The United States reiterated Wednesday that growing cooperation between Russia and North Korea is a trend of "great concern," after Pyongyang and Moscow signed a pact calling for mutual aid if either side comes under attack. A State Department spokesperson made the point after Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inked a "comprehensive strategic partnership" treaty at a summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday amid concerns about security implications

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un appeared solemn in the early hours Wednesday as he stood solo on the red carpet laid out at the airport in Pyongyang for the arrival of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was making his first visit to the country in 24 years. Putin, who is in the habit of arriving fashionably late to meetings with world leaders, touched down in Pyongyang some three hours later than planned, at well past 2 a.m. After landing at the Pyongyang airport, the Russian president joined

Kim promises Putin 'full support' for Russia's war in Ukraine; Putin says treaty to take ties to 'new level'

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un began summit talks in Pyongyang on Wednesday, Russian news media reported, amid concerns about deepening military cooperation. Putin arrived in North Korea early Wednesday morning in his first trip to the reclusive country in 24 years, as Russia, under international sanctions over its war with Ukraine, has been bolstering military and other cooperation with North Korea. Putin and Kim started their summit talks at the Kumsusan P

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in Pyongyang on Wednesday in his first trip to North Korea in 24 years as he is set to hold a summit with leader Kim Jong-un in a show of their deepening relations. Putin began his state visit to Pyongyang early Wednesday morning (Korea time), amid growing concerns that burgeoning bilateral defense cooperation would help prop up Russia's war operations in Ukraine and enhance North Korea's weapons programs to the detriment of regional and global

By Won Jae-chun, professor of International Law and Director of International Law, Handong Global University Otto Warmbier, an American college student whose life was tragically cut short after his imprisonment in North Korea, remains a poignant symbol of youthful curiosity and the stark realities of international injustice. As we commemorate his life and reflect on his legacy, we are reminded of the importance of seeking truth, justice, and accountability. Life full of promise Otto Warmbier was

Putin says his trip aims to broaden partnership, fortify unity against 'rules-based order'

North Korean soldiers working in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas briefly crossed into the South again Tuesday before returning to their side after the South fired warning shots, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said. It marked the North's second border violation in less than two weeks after a similar incident on June 9. Around 20 to 30 North Korean soldiers carrying work tools crossed the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) within the DMZ in the central section of the border at

North Korea's military has been carrying out unexplained construction activities inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas, according to a military source Saturday. "Recently, the North Korean military has been erecting walls, digging the ground and constructing roads in some areas between the Military Demarcation Line (MDL) and the Northern Limit Line in the DMZ," the source said. The source added it was unclear whether these activities indicate an intention t

South Korea's top envoy to the UN on Friday criticized as "bizarre" and "deplorable" North Korea's claim that its sending of trash-filled balloons to the South was an exercise of freedom of expression. Ambassador Hwang Joon-kook made the remarks during a UN Security Council meeting as the North has sent waste-loaded balloons to the South in a tit-for-tat response to South Korean activists' sending of anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the inter-Korean border. In a sarcastic state

A US monitor on Thursday reported recent North Korean ballistic missile submarine movements at a shipyard on the country's east coast, saying they may presage the start of submarine trials this summer or preparations for a submarine-launched ballistic missile test. Citing recent satellite imagery, Beyond Parallel, a project of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, released its monthslong analysis of the movements of the Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine, an experimental submarine, and

The US-led UN Command (UNC) said Thursday it is investigating a series of incidents at the inter-Korean border earlier this week, including a brief border incursion by North Korean troops and South Korea's resumption of anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. On Sunday, some 20 North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), separating the two Koreas, in the central section of the border before retreating northward after the South fired warning shots, acc

The United States remains "always vigilant" about North Korea's potential steps against South Korea that might go beyond its sending of trash-filled balloons to the South, a senior US diplomat said Wednesday. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell made the remarks amid tensions heightened by the North's recent floating of disturbing balloons across the inter-Korean border and the South's short-lived resumption of frontline loudspeaker propaganda broadcasts. "We

The US-led UN Command said Thursday it is investigating a series of incidents at the inter-Korean border earlier this week, including a brief border incursion by North Korean troops and South Korea's resumption of anti-Pyongyang broadcasts. On Sunday, some 20 North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line inside the Demilitarized Zone, separating the two Koreas, in the central section of the border before retreating northward after the South fired warning shots, according to Se

Sweden marked its National Day on Wednesday, celebrating 501 years of independence since the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523, and the 50th anniversary of Carl XVI Gustaf's reign, Sweden's longest-serving monarch. Delivering remarks at the event, Johannes Andreasson, charge d'affaires at the Swedish Embassy, highlighted the deep historical ties between Sweden and Korea. "We are celebrating 65 years of diplomatic relations, but our contacts date back over 300 years,"