N. Korea, Russia defend Moscow's war with Ukraine during showing of film over Nazi trials This image, posted on the Facebook page of the Russian Embassy in North Korea, shows the film "Nuremberg." YonhapNorth Korea and Russia reaffirmed their efforts for stronger ties earlier this week during a joint showing of a Russian film portraying post-World War II trials of Nazis, according to the North's state media, in what could be an event to defend Moscow's war with Ukraine.The film "Nuremberg" was shown at the Taedongmun Cinema in Pyongyang on Monday, jointly organized by the North Korea-Russia Friendship Association and the Russian Embassy in the North, according to the Korean Central News Agency and a Facebook message posted by the embassy.The 2023 movie, set in the German city of Nuremberg, centers around the 1945-46 trials at the International Military Tribunal that held representatives of Nazis accountable for invading other countries and conducting wartime atrocities.In what appeared to be a justification of Russia's war in Ukraine, Russian Ambassador Alexander Matsegora said his country was forced to enter a war in the wake of a resurgence of Nazism in many countries, Aug 9, 2023
N. Korea vows to launch satellites at any time This photo, carried by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, shows the North launching its first military spy satellite, Malligyong-1, the previous day, June 1. YonhapA North Korean propaganda outlet said Wednesday the country will launch satellites at any time, following its failed attempt to launch its first military spy satellite in late May.The North made the pledge in the August edition of the monthly propaganda magazine Kumsu Kangsan, touting the country's past satellite launches as "miracles upon miracles."The North did not specify what type of satellites it will launch down the road, but it is highly likely to refer to its second attempt to launch a military spy satellite.On May 31, North Korea fired the new Chollima-1 rocket carrying its reconnaissance satellite, Malligyong-1, but it crashed into the sea due to the abnormal starting of the second-stage engine.The South Korean military said in July that the North's spy satellite has "no military utility" after it retrieved its wreckage from the Yellow Sea.Experts said the North may seek its second launch in time Aug 9, 2023
North Korean hacking of Russian technology highlights distrust between allies: experts This image shows Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu looking at North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during a military parade marking the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War in Pyongyang, North Korea, July 27. YonhapBut allies expected to promote unity out of necessityBy Jung Min-hoA team of North Korean hackers reportedly breached the computer networks of a major Russian weapons maker for at least five months last year, in an episode analysts said demonstrates deep-rooted distrust between the two countries.According to Reuters, the hackers secretly installed stealthy digital back doors into systems at NPO Mashinostroyeniya, a leading manufacturer of missiles and military spacecraft based in Reutov, east of Moscow.Speaking to The Korea Times, Tuesday, experts said the North Korean attempt to damage Russia's key national interest probably did not surprise Moscow, which knows its ally all too well. They also believe the two countries would nevertheless continue to promote unity as if nothing serious had happened, given that “they desperately need each other.”“Aug 8, 2023By Jung Min-ho
N. Korea urges all-out efforts to minimize damage from Typhoon Khanun A weather agency official looks at the path of Typhoon Khanun at the weather office of the Seoul metropolitan area, Aug. 7. YonhapNorth Korea on Tuesday renewed its call for efforts to minimize potential damage from the approaching Typhoon Khanun, saying the country's economy could be dealt a blow if it does not thoroughly prepare for it.The typhoon is expected to head toward North Korea during the wee hours of Friday after landing on South Korea's southeastern coast the previous day and moving inland, according to Seoul's weather agency.North Korea called on party officials to make all-out efforts to protect the people's lives and provide safety from a "frenzy of nature," thereby implementing the country's five-year economic policy plan that was adopted in 2021, the Rodong Sinmun, the North's main newspaper, said in a commentary.The paper also stressed efforts to minimize damage from the typhoon to the country's preparations for the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the republic's establishment, which falls on Sept. 9.North Korea is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its laAug 8, 2023
North Korea's arms exports to Russia likely to increase: analysts This photo released Sunday by state media shows North Korean leader holding a rifle during an inspection of munitions factories at an undisclosed location in North Korea. YonhapPyongyang promotes 'defense business' as it reinforces military ties with Moscow By Jung Min-hoAs Seoul cements its position as one of the world's fastest-growing arms exporters, Pyongyang may also be aiming to emulate the South's success.After North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspected key weapons factories from Thursday to Saturday, its state media honed in on “defense business” ― a term it has never before used.Speaking to reporters on Monday, Koo Byoung-sam, the spokesman for the Unification Ministry, said that recent signs indicate that North Korea might be seeking to export arms to Russia, a country in need due to its invasion of Ukraine. “If that really is what it (North Korea) aims for, it is deeply regrettable as it is tantamount to admitting that it will violate the U.N. resolutions,” Koo said.For some experts, the ministry's analysis is a bit too conservative. They believe thaAug 7, 2023By Jung Min-ho
