Trump, the book contains sensitive details pertaining to national security, which is why, according to him it ought to be banned. This request was rejected.

Trump intends to drag Bolton to court and will reportedly seek a share of profits made from the book.

Bolton claims that he had resigned last September after first-handedly witnessing denuclearisation efforts in the Korean peninsula.

<h6><img alt="North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="facc88e3-f2ff-4d9a-8424-9875f48013a4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-4_9.jpg" /> 
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019 | AFP</h6>

 
“Well, he said that he always, back in the day, as they say, he always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first,” Bolton said. “He didn’t want the girl to break up with him. And he used that to describe whether he would cancel the summit with Kim Jong-un first or whether we would risk the North Koreans cancelling it”.

“And I thought it was an insight into the president, candidly given, that showed how he approached this. As opposed to looking at it from the perspective of what our ultimate strategic interest was, in my view, would have been better not to agree to the summit to begin with.”

Trump has recently not made any comments on North Korea, especially after North’s violent transgressions whereby it blew up a shared liaison office across the border, which was seen as a symbol of North-South unity.

Related story:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-negotiates-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia-wants-chinas-inclusion-in-talks-307961" hreflang="en">US negotiates nuclear arms treaty with Russia, wants China's inclusion in talks</a>

Bolton said “this entire two-year-long effort with North Korea ended in diplomatic failure. But that allowed the North Koreans the time that they need to continue to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems.”

Trump told a rally in West Virginia earlier while alluding to Kim, “He wrote me beautiful letters, and they’re great letters. We fell in love."

Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”. His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details.

United States President Donald Trump likened his diplomacy with North Korean Kim Jong-un to “dating”. His ex-security adviser John Bolton’s upcoming book which has made headlines for its controversial nature apparently mentions the bizarre details. The book is titled “The Room Where It Happened”, and has been at the centre of controversy in terms of its content. According to Bolton, Trump had sought political favours from Chinese President Xi Jinping and had allegedly not raised any red flags with China’s treatment of Uighur Muslims, who are reportedly kept in concentration camps. Bolton also revealed that Trump “always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first”. Related story: Apple, Google, Amazon take aim at Trump visa ban The memoir was published on Tuesday, and is perhaps the first of its kind in the entire US history. Trump had attempted to block the release of the book, which was denied by US court. According to Trump, the book contains sensitive details pertaining to national security, which is why, according to him it ought to be banned. This request was rejected. Trump intends to drag Bolton to court and will reportedly seek a share of profits made from the book. Bolton claims that he had resigned last September after first-handedly witnessing denuclearisation efforts in the Korean peninsula. North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump cross south of the Military Demarcation Line that divides North and South Korea, after Trump briefly stepped over to the northern side, in the Joint Security Area (JSA) of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized zone (DMZ) on June 30, 2019 | AFP “Well, he said that he always, back in the day, as they say, he always wanted to be the one who broke up with the girl first,” Bolton said. “He didn’t want the girl to break up with him. And he used that to describe whether he would cancel the summit with Kim Jong-un first or whether we would risk the North Koreans cancelling it”. “And I thought it was an insight into the president, candidly given, that showed how he approached this. As opposed to looking at it from the perspective of what our ultimate strategic interest was, in my view, would have been better not to agree to the summit to begin with.” Trump has recently not made any comments on North Korea, especially after North’s violent transgressions whereby it blew up a shared liaison office across the border, which was seen as a symbol of North-South unity. Related story: US negotiates nuclear arms treaty with Russia, wants China's inclusion in talks Bolton said “this entire two-year-long effort with North Korea ended in diplomatic failure. But that allowed the North Koreans the time that they need to continue to pursue nuclear weapons and ballistic missile delivery systems.” Trump told a rally in West Virginia earlier while alluding to Kim, “He wrote me beautiful letters, and they’re great letters. We fell in love." Recently, Trump held his first post-coronavirus rally in Tulsa, which saw lesser turnout than expected. Reportedly, thousands of tickets were reserved by TikTok and K-pop fans who had no plans of going to the rally.

Trump likened his relationship with North Korea's Kim to 'dating', 'wanted to be the one to break-up'

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have been intensifying in recent weeks. Pyongyang said that it had prepared various methods including the use of 3,000 balloons to deliver the leaflets "deep inside South Korea." Seoul said it would respond depending on the delivery equipment used.

North Korea vows to send anti-Seoul leaflets:  North Korea South Korea tensions

Amid tensions with North, South Korea conducts military excercise

North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border on June 16, the South's Unification Ministry said, after days of increasingly virulent rhetoric from Pyongyang. Watch report.

N Korea to redeploy troops along border: Blows up inter-Korean liaison office

South-Korea peninsula on the boil: North Korea blows up joint liaison office

North Korea on Wednesday vowed to redeploy troops to front-line areas to resume military exercises and reinstall guard posts as tensions with South Korea

WION Fineprint: North Korea vows to send troops to border areas

North Korea said on Wednesday it had rejected South Korea's offer to send special envoys to ease escalating bilateral tensions, and vowed to redeploy troops to demilitarised border units in the latest step towards nullifying inter-Korean peace accords.

