“Our wish is unification, even in our dreams.”A group of elderly people sang in unison, while neatly placing envelopes in plastic wrapping. Gathering here at an assistance center in Nowon, northeastern Seoul, were defectors from North Korea training for basic job skills to help them survive in the capitalistic world that is South Korea.  Senior North Korean defectors learn how to pack envelopes in plastic wrappings at a Korea Hana Foundation assistance center in Seoul. (Jung Min-kyung/The Korea

North Korea Aug. 6, 2017

A North Korean tech company recently launched a a soccer computer game with three-dimensional graphics that resembles the famous “FIFA” video game series. “The three-dimensional online game ‘Soccer Battle’ developed by Sujeongcheon Tech is gaining popularity among its users,” said Arirang-Meari, Pyongyang’s state-run news outlet.  (Yonhap)The release of the game comes amid North Korea’s growing interest in the PC and mobile gaming industry. Last January, Meari claimed that North Korea’s National

North Korea Aug. 3, 2017

With two successful missile launches in July, North Korea has showcased its ability to obtain the range required for intercontinental ballistic missiles. However, a major hurdle remains for North Korea to prove it can actually hit targets on the US mainland: re-entry technology.  North Korea test-fires a Hwasong-14 ballistic missile on July 4. YonhapConsidered to be the final component of nuclear-tipped intercontinental ballistic missiles, the technology is crucial to ensuring the missiles withs

North Korea July 31, 2017

The US has hinted that it will no longer make efforts to ease tensions with North Korea through dialogue, following North Korea’s test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile late Friday. 　US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said Sunday that “the time for talk is over,” stressing that “the danger the North Korean regime poses to international peace is now clear to all.” US Ambassador Nikki Haley speaks in the Security Council Chamber at the UN headquarters at an UN Security C

North Korea July 31, 2017

South Korea’s southern port city of Yeosu is a place where nature and cutting-edge technology come together. The 2012 World Expo was the historic city’s turning point, shaping it into a tourist destination.  Gaedo Island is one of 365 small islands that surround Yeosu. YeosuThe city attracted about 13 million tourists annually in both 2015 and 2016, according to government data.Citizen-centered governmentThe city’s Mayor Ju Cheol-hyeon has been working toward establishing a more citizen-centered

Social Affairs July 30, 2017

A group of lawmakers Thursday proposed a bill to confiscate the illegal assets of Choi Soon-sil, the confidante of former President Park Geun-hye who is accused of bribery and meddling in state affairs. Choi Soon-sil (Yonhap)The decision is based on President Moon Jae-in’s recent vow to eradicate irregularities that have accumulated in South Korea over the years. “The aim of the bill is to remove ‘deep-rooted evils’ in our nation and take back Choi Soon-sil’s assets made off our citizens’ blood

Politics July 27, 2017

The South Korean military will stop sending conscription letters to citizens reported missing, said the Military Manpower Administration on Wednesday. The military vowed to update its conscription legislation by conducting in-depth background research into potential soldiers. The current law allows the government to dispatch the letters to missing people if they hold an officially registered residence on record.  (Yonhap)The law had been the subject of controversy for its perceived lack of emoti

Defense July 26, 2017

South Korea’s military said Tuesday it is keeping an eye on North Korea’s missile activity, amid media reports suggesting the possibility of another missile test by the North in the coming days. 　  North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, second from right, inspects the preparation of the launch of a Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile in North Korea on July 4. (AP-Yonhap)Citing an unnamed US defense official, CNN reported Tuesday that transporter vehicles containing ballistic missile test equ

North Korea July 25, 2017

In an effort to curb South Korea’s high youth unemployment rate, the government has decided to provide cash subsidies to young job seekers. Gyeonggi Province and capital city Seoul ranked first with 3 million won ($2,700) each, followed by the port city of Busan at 2.4 million won. Daejeon came in fourth with 1.8 million won and North Gyeongsang Province in fifth with 1 million won. The cash subsidy program is in line with the Moon Jae-in administration’s job creation policy.

Social Affairs July 23, 2017

Families separated by the 1950-53 Korean War are continuing to file applications for the possible inter-Korean reunion event, despite North Korea’s silence on South Korea’s offer to hold military and Red Cross talks. On July 17, the Moon Jae-in administration suggested inter-Korean military talks and a separate Red Cross meeting at the truce village of Panmunjeom in the Demilitarized Zone. Pyongyang rejected the offer for talks with silence, refusing to confirm the meeting Seoul hoped to hold Fr

North Korea July 23, 2017

The chief executive of Korea Aerospace Industries offered to resign Thursday as the prosecutorial probe into the country’s sole aircraft manufacturer is expected to further expand on President Moon Jae-in’s vows to eradicate defense industry corruption. The prosecution is currently scrutinizing the allegations that KAI Chief Executive Ha Sung-yong created slush funds and illegally lobbied Cheong Wa Dae officials and lawmakers for his reappointment in May 2016. Earlier this week, its suppliers we

Defense July 20, 2017

Police have launched a probe into the case of a North Korean celebrity defector who recently appeared in a propaganda video clip for the North, amid suspicions she may have been abducted by the hermit nation. “Authorities are currently investigating the case of the North Korean defector Lim Ji-hyun,” Lee Yu-jin, the Ministry of Unification’s deputy spokesperson, said Wednesday.   A captured image of a North Korean propaganda video featuring Lim Ji-hyun, also known as Jeon Hye-sung. YonhapThe Seo

North Korea July 19, 2017

Washington on Monday expressed veiled discomfort over Seoul’s offer of military talks with Pyongyang, indicating a potential future clash between the allies amid a prolonged nuclear standoff. The Moon Jae-in administration on Monday proposed military talks and a separate Red Cross meeting with North Korea at the truce village of Panmunjeom. The invitation was aimed at reviving inter-Korean dialogue channels through tension-easing steps and a fresh round of reunions for families separated during

North Korea July 18, 2017

Incheon, a city located 40 kilometers west of Seoul which boasts one of the most tech-savvy airports in the world, is recovering from massive debt to craft its status as an all-around player. Led by Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok, who made sound city finance as his top priority, Incheon metropolitan government has carried out a 3-year debt resolution plan and is now seeing their efforts pay off. An official poster that promotes Incheon’s city slogan, “All Ways Incheon.” Incheon Metropolitan GovernmentThe c

Social Affairs July 17, 2017

New Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon on Thursday vowed to resolve inter-Korean relations with a long-term perspective amid a deepening dilemma over nuclear issues in the wake of North Korea’s test of an intercontinental ballistic missile. He took office on July 3, vowing to restart activity at the Kaesong industrial park, reunions of separated families, humanitarian aid and other inter-Korean initiatives. His commitment, however, faces headwinds, as Pyongyang has been developing its nuclear

North Korea July 13, 2017