5 FEBRUARY 2019
All N Korean Workers to Leave Russia in Accordance With UN Decision – Minister
All migrant workers from North Korea will leave Russia and return to their homeland by the end of this year in accordance with the requirements of the UN Security Council resolution, Russian Minister of Labor and Social Protection Maxim Topilin said on Tuesday
https://sputniknews.com/asia/201902051072151692-north-korea-workers-russia/
3 JANUARY 2019
Is North Korea’s economy feeling heat from the United States?
While North Korea is showing some signs of distress from sanctions, there is also evidence that Pyongyang is finding ways to cushion the blow
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2184859/north-koreas-economy-feeling-heat-united-states
UN allows humanitarian aid to be sent to North Korea
The United Nations Security Council has approved the request of an organization that works to prevent child disability. The sanctions passed after the nuclear tests do not prohibit humanitarian activities but prohibit the entry of medicines and goods useful for public health. The situation in the Asian country is « disastrous »
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/UN-allows-humanitarian-aid-to-be-sent-to-North-Korea-46120.html
28 JANUARY 2019
Japan: Shinzo Abe vows to restore relations with North Korea
Japan’s prime minister says he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un face-to-face and restore diplomatic relations between the two long-time foes
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/01/japan-shinzo-abe-vows-restore-relations-north-korea-190128080923148.html
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=230658
25 JANUARY 2019
‘These Are Our Friends’; Russians Push to Preserve North Korea Ties
19 JANUARY 2019
Trump and Kim to hold second summit in late February: White House
Kim Yong-chol, the vice chairman of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, held talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and President Trump earlier that day
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=230056
https://www.france24.com/en/video/20190119-second-trump-kim-summit-slated-end-february
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-46927761
13 JANUARY 2019
Trump suggests Vietnam for US-NK summit
US President Donald Trump suggested holding the anticipated second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Vietnam in mid-February, a Japanese newspaper reported Sunday
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20190113000135
http://english.donga.com/Home/3/all/26/1607852/1
4 JANUARY 2019
New North Korean diplomat defector Jo Song-gil was part of Pyongyang’s elite
North Korean acting ambassador said to be seeking asylum in Italy is from a “prestigious diplomatic family” with both his father and father-in-law having worked in Pyongyang’s foreign ministry, according to a senior defector
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2180751/new-north-korean-defector-was-part-pyongyangs-elite-according
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/01/04/jo-song-gil-north-korean-defector-pyongyangs-elite-has-vital/
20 DECEMBER 2018
Chinese and German scientists helping Pyongyang’s ‘dual-use’ nuclear technology
North Korea could be developing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles in defiance of sanctions by collaborating with foreign scientists, especially Chinese and German, on « dual use » technology, a new report indicated Wednesday
http://www.asianews.it/news-en/Chinese-and-German-scientists-helping-Pyongyang%26rsquo%3Bs-%27dual-use%27-nuclear-technology-45794.html
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/20/north-korea-may-have-used-foreign-scientists-nuclear-ambitions/
18 DECEMBER 2018
UN condemns North Korea rights violations and nuke spending
The U.N. General Assembly on Monday condemned North Korea’s “systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights” and its diversion of resources into pursing nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles over the welfare of its people
https://www.newdelhitimes.com/un-condemns-north-korea-rights-violations-and-nuke-spending/
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=228287
6 DECEMBER 2018
New satellite images reveal North Korea is expanding key missile base
North Korea has significantly expanded and upgraded long-range missile sites, according to satellite images published by CNN, highlighting the lack of progress in negotiations with the US in the months since Kim Jong-un met Donald Trump
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/12/06/new-satellite-images-reveal-north-korea-expanding-key-missile/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/dec/06/north-korea-secret-missile-site-upgrades-satellite-images
16 NOVEMBER 2018
Kim attends his first weapons test in almost a year
North Korea’s state media reported Friday that its leader, Kim Jong-un, supervised “a newly developed ultramodern tactical weapon test” at a defense institute, the first time in a year that Kim was officially described as overseeing a weapons experiment
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3055748
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/kim-jong-un-tests-new-ultra-modern-tactical-weapon
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/11/15/asia/kim-north-korea-missile-kcna-intl/index.html
9 OCTOBER 2018
Kim Jong Un invites pope to Pyongyang
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un plans to extend an invitation to Pope Francis. The head of the Roman Catholic Church has previously encouraged North and South Korea to resolve their differences through dialogue
https://www.dw.com/en/kim-jong-un-to-invite-pope-to-pyongyang/a-45809020
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45796303
11 SEPTEMBER 2018
North Korea’s Kim Jong-un asks Donald Trump for another meeting in new letter
US President Donald Trump has received a letter from North Korean leader Kim Jong-un asking for a second meeting, and the White House is already looking at scheduling one, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders says
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-09-11/north-korea-kim-asks-trump-for-another-meeting-in-new-letter/10229870
https://www.trtworld.com/americas/north-korea-s-kim-asks-trump-for-another-meeting-20142
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2163632/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-asks-donald-trump-another-meeting-new
9 SEPTEMBER 2018
No ICBMs displayed at military parade celebrating N. Korea’s 70th birthday
Thousands of North Korean troops paraded through Pyongyang Sunday as the nuclear-armed country celebrated its 70th birthday, followed by artillery and tanks, but it refrained from displaying the intercontinental ballistic missiles that have seen it hit with sanctions
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=223262
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/09/103_255265.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-military-parade-70th-anniversary-no-nuclear-missiles-weapons-denuclearisation-a8529666.html
4 SEPTEMBER 2018
Ju Kyu Chang, developer of North Korea missiles and nuclear weapons, dies at 89
A veteran North Korean official who was sanctioned for his suspected role in development of the country’s nuclear and missile technology has died, the North announced on Tuesday
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2018/09/103_254983.html
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2162615/ju-kyu-chang-developer-north-korea-missiles-and-nuclear-weapons
19 AUGUST 2018
North Korea to let U.N. aviation agency officials conduct on-site missile safety inspection
North Korea has agreed to allow International Civil Aviation Organization staff to conduct an on-site inspection to ensure the safety of international flights from the country’s missile launches, according to officials with the Montreal-based U.N. agency