North Korea said on Wednesday it had rejected South Korea's offer to send special envoys to ease escalating bilateral tensions, and vowed to redeploy troops to demilitarised border units in the latest step towards nullifying inter-Korean peace accords. The announcements made by state media agency KCNA came one day after North Korea blew up a joint liaison office set up in a border town as part of a 2018 agreement by the two countries' leaders, as tensions flare over propaganda leaflets sent by defectors into the reclusive state. South Korea's President Moon Jae-in on Monday offered to send his national security adviser Chung Eui-yong and spy chief Suh Hoon as special envoys. But Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a senior ruling party official, "flatly rejected the tactless and sinister proposal," KCNA said. Also read: 'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing Moon "greatly favours sending special envoys for 'tiding over crises' and raises preposterous proposals frequently, but he has to clearly understand that such a trick will no longer work on us," KCNA said. "The solution to the present crisis between the North and the South caused by the incompetence and irresponsibility of the South Korean authorities is impossible and it can be terminated only when proper price is paid." There was no immediate comment from Moon's office. Also read: North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office Any moves to invalidate cross-border peace deals pose a major setback to Moon's bid for more lasting reconciliation with the North, while complicating efforts to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear and missile programmes. Kim Yo Jong also harshly criticised Moon in another KCNA statement, saying he had failed to implement any of the 2018 pacts and had made inter-Korean ties a "U.S. puppet." In Monday's speech, which marked the 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit, Moon expressed regret that North Korea-U.S. and inter-Korean relations have not made progress as hoped but asked Pyongyang to maintain peace deals and return to dialogue. In a separate KCNA dispatch on Wednesday, a spokesman for the General Staff of the (North) Korean People's Army (KPA) said it would dispatch troops to Mount Kumgang and Kaesong near the border, where the two Koreas had carried out joint economic projects in the past. Police posts that had been withdrawn from the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) will be reinstalled, while artillery units near the western sea border where defectors frequently send leaflets will be reinforced with the readiness alert heightened to the level of "top class combat duty," the spokesman said. The North will also restart sending anti-Seoul leaflets across the border, he added. "Areas favourable for scattering leaflets against the South will open on the whole front line and our people's drive for scattering leaflets will be guaranteed militarily and thorough-going security measures will be taken," he said. The KPA said on Tuesday it had been studying an "action plan" to re-enter zones that had been demilitarised under a 2018 inter-Korean military pact and "turn the front line into a fortress." Seoul's defence ministry has urged North Korea to abide by the agreement, under which both sides vowed to cease "all hostile acts" and dismantled a number of structures along the DMZ.

North Korea rejects South's offer of envoys, vows to redeploy troops to border

Tensions in the Korean peninsula are escalating. North Korea has blown up the inter-Korea liaison office.

Gravitas: North Korea demolishes Inter-Korea Liaison Office

North Korea has warned that it is “fully ready” to send troops into the demilitarised zone [DMZ] separating it from South Korea if defector groups push ahead with their campaign to send anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into North Korea, state media said on Tuesday.

North Korea has warned that it is “fully ready” to send troops into the demilitarised zone [DMZ] separating it from South Korea if defector groups push ahead with their campaign to send anti-Pyongyang propaganda leaflets into North Korea, state media said on Tuesday. The General Staff of the Korean People's Army (KPA) said it has been studying an "action plan" to reenter zones that had been demilitarised under a 2018 inter-Korean pact and "turn the front line into a fortress." "Our army will rapidly and thoroughly implement any decisions and orders of the Party and government," the KPA said in a statement carried by the official KCNA news agency. Also read: South Korea's Moon urges North to keep peace deals, return to talks Tension between the two Korean neighbours have risen as Pyongyang threatened to sever inter-Korean ties and take retaliatory measures over the leaflets, which carry messages critical of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un including human rights abuses. Seoul's defence ministry called for Pyongyang to abide by the 2018 agreement, in which both sides' militaries vowed to cease "all hostile acts" and dismantled a number of structures along the heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone between the two countries. Also read: orth Korea again warns of retaliatory actions over defectors in South "We're taking the situation seriously," ministry spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo told a briefing. "Our military is maintaining readiness posture to be able to respond to any situation." Several defector-led groups have regularly sent back flyers, together with food, $1 bills, mini radios and USB sticks containing South Korean dramas and news, usually by balloon over the border or in bottles by river. South Korea plans legal action against two of the defector groups, saying their actions fuel cross-border tensions, pose risks to residents living near the border and cause environmental damage. But the groups say they intend to push ahead with their planned campaign this week. (With inputs from Reuters)

North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone as propaganda leaflets row escalates

North Korea has demolished the inter-Korean liaison office located in the Gaesong industrial complex in the North

North Korea demolishes Inter-Korean Liaison office

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement.

On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses.

Kim You-geun, the deputy national security adviser of South Korea claimed that the destruction "broke the expectations of all people who hope for the development of inter-Korean relations and lasting peace on the peninsula”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-blows-up-inter-korean-liaison-office-306214">North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office</a>

"We're making clear that the North is entirely responsible for all the consequences this might cause," he said.

Over the last two weeks, North Korea has continuously accused its southern neighbour of helping smuggle anti-Kim material like literature and pamphlets into the country to stir trouble for the leader and to trigger defection of people from the country.

<h6><img alt="A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6817ab25-290e-4866-892f-8d13c3152d1b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_30.jpg" /> 
A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020 | Reuters 
&nbsp;</h6>

South Korea recently announced plans to monitor this claim, and to strictly disallow transportation of any such material across the border, and to penalise people involved in the circulation of such literature.

International response to the bombing was swift. Russian authorities responded to the bombing of the liaison office by saying that they were “concerned”, while adding to call for “restraint” between the two countries.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fully-ready-to-send-troops-into-demilitarised-zone-as-propaganda-leaflets-row-escalates-306192">North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone</a>&nbsp;

The inter-Korean liaison office was seen as a symbol of steps taking by the country to reconcile with each other.

Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in the Korean peninsula, while adding that the country had no plans to issue a diplomatic dialogue to deal with the crisis directly.

Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently warned that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement. On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses.

After North Korea destroyed a joint liaison office symbolic of peace in the peninsula, South Korean authorities were quick to issue a statement. On Tuesday, the South Korean representatives said that that they will respond “sternly” if the neighbouring country, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un continues to issue threats and pursue excesses. Kim You-geun, the deputy national security adviser of South Korea claimed that the destruction "broke the expectations of all people who hope for the development of inter-Korean relations and lasting peace on the peninsula”. Also read: North Korea blows up inter-Korean liaison office "We're making clear that the North is entirely responsible for all the consequences this might cause," he said. Over the last two weeks, North Korea has continuously accused its southern neighbour of helping smuggle anti-Kim material like literature and pamphlets into the country to stir trouble for the leader and to trigger defection of people from the country. A North Korean soldier is seen beside his guard post inside North Korean territory in this picture taken near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, June 16, 2020 | Reuters South Korea recently announced plans to monitor this claim, and to strictly disallow transportation of any such material across the border, and to penalise people involved in the circulation of such literature. International response to the bombing was swift. Russian authorities responded to the bombing of the liaison office by saying that they were “concerned”, while adding to call for “restraint” between the two countries. Also Read: North Korea ' fully ready' to send troops into demilitarised zone The inter-Korean liaison office was seen as a symbol of steps taking by the country to reconcile with each other. Russian spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia was closely monitoring the situation in the Korean peninsula, while adding that the country had no plans to issue a diplomatic dialogue to deal with the crisis directly. Kim Jong-Un's sister had recently warned that the North-South liaison office would soon be seen "completely collapsed".

