Xi, Putin send messages of solidarity to Kim on North Korea's founding anniversary

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed their commitment to deepening ties with North Korea in messages to leader Kim Jong-un marking the country's 78th founding anniversary, as Pyongyang observed the occasion Wednesday. North Korea marks Sept. 9 as the anniversary of the founding of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in 1948 under Kim's grandfather and state founder Kim Il-sung. In his message, Xi praised North Korea's progress in recent years, saying

2026-09-09 15:16:56:00

Seoul moves closer to IAEA safeguards deal for nuclear-powered subs

South Korea confirmed Tuesday that it has notified the International Atomic Energy Agency of its intention to hold consultations over its nuclear-powered submarine program and submitted the required declarations, as Seoul moves to establish a safeguards arrangement with the UN nuclear watchdog. "The government has notified the IAEA of its intention to hold consultations regarding the nuclear-powered submarine program, in accordance with its international agreement with the agency, and has submit

2026-09-08 17:25:09:00

North Korea, Russia open first road bridge as ties deepen

North Korea and Russia have opened the first road bridge across the border, Pyongyang's state media reported Tuesday. The bridge is the latest development in deepening ties between the two countries, and signs that international sanctions against Pyongyang are losing efficacy. The Tuman River Motor Bridge spans the Tumen River to connect North Korea's northeastern border city of Rason with Khasan in Russia's Far East. It was formally inaugurated Monday, North Korea's state-run Korean Central New

2026-09-08 13:58:12:00

[Key Points] Ruling party chief urges stronger security autonomy amid prospect of US-North Korea talks

Security Autonomy: Democratic Party of Korea leader Kim Min-seok said Seoul should build stronger independent defense capabilities as US-North Korea diplomacy may reshape deterrence. Freeze-First Scenario: He raised the prospect of talks starting with a nuclear freeze before a longer-term settlement. US Reliance Limits: Kim said South Korea can no longer depend solely on Washington as US security policy grows more transactional. Two-State Option: He suggested parts of Pyongyang’s “two hostile st

2026-09-07 16:51:19:00

[Key Points] Seoul reassesses Hormuz role as risks and pressure mount

Deployment recalibration: Seoul is reassessing a possible Hormuz military contribution as US-Iran fighting intensifies. It says no decision has been made. Risk calculus shifts: Renewed strikes and attacks on shipping have raised concerns that Korean forces could be drawn into direct hostilities. Options narrowing: A Navy support ship has lost favor. Patrol aircraft, mine-clearance teams and unmanned systems remain under review. US pressure builds: Washington is urging Seoul to commit resources,

2026-09-07 16:47:40:00

Seoul recalibrates Hormuz deployment plans as fighting intensifies, opposition grows

South Korea appears to be recalibrating plans for a potential military contribution to the Strait of Hormuz, even as Washington steps up pressure on Seoul to commit resources. The government had been moving toward more concrete discussions over what personnel and military assets could be sent to the region following a US request for greater allied participation. But the renewed fighting around the strategic waterway has prompted Seoul to reassess its options, according to government sources. The

2026-09-07 15:25:36:00

DP chief calls for greater security autonomy amid prospect of US-NK talks

South Korea should prepare for a potential shift in Washington's approach to North Korea's nuclear program by fortifying its own security capabilities, South Korea's ruling party leader Rep. Kim Min-seok said Monday. "We need to strengthen South Korea's independent security capabilities in advance, taking into account the possibility of a dramatic improvement in US-North Korea relations and even a 'freeze first, resolution later' approach to the North Korean nuclear issue," Kim, Democratic Party

2026-09-07 15:07:52:00

Japanese minister to skip Seoul Defense Dialogue

Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi will skip next week's Seoul Defense Dialogue, officials and media reports said Friday, amid signs that defense exchanges between South Korea and Japan may be losing momentum following Koizumi's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine last month. Japan will instead be represented by Atsushi Ando, a vice-minister-level official at Japan's Ministry of Defense, according to South Korea's Ministry of National Defense. "This year's Seoul Defense Dialogue is expected to

2026-09-04 17:23:47:00

Bad weather hampers search for 9 missing Koreans in Nepal

South Korea's disaster relief team is intensifying its search for nine Koreans missing in Nepal, deploying helicopters, thermal-imaging drones and ground teams to possible evacuation routes after severe weather hampered aerial operations a day earlier, a Foreign Ministry official said Friday. The Korea Disaster Relief Team plans to resume helicopter searches Friday using two aircraft provided by the Nepali military, weather permitting, according to the official, who declined to be named. An atte

2026-09-04 15:22:58:00

On the frontlines: South Korea’s female Marines

As South Korea prepares to mark the 76th anniversary of Women’s Army Corps Day on Sunday, female service members are drawing attention for their expanding roles on the front lines, from commanding tanks and artillery operations to guarding the tense western maritime border. According to the Marine Corps on Friday, four female Marines currently serving with the Yeonpyeong Unit on the northwestern border islands of Yeonpyeongdo and Udo have emerged as examples of that shift ahead of Women’s Army C

2026-09-04 14:53:05:00