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/08/19/asia-pacific/north-korea-agrees-accept-u-n-agency-staff-missiles/#.W3meK-gzY2w
9 AUGUST 2018
North Korea revives ‘axis of evil’ ties with Iran as denuclearisation talks falter
The arrival of North Korea’s foreign minister in Tehran just hours after Donald Trump had reinstated sanctions against Iran was “no coincidence”, analysts believe, and is designed to send the message that Pyongyang is reinforcing its alliances as denuclearisation talks with the US stall
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/08/09/north-korea-revives-axis-evil-ties-iran-denuclearisation-talks/
http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_northkorea/856949.html
31 JULY 2018
North Korea is working on new missiles, say US spy agencies
US spy agencies are seeing signs that North Korea is constructing new missiles at a factory that produced the country’s first intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the United States, according to officials familiar with the intelligence
https://www.straitstimes.com/world/united-states/us-spy-agencies-north-korea-is-working-on-new-missiles
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-45015343
27 JULY 2018
North Korea hands over the possible remains of American war dead
A US Air Force plane carrying what are believed to be the remains of US troops killed during the Korean War some 65 years ago arrived Friday morning at Osan Air Base in South Korea
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/07/26/asia/north-korea-remains-american-troops-intl/index.html
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=221069
http://www.france24.com/en/20180727-north-korea-returns-usa-war-dead-korean-war-trump-kim-jong-un
20 JULY 2018
North Korea economy shrank sharply in 2017
North Korea’s economy contracted at the sharpest rate in two decades in 2017, South Korea’s central bank estimated Friday, in a sign international sanctions imposed to stop Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile programs have hit growth hard
https://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/257704068/north-korea-economy-shrank-sharply-in-2017
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/20/north-korean-economy-sees-sharpest-decline-in-20-years-as-sanctions-bite
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20180720000444
15 JULY 2018
North Korea, U.S. held general-level talks on return of American war dead
Repatriating the remains of American troops killed in the Korean War was a promise made by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in June
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=220383
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/07/15/north-korea-resume-search-remains-us-soldiers-korean-war/
12 JULY 2018
North Korea snubs US at planned meeting to discuss the returns of soldiers’ remains
North Korean officials did not turn up to Thursday’s scheduled meeting with the US military about repatriating the remains of the war dead, according to a US official with knowledge of the situation
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2155041/north-korea-snubs-us-planned-meeting-discuss-returns-soldiers
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3050537
26 JUNE 2018
North Korean diplomat tells Japan not to meddle in denuclearisation
A North Korean diplomat to the United Nations advised Japan on Tuesday not to meddle in the process of denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2152635/north-korean-diplomat-tells-japan-not-meddle-denuclearisation
https://japantoday.com/category/politics/N-Korea-says-it-will-ignore-Japan-until-it-halts-military-buildup-drills
23 JUNE 2018
Kim Jong-un introduces new mandatory national oath ‘erasing his father and grandfather’ from text
Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, has introduced a new national oath playing down the achievements of his father and grandfather and instead praising his own ideology and leadership
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/06/23/kim-jong-un-introduces-new-mandatory-national-oath-erasing-father/
http://www.dailynk.com/english/a-new-oath-and-kim-jong-uns-leadership-grooming/
12 JUNE 2018
Singapore summit: The agreement signed by Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un in full
7 JUNE 2018
North Korea razing key missile test stand
New commercial satellite imagery indicates that North Korea is razing the missile test stand at the Iha-ri Driver Training and Test Facility north of the city of Kusong in the wake of Kim Jong Un’s April statement announcing a unilateral suspension of ballistic missile and nuclear tests
https://www.38north.org/2018/06/ihari060618/
2 JUNE 2018
Seoul, Tokyo clash on how North Korea should remove its missiles
Speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and South Korean Minister of National Defense Song Young-moo appeared to clash over the urgency in removing Pyongyang’s short-range ballistic missiles
https://www.cnbc.com/2018/06/02/seoul-tokyo-clash-onhow-north-korea-should-remove-its-missiles.html
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/06/02/563650/Japan-South-Korea-North-Korean-leader-Kim-Jongun-Singapore-Shangrila-Dialogue-security-forum-Itsunori-Onodera-Song-Youngmoo-James-Mattis
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180602_13/
1 JUNE 2018
Trump: June 12 Meeting With N. Korean Leader Is Back On
In confirming the summit, Trump said he believed it would be a “very successful” meeting and “ultimately, a successful process.”
https://www.voanews.com/a/trump-expected-receive-personal-letter-north-korean-leader/4419314.html
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/06/02/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/trump-says-kim-summit-june-12-puts-japan-south-korea-spot-economic-aid/#.WxJV1UiFM2w
31 MAY 2018
Russia’s Lavrov meets with Kim Jong Un, as Pompeo tries to salvage summit
Lavrov-Kim meeting in Pyongyang is the first time the Korean leader met a top Russian official
https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2018/05/31/615747709/russias-lavrov-meets-with-kim-jong-un-as-pompeo-tries-to-salvage-summit?utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=news
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/russian-foreign-minister-sergey-lavrov-meets-kim-jong-180531104510394.html
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/russia-north-korea-meeting-invitation-putin-kim-jong-un-moscow-trump-a8377431.html
10 MAY 2018
Trump-Kim Jong-un summit set for Singapore on 12 June
US President Donald Trump has announced that he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on June 12, where the pair are expected to discuss denuclearisation
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-44074257
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2145610/donald-trump-announces-he-will-meet-kim-jong-un-singapore-june
9 MAY 2018
Three US detainees freed in North Korea during Mike Pompeo visit
Three American prisoners have been freed from North Korea and are heading back to the US with Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, Donald Trump, the US president announced on Wednesday
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/05/09/three-us-detainees-freed-north-korea-mike-pompeo-visit/
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/05/09/asia/americans-detained-north-korea-intl/index.html
28 APRIL 2018
Australia, Canada and Britain to monitor North Korean ships via military aircraft
The aircraft will seek to determine if North Korean ships are violating UN sanctions by transporting prohibited goods. The announcement came a day after North and South Korea pledged to denuclearize the peninsula
http://www.dw.com/en/australia-canada-and-britain-to-monitor-north-korean-ships-via-military-aircraft/a-43577887
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_09/
18 APRIL 2018