'North completely responsible for consequences', echoes South Korea after liaison office bombing

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in urged North Korea on Monday to refrain from raising tension and return to dialogue, after threats trumpeted by state media in Pyongyang to cut ties and take military action.

South Korea's President Moon Jae-in urged North Korea on Monday to refrain from raising tension and return to dialogue, after threats trumpeted by state media in Pyongyang to cut ties and take military action. The recent flaring of tension between the neighbours stoked fear of a military provocation by the North, and posed another setback amid stalled talks to rein in its nuclear and missile programmes. Besides the threat to sever ties, state media over the past few days have aired the possibility of closing a joint liaison office in the North and retaliatory measures for a campaign by defectors to fly anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. "The promises of peace on the Korean peninsula that Chairman Kim Jong Un made before our 80 million people cannot be turned back," Moon told a meeting with senior aides, referring to pacts struck at summit of the two leaders in 2018. "North Korea should not cut communications, raise tension and try to go back to the past era of confrontation," he added. "I hope it will resolve uncomfortable, difficult problems through communications and cooperation." Moon's remarks came as South Korea marked the 20th anniversary on Monday of the first summit between the two nations, which had pledged to step up dialogue and cooperation. At their own first summit in 2018, Moon and Kim signed a declaration to work for a "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and cease "all hostile acts". But the North cut hotlines with its neighbour last week and vowed to suspend all contact if Seoul did not halt defectors from sending in leaflets and other material. "I also regret that North Korea-U.S. and inter-Korean relations have not made progress as expected," Moon said. "It's time for the South and North to find a breakthrough."

South Korea's Moon urges North to keep peace deals, return to talks

The sister of North Korea's leader has warned of retaliatory measures against the South that could involve the military, in the latest escalation of tensions over defectors from the North who have been sending back propaganda.

This comes a day ahead of the 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit in 2000, which pledged increased dialogue and cooperation between the two states.

Kim Yo Jong, who serves unofficially as one of Kim Jong Un's top aides, issued the warning in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA on Saturday.

"By exercising my power authorised by the Supreme Leader, our Party and the state, I gave an instruction to the ... department in charge of the affairs with (the) enemy to decisively carry out the next action," Kim said.

Her statement came days after South Korea took legal action against defectors who have been sending material such as rice and anti-North leaflets, usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea.

North Korea said it has been angered by the defectors and in the past week severed inter-Korean hotlines and threatened to close a liaison office between the two governments. 
As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors have complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea.

On Sunday, South Korea’s National Security Council meeting was held with security and diplomatic chiefs in attendance, "to examine the current situation of the (Korean) peninsula," the presidential Blue House said, without elaborating.

South Korea's Unification Ministry and Defence Ministry each released statements asking the North to honour inter-Korean agreements reached in the past.

"The South and the North should try to honour all inter-Korean agreements reached," the Unification Ministry said in a statement.

The Defence Ministry said the military is ready to respond to "all situations," and added it is closely monitoring moves by the North Korean military.

In 2018, the leaders of the two countries signed a declaration agreeing to work for the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and cease "hostile acts."

Analysts say North Korea appears to be using the leaflet issue to increase pressure on South Korea amid stalled denuclearisation talks.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The sister of North Korea's leader has warned of retaliatory measures against the South that could involve the military, in the latest escalation of tensions over defectors from the North who have been sending back propaganda.

The sister of North Korea's leader has warned of retaliatory measures against the South that could involve the military, in the latest escalation of tensions over defectors from the North who have been sending back propaganda. This comes a day ahead of the 20th anniversary of the first inter-Korean summit in 2000, which pledged increased dialogue and cooperation between the two states. Kim Yo Jong, who serves unofficially as one of Kim Jong Un's top aides, issued the warning in a statement carried by state news agency KCNA on Saturday. "By exercising my power authorised by the Supreme Leader, our Party and the state, I gave an instruction to the ... department in charge of the affairs with (the) enemy to decisively carry out the next action," Kim said. Her statement came days after South Korea took legal action against defectors who have been sending material such as rice and anti-North leaflets, usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea. North Korea said it has been angered by the defectors and in the past week severed inter-Korean hotlines and threatened to close a liaison office between the two governments. As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors have complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea. On Sunday, South Korea’s National Security Council meeting was held with security and diplomatic chiefs in attendance, "to examine the current situation of the (Korean) peninsula," the presidential Blue House said, without elaborating. South Korea's Unification Ministry and Defence Ministry each released statements asking the North to honour inter-Korean agreements reached in the past. "The South and the North should try to honour all inter-Korean agreements reached," the Unification Ministry said in a statement. The Defence Ministry said the military is ready to respond to "all situations," and added it is closely monitoring moves by the North Korean military. In 2018, the leaders of the two countries signed a declaration agreeing to work for the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" and cease "hostile acts." Analysts say North Korea appears to be using the leaflet issue to increase pressure on South Korea amid stalled denuclearisation talks. (with inputs from Reuters)

North Korea again warns of retaliatory actions over defectors in South

South Korea was a success story until the second wave of coronavirus infections hit it. But a series of new clusters in the area around Seoul, the capital, with 56 new cases on Thursday took the national tally to 12,003 and 277 deaths.

The government will now extend prevention and sanitation guidelines against the coronavirus until daily new infections drop to single digits.

The second issue which has been affecting South Korea is its tiff with the North.

