US soldier returns to home country after intentionally crossing into N. Korea

SEOUL -- Travis T. King, a United States soldier who crossed the border from the South Korean side into North Korea, returned to his home country. The 23-year-old American soldier spent 71 days in North Korean custody. King, enlisted in January 2021, was an army private stationed in South Korea. Private King ran across the border on July 18 when he was visiting the truce village of Panmunjom on an orientation tour. Although his tour guides chased after the soldier, they were unable to

September 29, 2023

S. Korea recreates N. Korean cities in metaverse world to encourage reunification

SEOUL -- South Korea's unification ministry has created a virtual world where users can explore the hometowns of Koreans who fled from the northern area of the Korean Peninsula to the southern parts during the Korean War (1950~1953). The virtual platform, designed to raise awareness about the reunification of Korea, recreated North Korean cities including Pyongyang on Roblox, a metaverse platform mainly used by young people. Millions of people were displaced by the sweep of the

September 22, 2023

N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un returns from Russia after summit meeting with President Putin

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has returned home five days after he met his Russian counterpart President Vladimir Putin on September 13, Pyongyang's state media reported. The two leaders discussed cooperation in various sectors including the sharing of know-how of Russia's advanced space technology. The Korean Central News Agency reported on September 19 that Kim passed through the Tumangang Railway Station located at the northern border of North Korea on September

September 19, 2023

N. Korea fires ballistic missiles prior to summit meeting with Russia

SEOUL -- Ahead of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's summit meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. This is the first time that Pyongyang has fired a ballistic missile when the leader is abroad. The South Korean Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) detected two short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) that were fired from near Sunan District in northwestern Pyongyang, from around 11:43 p.m. (1443 GMT) to 11: 53 p

September 13, 2023

N. Korean leader Kim Jong-un and leading officials leave Pyongyang to visit Russia by train

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has embarked on a journey via his iconic green bulletproof train to visit Russia. This is the leader's first known trip outside his country in more than four years. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Pyongyang's state media agency, said on September 12 that Kim, accompanied by North Korea's leading officials, left Pyongyang in his armored train to visit Russia on September 10. Although KCNA did not disclose the purpose of Kim'

September 12, 2023

N. Korea showcases newly-built 'Korean-style tactical nuclear attack submarine'

SEOUL -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attended a showcase event designed to present Pyongyang's newly-built nuclear attack submarine called "Hero Kim Kun Ok," North Korea's state-operated media agency said. The announcement was made a day before the 75th founding anniversary of North Korea, which is Pyongyang's largest holiday observed on September 9. In 2023, Pyongyang tried to accelerate the growth of its military capabilities by showing off its technology

September 8, 2023

N. Korea fires two ballistic missiles into East Sea

SEOUL -- North Korea has fired two ballistic missiles from Sunan northwest of Pyongyang near midnight of August 31, South Korea's Joint Chief of Staff reported. The missiles flew about 360 kilometers (223 miles) and landed in the East Sea. The missiles were fired for the first time since July 24 when Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea. The Joint Chief of Staff (JCS) predicted that North Korea has simulated an attack scenario on Gyeryongdae, a mil

August 31, 2023

N. Korea admits failed launch of second rocket carrying spy satellite

SEOUL -- North Korea has admitted that its attempt at firing a spy satellite into orbit failed due to an error in the newly-designed rocket. This was Pyongyang's second attempt at successfully sending a satellite into space after the first failed launch of a carrier rocket in May. According to North Korea's state-operated news agency, the new-type carrier rocket called "Chollima-1" carrying a reconnaissance satellite "Malligyong-1" was fired from a launch

August 24, 2023

North Korea to fire spy satellite rocket within one week: Japan Coast Guard

SEOUL -- North Korea has notified the Japan Coast Guard that Pyongyang will fire another rocket carrying a spy satellite between midnight August 24 and midnight August 31, the Japanese government said. This is North Korea's second attempt to shoot a military spy satellite into orbit after its failed attempt in May. According to Japanese news agency Kyodo News and public broadcaster NHK on August 22, North Korea notified the Japan Coast Guard that Pyongyang's rocket would fly o

August 22, 2023

US soldier crosses border due to mistreatment within US Army: N. Korea

SEOUL -- North Korea has confirmed that a United States soldier identified as Army Private 2nd Class Travis T. King is currently in its territory. According to Pyongyang's state news agency's report, King crossed the border into the North because of mistreatment and racism within the U.S. Army. The 23-year-old, enlisted in January 2021, was a private stationed in South Korea. The American soldier ran across the border on July 18 when he was visiting the truce village of Panmunj

August 16, 2023