CIA boss Mike Pompeo held secret meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un
CIA Director Mike Pompeo made a secret visit to North Korea over Easter weekend and met with Kim Jong Un, according to media reports. Donald Trump said the meeting « went very smoothly and a good relationship was formed. »
http://www.dw.com/en/cia-boss-mike-pompeo-held-secret-meeting-with-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-us-media/a-43429344
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2018-04-18/north-korea-cia-boss-in-secret-talks-with-kim-jongun-ahead-of-possible-summit-with-donald-trump/1750338
31 MARCH 2018
North Korea: UN Security Council blacklists dozens of ships, companies over illegal smuggling
Shipping companies, individual ships and a Taiwanese man are named in the largest ever sanctions package agreed by the Security Council’s North Korea sanctions committee, accused of helping smuggle oil and coal
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2018-03-31/north-korea-un-security-council-blacklists-dozens-of-ships-companies-over-illegal-smuggling/1746410
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-31/un-blacklists-dozens-of-ships-companies-over-north-korea/9607202?section=world
25 MARCH 2018
Russia to build bridge to North Korea
Russia is connected with North Korea’s territory by the railway link over the Tuman River on the border. The construction of the new bridge is important for transporting goods without entering China
https://112.international/ukraine-top-news/russia-to-build-bridge-to-north-korea-26928.html
16 MARCH 2018
North Korea’s foreign minister visits Sweden amid Trump-Kim summit speculation
North Korea’s top diplomat met with his Swedish counterpart in a surprise visit to Stockholm. The visit has led to speculation that the talks could lay the groundwork for a meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un
https://edition.cnn.com/2018/03/15/asia/north-korea-sweden-intl/index.html
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/north-korea-s-top-diplomat-in-surprise-visit-to-sweden-15967
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2137562/sweden-says-we-dont-think-we-can-solve-worlds-problems-after
12 MARCH 2018
North Korea silent on meeting with Donald Trump
North Korea has yet to respond publicly or privately to the decision by Donald Trump to attend a summit with its leader Kim Jong-un
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/03/12/north-korea-silent-meeting-trump/
http://www.todayonline.com/world/north-korea-cautious-announce-stance-summits
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-43368110
28 FEBRUARY 2018
Secret UN report reveals how North Korea is helping Syria build chemical weapons and missiles
North Korea appears to have stepped up its covert assistance to a Syrian government agency responsible for producing that country’s chemical weapons and advanced missiles, a UN panel has concluded in a confidential report
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2134998/secret-un-report-reveals-how-north-korea-helping-syria-build
http://www.france24.com/en/video/20180228-north-korea-sent-banned-items-syria-say-un-experts
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-28/north-korea-sending-equipment-to-aid-syrian-chemical-weapons/9493680?section=world
27 FEBRUARY 2018
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his father ‘used Brazilian passports to apply for Western visas’
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his late father Kim Jong-il used fraudulently obtained Brazilian passports to apply for visas to visit Western countries in the 1990s, five senior Western European security sources told Reuters
http://www.foxnews.com/world/2018/02/27/kim-jong-un-late-father-kim-jong-il-used-fake-brazilian-passports-to-apply-for-visas-report-says.html
http://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/2134985/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-and-his-father-used-brazilian
23 FEBRUARY 2018
US to impose ‘largest’ N Korea sanctions
The Trump administration on Friday imposed sanctions on more than 50 vessels, shipping companies and trade businesses – many Chinese – in its latest bid to pressure North Korea over its nuclear programme
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-43173487
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/diplomacy/article/2134523/trumps-toughest-ever-north-korean-sanctions-hit-more-50-ships
7 FEBRUARY 2018
Abe, Pence confirm pressure on N. Korea
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. Vice President Mike Pence confirmed on Wednesday that their two countries will continue to apply “maximum pressure” on North Korea, in cooperation with South Korea, to foil Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004230644
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180207_38/
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/02/07/mike-pence-announces-toughest-sanctions-ever-north-korea-vows/
5 FEBRUARY 2018
North Korean Special Operations Forces: Hovercraft Bases (Part II)
Satellite imagery analysis shows that North Korea continues to develop its conventional military forces in a few targeted areas in addition to its high-profile nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. This is compatible with a broader North Korean strategy to develop stronger asymmetrical capabilities to offset the large imbalance of power between the DPRK and its neighbors
https://beyondparallel.csis.org/north-korean-special-operations-forces-hovercraft-bases-part-ii/
4 FEBRUARY 2018
German spy chief: Pyongyang procures missile parts via Berlin embassy
Germany’s BfV domestic intelligence agency has said that North Korea has been purchasing parts for its missile program via its embassy in Berlin
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/02/03/551183/north-korea-germany-missile
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-42935761
3 FEBRUARY 2018
UN reports says North Korea earned $200M from banned exports
North Korea « continued to export almost all the commodities prohibited in the resolutions, generating nearly $200 million in revenue between January and September 2017, » said the report by the experts
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/un-reports-says-north-korea-earned-200m-from-banned-exports-14835
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/north-korea-earned-us-200-million-from-banned-exports-sends-arms-9923290
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=213643
30 JANUARY 2018
UN warns sanctions starving North Korea children to death
The United Nations Children’s Fund has warned that hundreds of thousands of children could starve as a result of sanctions on North Korea. UNICEF said the inability of humanitarian staff to deliver aid there had put many children in lethal malnutrition condition
http://www.presstv.com/Detail/2018/01/30/550718/North-Korea-sanctions-starvation
26 JANUARY 2018
Kim Jong-un’s young sister elevated to powerful position controlling North Korea state security
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un may have put his younger sister Kim Yo-jong in charge of the pariah nation’s powerful state security apparatus, it has emerged
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/01/26/kim-jong-uns-young-sister-elevated-powerful-position-controlling/
http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2018/01/25/2018012501295.html
23 JANUARY 2018
North Korea to change military founding day to Feb. 8
North Korea says it will change the founding anniversary of its military to February 8th, the day before the PyeongChang Winter Olympics open in South Korea
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3043713
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2130151/north-korea-plans-military-parade-eve-winter-olympics
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180123_18/
21 JANUARY 2018
Who Is Behind the Illicit Transfer of Oil to North Korea?