North Korea suspended communication hotlines with the South over defectors who send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice -- usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea.&nbsp;

North Korea's media had in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it.

South Korea, to this end, said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-south-korea-braces-for-2nd-coronavirus-wave-305486/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

About 33,000 North Korean defectors live in South Korea.

As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea.

The United States tried to meddle here too. But North Korea said the US had no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported.

The statement came after the US State Department said it was disappointed at North Korea for suspending communication hotlines with South Korea.

"If the US pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for US affairs at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA.

With these words, the tensions are ballooning. And the idea of peace in the Korean Peninsula drifts farther away... 
&nbsp;

South Korea was a success story until the second wave of coronavirus infections hit it. But a series of new clusters in the area around Seoul, the capital, with 56 new cases on Thursday took the national tally to 12,003 and 277 deaths.

South Korea was a success story until the second wave of coronavirus infections hit it. But a series of new clusters in the area around Seoul, the capital, with 56 new cases on Thursday took the national tally to 12,003 and 277 deaths. The government will now extend prevention and sanitation guidelines against the coronavirus until daily new infections drop to single digits. The second issue which has been affecting South Korea is its tiff with the North. North Korea suspended communication hotlines with the South over defectors who send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice -- usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea. North Korea's media had in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it. South Korea, to this end, said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North. About 33,000 North Korean defectors live in South Korea. As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea. The United States tried to meddle here too. But North Korea said the US had no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs, and it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming presidential election to go smoothly, state media reported. The statement came after the US State Department said it was disappointed at North Korea for suspending communication hotlines with South Korea. "If the US pokes its nose into others' affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with," Kwon Jong Gun, director-general for US affairs at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, said in comments carried by state news agency KCNA. With these words, the tensions are ballooning. And the idea of peace in the Korean Peninsula drifts farther away...

Coronavirus and the North: The two issues of South Korea

South Korea once stood out as a shining example of how to contain the coronavirus spread. But with the country easing restrictions, that image seems to be fading away.

Health experts have warned of a second possible coronavirus outbreak in South Korea due to increasing violation of social distancing norms and easing of COVID-19 rules.&nbsp;

In the last 48 hours, the country also reported 95 new cases and &nbsp;2 deaths. But that's not the only threat on the Korean peninsula.

Meanwhile, tensions between the two Koreas are on the rise once again.

The trigger this time? Balloons!

For years, huge balloons have been floated into North Korea by South Korean activists. These balloons carry leaflets that criticize the North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un.

But there is no space for dissent in North Korea. This is a well-known fact.

Those who don't toe the line, face the consequences. Defectors are shot down leaders are worshipped.

So even innocent-looking balloons can escalate tensions. North Korea has now cut off all cross-border communication lines with South Korea.

Calling it "the first step of the determination to completely shut down all contact means with South Korea".

North Korea says South Korea has failed to stop activists from floating such anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.

Today, one of the top South Korean security officials urged defectors to stop sending leaflets and goods to North Korea.&nbsp;

South Korea's deputy director of the national security council, Kim you-Geun, saying: "The government will begin strictly controlling activities such as leafleting and sending goods to North Korea and respond strictly to violations in accordance with the law. We hope that private organizations would strictly follow relevant domestic laws."

These balloons have been floated for years. So why would they irk North Korea this much all of a sudden? Experts say &nbsp;North Korea is only trying to signal its frustration.

First, the failed talks with the United States over the crippling sanctions. And now, the coronavirus pandemic which has forced North Korea to shut its border with its biggest trading partner, China.

After the US state department said it was disappointed at North Korea for its decision to suspend communication lines with South Korea.

North Korea fired back, Pyongyang has said the US has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs.

Not just that, it issued an open threat. Saying it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming US presidential election to go smoothly.

The North Korean state news agency KCNA quoted Kwon Jong Gun, the director-general for US affairs at North Korea's foreign ministry as saying, "If the US pokes its nose into others’ affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with.”

As per the North Korean official. America should “hold its tongue” and address its domestic problems unless it wants to “experience a hair-raiser”.

What exactly the hair-raiser would be no one knows. Perhaps not even North Korea.

But at this point with tensions ballooning the idea of peace on the Korean peninsula continues to drift away. 
&nbsp;

South Korea once stood out as a shining example of how to contain the coronavirus spread. But with the country easing restrictions, that image seems to be fading away.

South Korea once stood out as a shining example of how to contain the coronavirus spread. But with the country easing restrictions, that image seems to be fading away. Health experts have warned of a second possible coronavirus outbreak in South Korea due to increasing violation of social distancing norms and easing of COVID-19 rules. In the last 48 hours, the country also reported 95 new cases and 2 deaths. But that's not the only threat on the Korean peninsula. Meanwhile, tensions between the two Koreas are on the rise once again. The trigger this time? Balloons! For years, huge balloons have been floated into North Korea by South Korean activists. These balloons carry leaflets that criticize the North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un. But there is no space for dissent in North Korea. This is a well-known fact. Those who don't toe the line, face the consequences. Defectors are shot down leaders are worshipped. So even innocent-looking balloons can escalate tensions. North Korea has now cut off all cross-border communication lines with South Korea. Calling it "the first step of the determination to completely shut down all contact means with South Korea". North Korea says South Korea has failed to stop activists from floating such anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border. Today, one of the top South Korean security officials urged defectors to stop sending leaflets and goods to North Korea. South Korea's deputy director of the national security council, Kim you-Geun, saying: "The government will begin strictly controlling activities such as leafleting and sending goods to North Korea and respond strictly to violations in accordance with the law. We hope that private organizations would strictly follow relevant domestic laws." These balloons have been floated for years. So why would they irk North Korea this much all of a sudden? Experts say North Korea is only trying to signal its frustration. First, the failed talks with the United States over the crippling sanctions. And now, the coronavirus pandemic which has forced North Korea to shut its border with its biggest trading partner, China. After the US state department said it was disappointed at North Korea for its decision to suspend communication lines with South Korea. North Korea fired back, Pyongyang has said the US has no standing to comment on inter-Korean affairs. Not just that, it issued an open threat. Saying it is in Washington's interest to stay quiet if it wants the upcoming US presidential election to go smoothly. The North Korean state news agency KCNA quoted Kwon Jong Gun, the director-general for US affairs at North Korea's foreign ministry as saying, "If the US pokes its nose into others’ affairs with careless remarks, far from minding its internal affairs, at a time when its political situation is in the worst-ever confusion, it may encounter an unpleasant thing hard to deal with.” As per the North Korean official. America should “hold its tongue” and address its domestic problems unless it wants to “experience a hair-raiser”. What exactly the hair-raiser would be no one knows. Perhaps not even North Korea. But at this point with tensions ballooning the idea of peace on the Korean peninsula continues to drift away.