N. Korean leader's visits to arms factories apparently had 'multiple' purposes: Seoul North Korean leader Kim Jong-un giving "field guidance" at an arms factory is seen in this Aug. 6 photo carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency. YonhapNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un appears to have visited major weapons factories last week for "multiple" purposes, including a response to a planned military exercise between Seoul and Washington, and an intention for arms exports, South Korea's unification ministry said Monday.The North's leader inspected key weapons factories, including those producing shells for large-caliber multiple rocket launchers and engines for strategic cruise missiles, from Thursday to Saturday.His "field guidance" came as South Korea and the United States plan to hold their annual summertime Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise later this month. It also came amid speculation that North Korea may seek arms exports to Russia for use in Moscow's war with Kyiv."(Kim's latest inspections) appear to have had multiple purposes ― show off the country's achievements in the defense sector, respond to Seoul-Washington's joint military drills and seek arms exports,"Aug 7, 2023
N. Korea on alert as Typhoon Khanun approaches Typhoon Khanun is seen in this Aug. 6 satellite image from the Korea Meteorological Administration. YonhapNorth Korea on Monday issued an alert against Typhoon Khanun and called for efforts to prevent possible damage as the typhoon was forecast to hit the Korean Peninsula later this week.After passing through the northeast of Japan's Okinawa, the typhoon was expected to head further north toward the southeastern coast of the Korean Peninsula on Thursday, according to South Korea's national weather agency."In all areas of the economy, the smallest areas of risk should be detected in a timely manner and thorough preventive measures should be established so that no damage from the typhoon will occur," the North's state-run Korean Central Broadcasting Station said.The North's state media called for safety measures to be drawn up in key sectors, such as agriculture and transportation, and emphasized vigilance in areas prone to floods and landslides.In addition to a typhoon alert, the state media also announced warnings against strong winds, heavy rains and tidal waves across different areAug 7, 2023
Why are over 70% of North Korean defectors female? A wedding ceremony is conducted at Hanawon in Gyeonggi Province, Oct. 21, 1999. Korea Times ArchiveBy Elinor Ketelhohn Every day, news about North Korea is broadcast to the world ― updates on ballistic missile launches, nuclear threats and spy satellites. While many are intrigued by the country's rampant military threats and mysterious operations, significantly less attention is paid to the people that flee over its borders.Last month I visited the Hanawon facilities in Gyeonggi Province that welcome North Korean defectors to the South, and learned a striking statistic: over 70 percent of North Korean defectors in South Korea are female.Why? I couldn't get a single conclusive answer.I asked the officials on the tour and got many different answers. Women immigrate for their children and families, said one. Women are sick of the extreme patriarchy and authoritarianism in North Korea, and have less to lose by leaving, said another. Some suggested men are more patriotic, having served in the military. Others said men just stay in China ― comfortable with work there ― and never make it toAug 6, 2023By Jon Dunbar
N. Korean leader inspects major weapons factories: state media North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, right, gives a field guidance at an arms factory, in this photo carried by the North's Korean Central News Agency, Aug. 6. YonhapNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un has conducted a three-day inspection of major arms factories, including those that produce shells of large-caliber multiple rocket launchers and engines of strategic cruise missiles, state media said Sunday.The three-day inspection that wrapped up on Saturday came a week after Kim attended a massive military parade marking the 70th armistice anniversary of the Korean War on July 27 and showcasing North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missiles and drones.Kim made the visit to the factories to "learn about the implementation of the core goal of the Party's policy on munitions industry" and set forth new goals to be carried out, such as modernizing weapons, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).Kim said it is "the most important and urgent matter in making war preparations to modernize small arms to be carried by the KPA frontline units and other units ... in keepAug 6, 2023
US declines to invoke prisoner of war status for Travis King U.S. Army soldier Travis King appears in this unknown location, undated photo obtained by REUTERS. Reuters-YonhapThe United States has declined so far to classify Army Private Travis King as a prisoner of war, despite his being taken into North Korean custody after he crossed into the country last month, four U.S. officials told Reuters.The decision, which could mean King is not covered by the protections entitled to prisoners of war under the Geneva Convention, is highly sensitive for the U.S. military given its commitment to leave no soldier behind enemy lines.How to classify the 23-year-old, who dashed across the heavily guarded border during a civilian tour of the demilitarized zone separating North Korea and South Korea, has been an open question for the military.As an active-duty soldier he might appear to qualify as a POW, given that the United States and North Korea technically remain at war. The 1950-53 Korean War ended in an armistice rather than a peace treaty.But factors including King's decision to cross into North Korea of his own free will, in civilian attire, appear tAug 5, 2023