The case of illicit tankers shipping oil to North Korea gets curiouser and curiouser
https://www.theepochtimes.com/who-is-behind-the-illicit-transfer-of-oil-to-north-korea_2419945.html
9 JANUARY 2018
Donors lose appetite for North Korean food aid
After a year of nuclear threats, fiery brinksmanship, and retaliatory sanctions, the global aid sector is at a crossroads with North Korea
http://www.irinnews.org/analysis/2018/01/09/donors-lose-appetite-north-korean-food-aid
8 JANUARY 2018
Another opportunity for diplomacy on North Korea
Top diplomats from the United States and Canada are seeking wider input around the North Korea issue. The so-called “Vancouver Group” offers an opportunity for countries around the world to discuss additional efforts to pressure North Korea and to develop creative diplomatic ideas
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2018/01/08/another-opportunity-for-diplomacy-on-north-korea/
6 JANUARY 2018
Perception and reality on US-North Korea relations in 2018
The year 2018 is likely to prove a critical juncture in North Korea-US relations. At some point during the year, Pyongyang will decide whether to conduct an atmospheric nuclear detonation as the final proof of its nuclear deterrent capability
http://www.atimes.com/perception-reality-us-north-korea-relations-2018/
22 DECEMBER 2017
UN slaps new sanctions on North Korea in 15-0 vote
The resolution severely limits petroleum supplies to Pyongyang and demands that North Koreans working for Kim Jong Un’s regime abroad return home. The crippling sanctions follow North Korea’s latest missile test
http://www.dw.com/en/un-slaps-new-sanctions-on-north-korea-in-15-0-vote/a-41913360
http://www.france24.com/en/20171222-un-security-council-unanimously-votes-new-sanctions-north-korea
https://usun.state.gov/remarks/8238
19 DECEMBER 2017
US and UK blame North Korea for WannaCry cyberattack
The UK has joined the US in publicly blaming North Korea for the devastating WannaCry hacking attack earlier this year. The cyberattack took down computer systems in 150 countries and caused widespread chaos
http://www.dw.com/en/us-and-uk-blame-north-korea-for-wannacry-cyberattack/a-41852493
http://www.france24.com/en/20171219-usa-says-north-korea-directly-responsible-massive-cyber-attack-wannacry
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/dec/19/wannacry-cyberattack-us-says-it-has-evidence-north-korea-was-directly-responsible
11 DECEMBER 2017
UN warns tough North Korea sanctions risk hurting millions in need of aid
The UN rights chief told the security council on Monday that tough sanctions imposed on North Korea are complicating the delivery of desperately needed humanitarian aid and called for an assessment
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/11/north-korea-sanctions-human-rights-toll-united-nations
http://the-japan-news.com/news/article/0004122631
5 DECEMBER 2017
Russia ‘increasing oil exports’ to North Korea
At a time when the United States is calling for more restrictions on fuel exports to North Korea, Russia may be attempting to avoid the total collapse of the regime in Pyongyang. Julian Ryall reports from Tokyo
http://www.dw.com/en/russia-increasing-oil-exports-to-north-korea/a-41656946
30 NOVEMBER 2017
UN divided over response to N Korea’s new missile test
The US is calling for more sanctions and the complete isolation of North Korea after another ballistic missile test. The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting following Pyongyang’s latest launch
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/11/divided-response-koreas-missile-test-171130145040226.html
28 NOVEMBER 2917
North Korea fires ballistic missile, South Korea says
North Korea fired one ballistic missile from Pyongsong, a city in South Pyongan Province, at around 1817 GMT over the sea between South Korea and Japan, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said on Wednesday
https://www.trtworld.com/asia/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-says-us-and-south-korea-12694
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171129_34/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/north-korea-fires-missile-for-the-first-time-in-more-than-two-months/2017/11/28/0c136952-d46c-11e7-9461-ba77d604373d_story.html?utm_term=.f173b4859335
http://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-north-korea-nuclear-missile-20171129-story.html
18 NOVEMBER 2017
Shadows of the past haunt Japan–North Korea relations
There are more than geostrategic, diplomatic and military factors behind the importance of Japan for North Korea and of North Korea for Japan: their present relationship is also rooted in history
http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2017/11/18/shadows-of-the-past-haunt-japan-north-korea-relations/
15 NOVEMBER 2017
North Korea: coward Trump deserves death penalty for insulting Kim Jong-un
North Korea’s state media on Wednesday slammed Donald Trump for insulting leader Kim Jong-un, saying the US president deserved the death penalty and calling him a coward for cancelling a visit to the inter-Korean border
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2120006/north-korea-coward-trump-deserves-death-penalty-insulting-kim
16 OCTOBER 2017
European Union ministers ban all investments and oil exports to North Korea in punishing sanctions
The European Union imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea on Monday as part of international efforts to punish the pariah regime for its nuclear and ballistic weapons programmes
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2115618/european-union-ministers-ban-all-investments-and-oil-exports
8 OCTOBER 2017
North Korean leader promotes sister Kim Yo-jong
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has promoted his younger sister to a senior post in the one-party state, according to state media
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/10/north-korean-leader-promotes-sister-kim-yo-jong-171008172800383.html
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-09/kim-jong-uns-closest-aide-is-sister-kim-yo-jong/9030854?section=world
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20171008_18/
1st OCTOBER 2017
Italy orders North Korea ambassador home over missiles
Italy has ordered North Korea’s incoming new ambassador to leave the country in a protest over Kim Jong-Un’s missile launches and nuclear tests
http://eurasiadiary.com/en/news/world/194820-italy-orders-north-korea-ambassador-home-over-missiles
15 SEPTEMBER 2017
North Korea provokes again, fires another missile over Japan
In yet another provocation to the world, North Korea fired another missile that flew over Japan, deepening the regional tensions that have intensified over the last few months
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/254722988/north-korea-provokes-again-fires-another-missile-over-japan
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/north-korea-fires-missile-japan-170914221944101.html
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-41281050
12 SEPTEMBER 2017
North Korea: UN Security Council unanimously adopts new sanctions over nuclear test
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to impose new sanctions on North Korea over its sixth and most powerful nuclear test
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-12/north-korea-un-unanimously-adopts-new-sanctions/8894362?section=world
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/09/security-council-slaps-sanctions-north-korea-170911221328811.html
http://www.trtworld.com/asia/north-korea-slams-un-sanctions-10420
8 SEPTEMBER 2017
Mexico expels North Korean ambassador over weapons test
Mexico has expelled North Korea’s ambassador in strong protest at Pyongyang’s recent missile and nuclear tests
http://www.presstv.ir/Detail/2017/09/08/534431/Mexico-North-Korea-ambassador-Kim-Hyong-Gil-persona-non-grata
29 AUGUST 2017
North Korea fires missile over Japan, sharply escalating tensions
North Korea fired a missile that flew over Japan and landed in waters off the northern region of Hokkaido early on Tuesday, South Korean and Japanese officials said, marking a sharp escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula
http://www.atimes.com/article/north-korea-fires-missile-japan-sharply-escalating-tensions/
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=208062
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170829_81/
26 AUGUST 2017
North Korea launches three missiles amid US-South Korea military drills
Two of the North’s missiles flew about 250km (155 miles) off the country’s east coast, the US military said, while one appeared to explode almost immediately
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/north-korea-missiles-short-range-donald-trump-kim-jong-un-military-drill-a7913806.html
http://www.euronews.com/2017/08/26/north-korea-fires-several-missiles-into-sea
23 AUGUST 2017
Kim Jong-un’s orders for more ICBMs raise alarms
Concerns are rising that North Korea may be planning more missile provocations over reports Pyongyang has ordered the production of intercontinental ballistic missile components to be increased
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20170823000705
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170823_20/
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2107962/north-koreas-leader-kim-jong-un-orders-production-more-rocket
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3037528
07 AUGUST 2017
Who are North Korea’s trading partners?