Amid pandemic, tensions escalate between North Korea and South Korea

North Korea is allegedly making millions selling sand illegally.&nbsp;According to media reports, the country, which is continuously under the international radar for flouting sanctions, and for overzealously conducting nuclear tests, which makes especially its neighbour South Korea anxious.

Earlier, Pyongyang was accused of illegally selling coal and other goods, seldom in huge quantities. To evade the radar of custom authorities and the UN sanctions therein, the country allegedly moves the goods from one ship to another in the ocean, CNN reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/north-korea-to-cut-communications-with-enemy-south-in-row-over-leafleting-304397" hreflang="en">North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting</a>

Reports suggest that 279 ships are currently circling around North Korean seas, in what seems to be a massive operation worth millions of dollars.

Instead of using ships to transport illegal weapons, drugs, money, and animals, or coal, the country is now transporting sand. The country is infamous for dealing the other mentioned items, especially coal, which brings great profits to the country.

<h6><img alt="A North Korea soldier stands guard as people unload a boat on the Yalu River which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong on the second anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-Il, December 17, 2013" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ac91cd4d-fdc9-4044-b947-3489f19e3b26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-2_27.jpg" /> 
A North Korea soldier stands guard as people unload a boat on the Yalu River which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong on the second anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-Il, December 17, 2013 | AFP</h6>

As part of the United Nations sanctions from December 2017, the country cannot export earth and stone. So by selling its sand, the country is violating international law.

UN investigators had found that the country earned $22 million in 2019 via a “sand-export operation”. The report was released in April.

The Panel of Experts, or the investigating country, supplied details to the UN. According to its report, North Korea sent one million tonnes of sand to foreign territories between May-December 2019.

The coordinator of North Korean sanctions said the report pointed to a “large scale” and significant illegal activity in the region.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-calls-for-developing-a-self-sufficient-economy-304143" hreflang="en">North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'</a>

These transfers of sand that do not happen on land may be helping North Korea ends its cash deficit.

Sand might seem like an ordinary thing to sell, but it is the main component of concrete, glass, and even the processors that power electronic devices.

The world consumes 50 billion tonnes of sand every year, which accounts for more usage than any other resource, only behind water.

However, illegal dredging of sand can have serious environmental implications.

In 2008, N Korea was selling sand extensively to South Korea, almost worth $73.35 million, but this exchange stopped shortly after.

China remains North Korea’s biggest sand buyer, as it consumes more sand than any other country.

North Korea is allegedly making millions selling sand illegally. According to media reports, the country, which is continuously under the international radar for flouting sanctions, and for overzealously conducting nuclear tests, which makes especially its neighbour South Korea anxious.

North Korea is allegedly making millions selling sand illegally. According to media reports, the country, which is continuously under the international radar for flouting sanctions, and for overzealously conducting nuclear tests, which makes especially its neighbour South Korea anxious. Earlier, Pyongyang was accused of illegally selling coal and other goods, seldom in huge quantities. To evade the radar of custom authorities and the UN sanctions therein, the country allegedly moves the goods from one ship to another in the ocean, CNN reported. Also read: North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting Reports suggest that 279 ships are currently circling around North Korean seas, in what seems to be a massive operation worth millions of dollars. Instead of using ships to transport illegal weapons, drugs, money, and animals, or coal, the country is now transporting sand. The country is infamous for dealing the other mentioned items, especially coal, which brings great profits to the country. A North Korea soldier stands guard as people unload a boat on the Yalu River which separates the North Korean town of Sinuiju from the Chinese border town of Dandong on the second anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong-Il, December 17, 2013 | AFP As part of the United Nations sanctions from December 2017, the country cannot export earth and stone. So by selling its sand, the country is violating international law. UN investigators had found that the country earned $22 million in 2019 via a “sand-export operation”. The report was released in April. The Panel of Experts, or the investigating country, supplied details to the UN. According to its report, North Korea sent one million tonnes of sand to foreign territories between May-December 2019. The coordinator of North Korean sanctions said the report pointed to a “large scale” and significant illegal activity in the region. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy' These transfers of sand that do not happen on land may be helping North Korea ends its cash deficit. Sand might seem like an ordinary thing to sell, but it is the main component of concrete, glass, and even the processors that power electronic devices. The world consumes 50 billion tonnes of sand every year, which accounts for more usage than any other resource, only behind water. However, illegal dredging of sand can have serious environmental implications. In 2008, N Korea was selling sand extensively to South Korea, almost worth $73.35 million, but this exchange stopped shortly after. China remains North Korea’s biggest sand buyer, as it consumes more sand than any other country.

North Korea allegedly making millions by selling its sand illegally

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-take-legal-action-against-defectors-sending-messages-to-the-north-304816" hreflang="en">South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North</a>

Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He urged UNSC to "reconsider" the sanctions imposed on the country to ensure the flow of food supplies.&nbsp;

“There have been reports of an increase of homeless people in large cities – including kotjebi (street children), and medicine prices have reportedly skyrocketed. An increasing number of families eat only twice a day or eat only corn, and some are starving,” he said in a statement.

The spokeswoman of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), Elisabeth Byrs told that the humanitarian situation in North Korea "remains bleak" after 40 per cent of North Korea's need humanitarian aid.&nbsp;

South Korea and North Korea relations have been deteriorating. Earlier, South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North.

This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors.