Despite being economically isolated, North Korea exports about $3bn worth of products and maintains trade relations chiefly with China, India, Pakistan, Burkina Faso, Russia, Thailand and the Philippines
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/interactive/2017/08/north-korea-trading-partners-170807142149131.html
5 AUGUST 2017
United Nations bans key North Korea exports over missile tests
The U.S.-drafted resolution bans North Korean exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore and seafood. It also prohibits countries from increasing the current numbers of North Korean labourers working abroad, bans new joint ventures with North Korea and any new investment in current joint ventures
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/08/security-council-vote-north-korea-sanctions-170805153043100.html
https://www.un.org/sc/suborg/en/sanctions/1718/resolutions
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40838582
29 JULY 2017
North Korea confirms firing of another missile towards Japan
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said the second flight test of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) demonstrated that his country can hit the US mainland
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/07/north-korea-icbm-test-proves-strike-range-170729042200736.html
http://www.dw.com/en/north-korea-confirms-firing-of-another-missile-towards-japan/a-39879886
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40760583
21 JULY 2017
What sanctions? North Korea economy grows at fastest pace in 17 years
North Korea’s economy grew at its fastest pace in 17 years in 2016, South Korea’s central bank said on Friday, despite the isolated country facing international sanctions aimed at curbing its pursuit of nuclear weapons
http://www.atimes.com/article/sanctions-north-korea-economy-grows-fastest-pace-17-years/
21 JULY 2017
Trump administration bans US travel to North Korea following the death of Otto Warmbier
Americans hankering for a drink at the Pyongyang beer festival or to run the city marathon in October are set to be sorely disappointed by a proposed US government ban on tourism to North Korea
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/21/trump-administration-bans-us-travel-north-korea-following-death/
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-40680500
10 JULY 2017
North Korea’s surprising, lucrative relationship with Africa
North Korea’s commercial relationships are only one sign of the surprisingly close ties many African leaders have with the secretive, highly repressive Asian country
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/analysis-north-koreas-african-connection
8 JULY 2017
US bombers drill near Korea DMZ in show of force
US bombers carried out a rare live fire drill in South Korea on Saturday (July 8), flying close to the DMZ in a show of force after Pyongyang’s latest missile test, the South’s defence ministry said
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/us-bombers-drill-near-korea-dmz-in-show-of-force
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/two-us-bombers-hold-firing-drills-with-south-korean-forces-9015252
4 JULY 2017
North Korea’s missile test: everything you need to know
Missile experts have examined data from the test to analyse whether North Korea’s claim of being able to reach ‘anywhere in the world’ is true
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/04/are-north-koreas-missile-claims-true-and-what-do-they-signify
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-17399847
North Korea claims it has test fired intercontinental ballistic missile – a weapon that ‘could reach Alaska’
North Korea claims to have conducted its first test of an intercontinental ballistic missile, a development that, if confirmed, could move the regime closer to being able to strike the US mainland and dramatically strengthen its hand in negotiations with Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/04/north-korea-launches-ballistic-missile-japans-defence-ministry-says
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/04/donald-trump-attacks-kim-jong-un-twitter-north-koreas-latest/
20 JUNE 2017
North Korea’s Military Capabilities
North Korea has one of the world’s largest conventional military forces, which, combined with its escalating missile and nuclear tests and aggressive rhetoric, has aroused concern worldwide. North Korea spends nearly a quarter of its GDP on its military
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/north-koreas-military-capabilities?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+cfr_main+%28CFR.org+-+Main+Site+Feed%29
14 JUNE 2017
North Korea’ Hidden Cobra group behind eight years of hacks, says US
The US government is issuing a rare alert on the activities of a hacking group it dubs « Hidden Cobra, » saying the group is part of the North Korean government and more attacks are likely
http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/content/north-korean-cyber-group-behind-8-years-attacks-fbi
Chairman of China’s Anbang Insurance reportedly detained
8 JUNE 2017
North Korea launches missile salvo at area where US aircraft carrier fleet had sailed
North Korea has fired a volley of what appeared to be land-to-ship missiles, hours after a senior US official said the regime’s recent advances in missile technology were causing “great concern” in Washington
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jun/08/north-korea-launches-salvo-missiles-tests
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/north-korea-fires-suspected-land-to-ship-missiles-as-south-korea-delays-thaad-8927710
3 JUNE 2017
UNSC adopts resolution sanctioning more North Korean individuals, entities
In a unanimously adopted resolution, the 15-nation council decided to impose travel bans and asset freezes on 14 individuals and put sanctions on two companies, one bank as well as the Strategic Rocket Force of the Korean People’s Army
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=204787
http://www.france24.com/en/20170603-un-security-council-blacklists-north-korea-missile-tests
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/06/un-security-council-expands-north-korea-sanctions-missile-tests/#EiMhLDK0w8yYu8jF.97
27 MAY 2017
North Korean official accuses UN of refusing to discuss alternatives to sanctions
North Korea has slammed UN Security Council resolutions meant to restrict the country’s trade and international financial ties and accused Secretary General Antonio Guterres of ignoring multiple requests from Pyongyang to consider alternatives
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/article/2095906/north-korea-official-blasts-uns-refusal-weigh-alternatives-sanctions?cx_tag=recommend_desktop#cxrecs_s
21 MAY 2017
North Korea’s Unit 180, the cyber warfare cell that worries the West
North Korea’s main spy agency has a special cell called Unit 180 that is likely to have launched some of its most daring and successful cyber attacks, according to defectors, officials and internet security experts
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/north-koreas-unit-180-the-cyber-warfare-cell-that-worries-the-west
North Korea fires another ballistic missile despite sanctions threats
North Korea on Sunday test-fired a ballistic missile, the latest in a series of launches which have sparked international condemnation and threats of tougher UN sanctions