North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by the sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

Tomas Ojea Quintana, a United Nations human rights expert said that North Korea is facing a “widespread food shortages and malnutrition”. Also read: South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North Quintana is a UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He urged UNSC to "reconsider" the sanctions imposed on the country to ensure the flow of food supplies. “There have been reports of an increase of homeless people in large cities – including kotjebi (street children), and medicine prices have reportedly skyrocketed. An increasing number of families eat only twice a day or eat only corn, and some are starving,” he said in a statement. The spokeswoman of the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), Elisabeth Byrs told that the humanitarian situation in North Korea "remains bleak" after 40 per cent of North Korea's need humanitarian aid. South Korea and North Korea relations have been deteriorating. Earlier, South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North. This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors. North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by the sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it. (Inputs from Reuters)

'Widespread food shortages': UN human rights expert on North Korea's situation

South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North.

This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors.

North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it.

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently called defectors "human scum little short of wild animals" and said North Korea would cut communication with South Korea because of its failure to stop them.

South Korea, which is trying to improve ties with the North, said on Wednesday two defector-run groups, Kuensaem Education Center and Fighters for a Free North Korea, had violated the Inter-Korean Exchange and Co-operation Act by sending the leaflets, as well as aid like rice and medicine.

The two defector groups "have created tension between the two Koreas and caused danger to the border-area residents' lives and safety", said the South's Unification Ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key.

One defector, Park Sang-hak, who left North Korea in 2000 and heads the Fighters For Free North Korea, has been sending leaflets about once a month for the last 15 years.

“You can never buy peace with flattery and begging," he said of the South Korean government's response to the North Korean criticism.

About 33,000 North Korean defectors live in South Korea.

As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea.

On Monday, activists were stopped by residents when they tried to send plastic bottles stuffed with rice by releasing them at sea.

(with inputs from Reuters)

South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North. This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors.

South Korea has said it would take legal action against two organisations that conduct sending propaganda and contraband into the North. This has come in the aftermath of North Korea suspending communication hotlines with the South over such defectors. North Korea gets enraged when the defectors in the South send material such as anti-North leaflets and rice - usually by balloon over the heavily fortified border or in bottles by sea - and its media has in recent days denounced the "mongrel dogs" who do it. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, recently called defectors "human scum little short of wild animals" and said North Korea would cut communication with South Korea because of its failure to stop them. South Korea, which is trying to improve ties with the North, said on Wednesday two defector-run groups, Kuensaem Education Center and Fighters for a Free North Korea, had violated the Inter-Korean Exchange and Co-operation Act by sending the leaflets, as well as aid like rice and medicine. The two defector groups "have created tension between the two Koreas and caused danger to the border-area residents' lives and safety", said the South's Unification Ministry spokesman Yoh Sang-key. One defector, Park Sang-hak, who left North Korea in 2000 and heads the Fighters For Free North Korea, has been sending leaflets about once a month for the last 15 years. “You can never buy peace with flattery and begging," he said of the South Korean government's response to the North Korean criticism. About 33,000 North Korean defectors live in South Korea. As part of the effort to improve ties with the North, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's administration has sought to discourage the leaflet and rice campaigns, and defectors complained of pressure to avoid criticism of North Korea. On Monday, activists were stopped by residents when they tried to send plastic bottles stuffed with rice by releasing them at sea. (with inputs from Reuters)

South Korea to take legal action against defectors sending messages to the North

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with&nbsp;South Korea&nbsp;as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported.

For several days,&nbsp;North Korea has lashed out at South Korea, threatening to close an inter-Korean liaison office and other projects if the South does not stop activists and defectors from sending leaflets and other anti-Pyongyang material into the North.

The North said this was the first in a series of actions, describing South Korea as "the enemy".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/inter-korean-relations-further-deteriorate-304327">Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate</a>

As a first step, at noon on Tuesday,&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;will “will completely cut off and shut down the liaison line between the authorities of the North and the South, which has been maintained through the North-South joint liaison office,” as well as other communication links.

Those links include “the East and West Seas communication lines” between the two countries’ militaries, an inter-Korean “trial communication line”, and a hotline between the central committee of the Workers’ party of Korea and South Korea’s presidential Blue House, KCNA said.

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Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, threatened last week to close the office unless South Korea stopped defector groups from sending leaflets into the North.

She said the leaflet campaign was a hostile act that violated the peace agreements made during the 2018 Panmunjom summit between the South's Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un.

The two states had set up the liaison office to reduce tensions after talks in 2018.

North and South Korea are technically still at war because no peace agreement was reached when the Korean War ended in 1953.

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with South Korea as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported.

North Korea says it will sever hotlines with South Korea as the first step toward shutting down all means of contact with Seoul, state news agency KCNA has reported. For several days, North Korea has lashed out at South Korea, threatening to close an inter-Korean liaison office and other projects if the South does not stop activists and defectors from sending leaflets and other anti-Pyongyang material into the North. The North said this was the first in a series of actions, describing South Korea as "the enemy". Also read: Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate As a first step, at noon on Tuesday, North Korea will “will completely cut off and shut down the liaison line between the authorities of the North and the South, which has been maintained through the North-South joint liaison office,” as well as other communication links. Those links include “the East and West Seas communication lines” between the two countries’ militaries, an inter-Korean “trial communication line”, and a hotline between the central committee of the Workers’ party of Korea and South Korea’s presidential Blue House, KCNA said. Kim Yo-jong, the North Korean leader's sister, threatened last week to close the office unless South Korea stopped defector groups from sending leaflets into the North. She said the leaflet campaign was a hostile act that violated the peace agreements made during the 2018 Panmunjom summit between the South's Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un. The two states had set up the liaison office to reduce tensions after talks in 2018. North and South Korea are technically still at war because no peace agreement was reached when the Korean War ended in 1953.

North Korea to cut communications with 'enemy' South in row over leafleting

Kim Jong Un&nbsp;gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday.

Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting.

Kim emphasised the importance of the country's chemical industry, including the production of fertiliser. For North Korea, it is a vital commodity due to the country's struggle to grow food at farms on limited land which has been exhausted of natural nutrients.