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2095114/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectile-seoul-says
https://japantoday.com/category/world/seoul-says-north-korea-fires-an-unidentified-projectile
18 MAY 2017
Russia launches ferry connection with North Korea
The first ever ferry service linking Russia and North Korea was launched on Thursday, the company operating it said, hoping to serve tourists and North Korean workers
http://eurasiadiary.com/en/news/politics/140803-russia-launches-ferry-connection-with-north-korea
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2017/05/103_229411.html
14 MAY 2017
North Korea test-fires what could be new kind of longer-range missile
Launch on day of China’s ‘belt and road’ summit reflects Pyongyang’s determination to push ahead with its nuclear ambitions, analysts say
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy-defence/article/2094267/china-again-calls-restraint-after-north-korean-missile
http://www.euronews.com/2017/05/14/north-korea-has-fired-a-ballistic-missile-according-to-reports-from-south-korea
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/may/13/north-korea-test-fires-projectile-believed-to-be-ballistic-missile
13 MAY 2017
North Korea open for US talks under ‘right conditions’
Pyongyang would have a dialogue with the Trump administration if the « conditions are there », Yonhap news agency quoted a senior North Korean diplomat, who handles relations with the US, as saying
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/05/north-korea-open-talks-conditions-170513151959644.html
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=203966
5 MAY 2017
North Korea CIA plot to kill Kim Jong-un allegation – full text
North Korea is accusing the US and South Korea of plotting to kill its leader, Kim Jong-un. Here is the full statement from the North Korean ministry of state security
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-39819922
29 APRIL 2017
North Korea conducts second failed ballistic missile launch in two weeks
In strong defiance of sanctions placed against it, North Korea test-fired another ballistic missile on Saturday, its second failed launch in the past fortnight
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/253001658/north-korea-conducts-second-failed-ballistic-missile-launch-in-two-weeks
http://www.arirang.co.kr/News/News_View.asp?nseq=203481
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39750240
11 APRIL 2017
North Korea tells America it’s ready for ‘war’ after the US Navy makes ‘reckless’ show of force
North Korea has denounced the US deployment of a naval strike group to the region, warning it is ready for « war » as Washington tightens the screws on the nuclear-armed state
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/11/south-korea-warns-north-provocations-us-navy-group-approaches/
http://www.dw.com/en/north-korea-denounces-us-naval-deployment-in-west-pacific/a-38376046
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/trump-says-us-ready-to-solve-n-korea-problem-without-china/3670130.html
5 APRIL 2017
North Korea launches ballistic missile ahead of Xi-Trump summit
North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan at 6:42 a.m. on Wednesday from the eastern coastal region of Sinpo. The missile flew about 60km before hitting the water, according to the South Korean military
http://asia.nikkei.com/Politics-Economy/International-Relations/North-Korea-launches-ballistic-missile-ahead-of-Xi-Trump-summit
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/04/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-sea-japan-170405005900793.html
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/news/252690136/north-korea-makes-itself-heard-as-trump-xi-prepare-to-meet-reclusive-nation-fires-another-ballistic-missile
22 MARCH 2017
North Korean missile explodes seconds after launch
A North Korean missile fired Wednesday morning exploded within seconds of launch, the South Korean and U.S. militaries said, a reassuring sign for those worried about the speed at which North Korea’s weapons program has been progressing
http://www.dw.com/en/latest-north-korean-missile-test-fails-seoul/a-38060304
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/22/north-korea-missile-test-failure
19 MARCH 2017
North Korea tests new rocket engine, which can be repurposed for use in missiles
North Korea has tested a powerful new rocket engine, state media said Sunday, with leader Kim Jong-un hailing the successful test as a “new birth” for the nation’s rocket industry
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/2080244/north-korea-tests-new-rocket-engine-which-can-be-repurposed-use
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20170319_12/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/19/north-korea-rocket-test-overheated-relations-with-us-rex-tillerson-kim-jong-un
6 MARCH 2017
North Korea fires four ballistic missiles into Sea of Japan
North Korea launched four missiles Monday morning, a provocative barrage that coincided both with joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises on the southern half of the peninsula and with the opening of the annual National People’s Congress in China
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/north-korea-launches-another-missile-perhaps-one-that-can-reach-us/2017/03/05/943010ee-96e2-4ff4-83aa-2fe09cd65831_story.html?utm_term=.7eaf5c96a8f9
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/05/asia/north-korea-projectile/index.html
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/mar/06/north-korea-fires-unidentified-projectile-into-sea-of-japan
25 FEBRUARY 2017
Plans for first post-Trump US contact with North Korea cancelled, says report
Plans for the first contact between North Korea and the United States after Donald Trump took office have reportedly been cancelled after the US state department denied a visa for the top envoy from Pyongyang
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/25/plans-for-first-post-trump-us-contact-with-north-korea-cancelled-says-report
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2017/02/n-korean-envoy-denied-visa-first-talks-trump-administration-cancelled/
14 FEBRUARY 2017
North Korean leader’s half-brother killed by ‘poison needles’ in Malaysia
Kim Jong-nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, has been killed at an airport in Malaysia after being sprayed in the face by an unidentified liquid, police have said
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/14/kim-jong-uns-older-brother-killed-north-korean-spies-poison1/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2017/feb/14/north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-brother-dies-in-malaysia-video-report
http://www.atimes.com/kim-jong-nam-murdered-poisoned-needles/
13 FEBRUARY 2017
International community condemns DPRK’s missile test-firing
The international community has generally denounced the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its latest test-launch of a ballistic missile on Sunday
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2017-02/13/c_136053978.htm
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/02/korea-declares-ballistic-missile-test-success-170213085718539.html
12 FEBRUARY 2017
North Korea fires ballistic missile, challenging Trump
North Korea test-fired a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan on Sunday in what appeared to be a move timed to follow the first summit between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump in Washington
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/251655179
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/12/north-korea-shoots-missile-500km-in-show-of-force-to-trump-says-south
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/north-korea-tests-ballistic-missile-does-not-appear-to-be-icbm/3512368.html
3 FEBRUARY 2017
North Korean spy chief sacked in latest purge, says South Korea
The head of North Korea’s spy agency has become the most senior victim of another round of apparent purges ordered by the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, South Korean officials have said
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/feb/03/north-korean-spy-chief-sacked-in-latest-purge-says-south-korea
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/02/03/kim-jong-un-dismisses-head-spy-agency-south-korea-says/
18 DECEMBER 2016
Successfully consolidating power, Kim Jong Un marks five years as leader of North Korea
Taking over from his father, whose demise was observed at monuments and center plazas across the the nation, Kim has consolidated power over the last five years, especially with the execution of his powerful uncle and the purges that ensued
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/250283015
24 SEPTEMBER 2016
North Korea air show thumbs nose at sanctions
Just weeks after carrying out its fifth nuclear test, North Korea put on an unprecedented civilian and military air force display Saturday (Sep 24) at the country’s first ever public aviation show
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/north-korea-air-show-thumbs-nose-at-sanctions/3152704.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160924_20/
24 AUGUST 2016
North Korea fires submarine-launched ballistic missile towards Japan
North Korea fired a submarine-launched missile on Wednesday that flew about 500 km (311 miles) towards Japan, a show of improving technological capability for the isolated country that has conducted a series of launches in defiance of UN sanctions
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/north-korea-fires-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile-towards-japan
http://www.dw.com/en/north-korea-launches-ballistic-missile-from-submarine/a-19496546
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/aug/24/north-korea-tests-submarine-launched-ballistic-missile
17 AUGUST 2016
Top North Korean diplomat defects from London embassy
A top North Korean diplomat in London has defected because he is “sick and tired of Kim Jong-un’s regime”, according to a spokesman for the South Korean government
https://asiancorrespondent.com/2016/08/top-north-korean-diplomat-defects-london-embassy/
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/08/17/world/north-korea-diplomat-defects/index.html
3 AUGUST 2016
North Korea fires missile into Japan waters for first time
North Korea fired a ballistic missile directly into Japanese-controlled waters for the first time Wednesday (Aug 3), drawing an outraged response from Tokyo and ramping up tensions with the United States and South Korea
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/north-korea-fires-ballistic-missile-report
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36961395
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/246385091
19 JULY 2016
Pyongyang fires 3 missiles in protest of Thaad
Pyongyang fired three ballistic missiles early Tuesday into the East Sea, possibly in protest against Seoul and Washington’s decision to deploying an advanced missile defense system to South Korea
http://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/article/article.aspx?aid=3021519
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2016/07/116_209821.html
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20160719_80/
9 JULY 2016
A North Korea’s submarine-launched missile test ‘fails’
North Korea fired a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) off its east coast on Saturday, but the missile failed in its initial flight stage, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-07/09/content_15460516.html
https://www.nknews.org/2016/07/north-korea-fires-sub-launched-ballistic-missile/
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/national/2016/07/09/86/0301000000AEN20160709002253315F.html
6 JULY 2016
US sanctions N. Korean leader Kim Jong Un for rights abuses
The United States has imposed sanctions on North Korea’s top officials, including its leader Kim Jong Un, for human rights abuses. It is the first time the US has held Kim directly responsible for extreme rights abuses
http://www.dw.com/en/us-sanctions-n-korean-leader-kim-jong-un-for-rights-abuses/a-19384516
http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/northkorea/2016/07/06/0401000000AEN20160706013754315.html
23 JUNE 2016
North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un says new missile can strike US military bases in the Pacific
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened United States military bases across the Pacific after North Korea’s test of a powerful new missile triggered emergency United Nations Security Council talks late Wednesday (June 22) on curbing Pyongyang’s nuclear programme.
http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/north-koreas-leader-kim-jong-un-says-new-missile-can-strike-us-military-bases-in-the
22 JUNE 2016
North Korea carries out two banned mid-range ‘Musudan ballistic’ missile tests
North Korea conducted two back-to-back tests of a powerful new medium-range missile on Wednesday, with at least one launch ending in failure, South Korea’s Defence Ministry said.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/06/21/north-korea-test-fires-musudan-ballistic-missile/
http://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/1979187/north-korea-fires-two-powerful-mid-range-missiles-extending
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-06-22/north-korea-carries-out-two-backtoback-musudan-missile-tests-south-korea-says/1592454
7 JUNE 2016
The North Korea-Cuba Connection
Havana’s continued cooperation with Pyongyang is an alarming blow to the normalization process.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/06/the-north-korea-cuba-connection/
31 MAY 2016
North Korea’s fourth Musudan missile launch fails: South
North Korea launched a Musudan intermediate-range ballistic missile early Tuesday morning, but the launch ended in failure, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) and military sources said
http://atimes.com/2016/05/japan-puts-military-on-alert-for-possible-north-korea-missile-launch-nhk/
21 MAY 2016
North Korea’s Complicated Relationship With the Gulf
North Korea has had a relatively short and somewhat complicated relationship with the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)http://www.fairobserver.com/region/middle_east_north_africa/north-koreas-complicated-relationship-gulf-99077/
Top North Korean diplomat Kang Sok-ju who forged 1994 nuclear deal with the U.S. dies
Kang Sok-ju, a senior official of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has died of cancer at the age of 76, the official Korean Central News Agency reported Saturday.