Food scientists in Pyongyang have even attempted to make 'functional vegetables' so that people can consume less and yet stay healthy. But, even this kind of biotech driven farming needs fertiliser. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-calls-for-developing-a-self-sufficient-economy-304143">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'</a>

For many years, North Korea relied on imports of chemical fertiliser, but those have long dried up.

During the meeting, Kim also highlighted a part of the chemical industry which has the potential for harnessing raw materials to make fuel.&nbsp;Fertiliser has been a particular focus of North Korea's media this year. Kim's first public appearance this year was at a fertiliser factory.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-balloon-propaganda-against-kim-jong-un-304371/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The two-day politburo meeting comes at a time of economic uncertainty amid the global COVID-19 pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North’s economy.

North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-halt-military-agreement-with-the-south-over-anti-kim-leaflets-303122">Also Read:&nbsp;North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets</a>

Nearly 500,000 leaflets have been dumped along the border. The leaflets were carried across the border through balloons over Kim's&nbsp;nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights

South Korean activists have been trying to send censored materials across the border&nbsp;to democratise North Korea and put an end to Kim's regime. North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them.

In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul.

North Korea is threatening to pull out of the inter-Korean military agreement which was signed in 2018 as a major step towards ensuring peace along the Korean demilitarised zone.

It is planning to snap all channels of communication with South Korea and close an inter-Korean liaison office if the South does not stop defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday. Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting.

Kim Jong Un gathered the Politburo of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party to talk about the economy and living conditions, state media said on Monday. Neither Kim nor any of the other officials were wearing masks, and the coronavirus pandemic was not mentioned in the state media's report about the meeting. Kim emphasised the importance of the country's chemical industry, including the production of fertiliser. For North Korea, it is a vital commodity due to the country's struggle to grow food at farms on limited land which has been exhausted of natural nutrients. Food scientists in Pyongyang have even attempted to make 'functional vegetables' so that people can consume less and yet stay healthy. But, even this kind of biotech driven farming needs fertiliser. Also Read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy' For many years, North Korea relied on imports of chemical fertiliser, but those have long dried up. During the meeting, Kim also highlighted a part of the chemical industry which has the potential for harnessing raw materials to make fuel. Fertiliser has been a particular focus of North Korea's media this year. Kim's first public appearance this year was at a fertiliser factory. The two-day politburo meeting comes at a time of economic uncertainty amid the global COVID-19 pandemic that is putting additional pressure on the North’s economy. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. Also Read: North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets Nearly 500,000 leaflets have been dumped along the border. The leaflets were carried across the border through balloons over Kim's nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights South Korean activists have been trying to send censored materials across the border to democratise North Korea and put an end to Kim's regime. North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them. In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul. North Korea is threatening to pull out of the inter-Korean military agreement which was signed in 2018 as a major step towards ensuring peace along the Korean demilitarised zone. It is planning to snap all channels of communication with South Korea and close an inter-Korean liaison office if the South does not stop defectors from sending leaflets and other material into the North. (With inputs from agencies)

Inter-Korean relations further deteriorate

North Korea said Tuesday it will cut off all communication channels with South Korea.

North Korea Says It Is Cutting Communication Ties With the South Korea

North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un was busy talking about fertilizer as leaflets criticising his nuclear ambitions fell along the border. Once again, it's the infamous 'balloon propaganda' that seeks to unseat him from power.

Gravitas: The 'Balloon Propaganda' against Kim Jong-Un

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues.

North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/south-korea-to-stop-people-sending-cross-border-messages-after-threat-from-the-north-303270" hreflang="en">South Korea to stop people sending cross-border messages after threat from the North</a>

According to state news agency KCNA, the meeting discussed “crucial issues arising in further developing the self-sufficient economy of the country and improving the standard of people's living”. 
 
North Korea has amped up its criticism of South Korea lately, and has asked the neighbour to prohibit defector material from reaching the communist country. North Korea rejected a routine call from South Korea for the first time ever 2018, as per South Korea’s Unification Ministry.

<h6><img alt="This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66ad27ff-de56-4424-aadf-e92d8bf51da4" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-6_3.jpg" /> 
This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. | AFP</h6>

Additionally, North Korea has threatened to pull out from collaborative projects.

South Korea reasserted commitment to maintaining preexisting inter-Korean agreements. The country is planning to penalise sending material to its Northern counterpart.

Reviving the economy was one of the major concerns in the meeting, with KCNA reporting referring to the chemical industry and fertiliser production as "a major thrust front of the national economy”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/world/north-korea-threatens-to-halt-military-agreement-with-the-south-over-anti-kim-leaflets-303122" hreflang="en">North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets</a>

Another focus of the meeting was constructing residential houses in a bid to improving the country’s living standard.

Last month, rumours of Kim’s death flooded social media. But these were disproved when he made an abrupt appearance. However, reports claimed that Kim faked his death to test the loyalty of his close aides.

As of now, the country has reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19, but many experts and analysts believe that the truth may be far from it.

(With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues.

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors. Also read: South Korea to stop people sending cross-border messages after threat from the North According to state news agency KCNA, the meeting discussed “crucial issues arising in further developing the self-sufficient economy of the country and improving the standard of people's living”. North Korea has amped up its criticism of South Korea lately, and has asked the neighbour to prohibit defector material from reaching the communist country. North Korea rejected a routine call from South Korea for the first time ever 2018, as per South Korea’s Unification Ministry. This picture taken on June 7, 2020 and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 8, 2020 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) attending the 13th Political Bureau meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) in an undisclosed location in North Korea. | AFP Additionally, North Korea has threatened to pull out from collaborative projects. South Korea reasserted commitment to maintaining preexisting inter-Korean agreements. The country is planning to penalise sending material to its Northern counterpart. Reviving the economy was one of the major concerns in the meeting, with KCNA reporting referring to the chemical industry and fertiliser production as "a major thrust front of the national economy”. Also read: North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets Another focus of the meeting was constructing residential houses in a bid to improving the country’s living standard. Last month, rumours of Kim’s death flooded social media. But these were disproved when he made an abrupt appearance. However, reports claimed that Kim faked his death to test the loyalty of his close aides. As of now, the country has reported no confirmed cases of COVID-19, but many experts and analysts believe that the truth may be far from it. (With inputs from Reuters and AFP)

North Korea's Kim Jong Un calls for developing a 'self-sufficient economy'

Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea has called on his country folk to become “self-sufficient” amid rising economic concerns due to the coronavirus pandemic. During a meeting of the politburo, the leader talked about domestic economic issues. North Korea had already been suffering economically due to the international sanctions against the country’s nuclear programmes. And the country is currently in a spat with its neighbour, South Korea, over the matter of defectors.