http://www.asiapacificstar.com/index.php/sid/244265975
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-05/21/content_15436688.html
9 MAY 2016
Kim Jong-un is made chairman of Workers’ Party
North Korea on Monday 9 named Kim Jong-un as chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), in a move to further cement his grip on power. Kim’s appointment came on the last day of the Communist country’s biggest political gathering, held for the first time in 36 years, with over 3,000 participants unanimously supporting the motion
http://worldaffairsjournal.org/content/kim-jong-un-made-chairman-workers%E2%80%99-party
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/north-korea-stages-second/2773726.html
7 MAY 2016
Nobel laureates call for easing of sanctions on North Korea
During a week-long trip, three renowned scientists have seen for themselves the impact of international sanctions on North Korea. They say the quality of medical care and academic research has been weakened
http://www.dw.com/en/nobel-laureates-call-for-easing-of-sanctions-on-north-korea/a-19241661
https://sg.news.yahoo.com/nobel-laureates-call-easing-north-korea-sanctions-105940610.html?nhp=1
6 MAY 2016
North Korean leader trumpets nuclear program at congress
In the first congress of the ruling Workers’ Party in 36 years, he added that North Korea had had taken « magnificent » strides in its nuclear weapons program and would not be cowed by sanctions or international pressure
http://www.dw.com/en/north-korean-leader-trumpets-nuclear-program-at-congress/a-19240589
http://www.euronews.com/2016/05/06/north-korea-kicks-off-congress-but-foreign-invitees-refused-entry/
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/07/world/asia/north-korea-congress.html?ref=world&referer=http:/www.nytimes.com/pages/world/index.html?action=click&pgtype=Homepage®ion=TopBar&module=HPMiniNav&contentCollection=World&WT.nav=page&nytmobile=0&_r=0
24 MARCH 2016
North Korea claims successful solid-fuel rocket engine test
North Korea said Thursday that it had successfully conducted a high-powered, solid-fuel rocket engine test, which if confirmed would be a major step forward in boosting its missile attack capability against South Korea and the United States.
https://www.yahoo.com/tech/north-korea-claims-more-progress-050215879.html
https://www.nknews.org/2016/03/north-korea-conducts-solid-missile-fuel-test/
19 MARCH 2016
U.N. Security Council condemns North Korea missile launches
The United Nations Security Council strongly condemned on Friday North Korea’s recent ballistic missile launches and U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon called on Pyongyang to « halt these inflammatory and escalatory actions. »
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/asia/korean_peninsula/AJ201603190010
http://edition.cnn.com/2016/03/17/asia/north-korea-missile-launch/index.html
16 MARCH 2016
White House demands release of US student sentenced to 15 years hard labour in North Korea
The White House has urged North Korea to release a US student who was condemned to 15 years hard labour after allegedly stealing a propaganda sign from a hotel.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/12196295/White-House-demands-release-of-US-student-sentenced-to-15-years-hard-labour-in-North-Korea.html
12 MARCH 2016
North Korea submarine ‘missing’ as US-South Korea drills continue
A North Korean People’s Navy submarine is missing and presumed sunk, a U.S. official told USNI News on Friday
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35793980
http://atimes.com/2016/03/us-official-north-korean-submarine-is-missing-presumed-sunk/
3 MARCH 2016
North Korea fires 6 short-range projectiles in wake of UN resolution
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) fired six short-range projectiles on Thursday morning in an apparent show of force after new tougher sanctions resolution on Pyongyang was passed at the UN Security Council
http://www.globaltimes.cn/content/971652.shtml
http://news.asiaone.com/news/asia/north-korea-fires-short-range-missiles-after-new-un-sanctions
21 FEBRUARY 2016
North Korea new army chief after Ri Yong-gil ‘execution’
Ri Myong-su has been named army chief in North Korea, days after unconfirmed reports that his predecessor, Ri Yong-gil, had been executed.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35624820
http://atimes.com/2016/02/north-korea-confirms-new-military-chief-after-execution-of-top-official/
10 FEBRUARY 2016
South Korea halts joint venture after North’s tests
South Korea is to suspend operations at a jointly-run industrial park in North Korea following the North’s recent rocket launch and nuclear test.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35539346
http://news.yahoo.com/korea-suspend-operations-joint-kaesong-industrial-park-n-082439165.html
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/south-korean-firms-begin/2505228.html
Japan announces new sanctions on Pyongyang
Japan has decided to impose more sanctions against North Korea following the country’s launch of what it called a satellite-carrying rocket on Sunday. The launch is seen by the international community as a long-range ballistic missile test
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160210_38.html
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/japan-slap-sanctions-north-korea-rocket-160210112644465.html
9 FEBRUARY 2016
North Korean satellite is in orbit, say Seoul and Washington
North Korea was successful in putting a satellite into orbit on Sunday, although it is not clear whether it is working, according to South Korea’s defence ministry
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/12147588/North-Korean-satellite-is-in-orbit-says-Seoul.html
http://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20160209000046
7 FEBRUARY 2016
UN Security Council ‘strongly condemns’ N. Korea rocket launch
« The members of the Security Council strongly condemn this launch, » read a statement presented by Venezuela’s UN Ambassador Rafael Ramiriez, who sits as the council’s president for February.
http://www.dw.com/en/un-security-council-strongly-condemns-n-korea-rocket-launch/a-19032563
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-35518058
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/hold-emergency-summit-korea-rocket-launch-160207144308489.html
4 FEBRUARY 2016
DPRK ruling party convenes meeting to rout corruption
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un presided over a meeting of senior ruling party officials aimed at rooting out corruption and abuses of power ahead of a major congress to be held in May, its state media reported Thursday, calling the gathering the first of its kind.
http://www.chinadailyasia.com/asia/2016-02/04/content_15382933.html
8 JANUARY 2016
North Korea releases video of ‘new’ submarine-launched missile test
North Korea has released video footage of a purportedly new submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) test, three days after it claimed it had successfully tested its first hydrogen bomb
http://www.radioaustralia.net.au/international/2016-01-09/north-korea-releases-video-of-new-submarinelaunched-missile-test/1534114
http://www.euronews.com/2016/01/09/north-korea-releases-video-of-missile-test/
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20160109_24.html
7 JANUARY 2016
Why sanctions have failed to deter North Korea
As the UN considers imposing more sanctions on North Korea following its latest nuclear test, DW examines how effective such measures have been in deterring Pyongyang from advancing its nuclear arms program.
http://www.dw.com/en/why-sanctions-have-failed-to-deter-north-korea/a-18966019