Kim Jong Un talks economy in Politburo meet: COVID-19 hits North Korea Economy

North Korea has threatened to end an inter-Korean military agreement signed in 2018 to reduce tensions, over flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets along the border by the South.

North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them. South Korea however refuses, saying the activists are exercising freedom of speech.

To this end, North could permanently shut a liaison office with the South and an inter-Korean factory park in the border town of Kaesong, which have been major symbols of reconciliation between the rivals.

North Korean defectors and other activists in recent weeks have used balloons to fly leaflets criticising Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record across the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-keeps-low-public-profile-in-may-analysts-300676">Also read |&nbsp;North Korea's Kim keeps low public profile in May: Analysts</a>

In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul.

In 2014, soldiers exchanged machine gun and rifle fire after South Korean activists released anti-North Korean propaganda balloons across the Demilitarised Zone, but no casualties were reported.

The liberal government of South Korean President Moon Jae-in has touted the military agreement, reached during his third summit with Kim Jong Un in September 2018, as a major step in the peace process between the rivals.

Kim and Moon during their peace talks in 2018 also agreed to open a liaison office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong, where the Koreas had also operated a factory park that Seoul's previous conservative government shut down in 2016 following a North Korean nuclear test.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-signs-kim-jong-un-received-heart-surgery-says-south-korean-spy-agency-296952">Also read |&nbsp;No signs Kim Jong-un received heart surgery, says South Korean spy agency</a>

The liaison office has been closed since January after the Koreas agreed to temporarily shut down until the coronavirus outbreak is controlled.

(with inputs)

North Korea has threatened to end an inter-Korean military agreement signed in 2018 to reduce tensions, over flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets along the border by the South.

North Korea has threatened to end an inter-Korean military agreement signed in 2018 to reduce tensions, over flying anti-Pyongyang leaflets along the border by the South. North Korea considers the leaflets an attack on its government and has long demanded that South Korea ban activists from sending them. South Korea however refuses, saying the activists are exercising freedom of speech. To this end, North could permanently shut a liaison office with the South and an inter-Korean factory park in the border town of Kaesong, which have been major symbols of reconciliation between the rivals. North Korean defectors and other activists in recent weeks have used balloons to fly leaflets criticising Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record across the border. Also read | North Korea's Kim keeps low public profile in May: Analysts In her statement released through state media, Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong called those defectors "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland and said that it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul. In 2014, soldiers exchanged machine gun and rifle fire after South Korean activists released anti-North Korean propaganda balloons across the Demilitarised Zone, but no casualties were reported. The liberal government of South Korean President Moon Jae-in has touted the military agreement, reached during his third summit with Kim Jong Un in September 2018, as a major step in the peace process between the rivals. Kim and Moon during their peace talks in 2018 also agreed to open a liaison office in the North Korean border town of Kaesong, where the Koreas had also operated a factory park that Seoul's previous conservative government shut down in 2016 following a North Korean nuclear test. Also read | No signs Kim Jong-un received heart surgery, says South Korean spy agency The liaison office has been closed since January after the Koreas agreed to temporarily shut down until the coronavirus outbreak is controlled. (with inputs)

North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets

South Korea has planned to stop people sending balloons with anti-North Korean messages across the border.

The announcement came after Kim Yo-jong -- sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- said recently balloon-senders were "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland, adding it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul.

The South Korean government said it was planning legislation against the balloons.

"Actually, most of the leaflets have been found in our territory, causing environmental pollution and increasing burden on local people to get rid of them," said Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yoh Sang-key.

"Any act that could pose a threat to the life and property of those people should be stopped."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-threatens-to-halt-military-agreement-with-the-south-over-anti-kim-leaflets-303122">Also read | North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets</a>

North Korean defectors and other activists in recent weeks have used balloons to fly leaflets criticising Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record across the border. But the South Korean government said the balloons caused "tension".

In the past, the balloons have also carried dollar notes, and even chocolate.

In 2014, soldiers exchanged machine gun and rifle fire after South Korean activists released anti-North Korean propaganda balloons across the Demilitarised Zone, but no casualties were reported.

(with inputs from Reuters)

South Korea has planned to stop people sending balloons with anti-North Korean messages across the border. The announcement came after Kim Yo-jong -- sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- said recently balloon-senders were "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland, adding it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul.

South Korea has planned to stop people sending balloons with anti-North Korean messages across the border. The announcement came after Kim Yo-jong -- sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un -- said recently balloon-senders were "human scum" and "mongrel dogs" who betrayed their homeland, adding it was "time to bring their owners to account," referring to the government in Seoul. The South Korean government said it was planning legislation against the balloons. "Actually, most of the leaflets have been found in our territory, causing environmental pollution and increasing burden on local people to get rid of them," said Ministry of Unification spokesperson Yoh Sang-key. "Any act that could pose a threat to the life and property of those people should be stopped." Also read | North Korea threatens to halt military agreement with the South over anti-Kim leaflets North Korean defectors and other activists in recent weeks have used balloons to fly leaflets criticising Kim Jong Un over his nuclear ambitions and dismal human rights record across the border. But the South Korean government said the balloons caused "tension". In the past, the balloons have also carried dollar notes, and even chocolate. In 2014, soldiers exchanged machine gun and rifle fire after South Korean activists released anti-North Korean propaganda balloons across the Demilitarised Zone, but no casualties were reported. (with inputs from Reuters)

South Korea to stop people sending cross-border messages after threat from the North

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