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Revised party rules tighten North Korean leader's grip on power, think tank says SEOUL, September 3 (AJP) - North Korea has revised the rules governing its ruling Workers' Party to solidify leader Kim Jong-un's power and streamline decision-making structures for wartime and other similar emergencies, according to an analysis revealed by South Korea's Institute for National Security Strategy at a press briefing in Seoul on Thursday. The institute said the revisions, adopted at the party's ninth congress in February, further strengthened Kim& September 3, 2026

Daughter seen as North Korea's Kim successor, spy agency SEOUL, September 1 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's daughter Ju-ae appears to be moving closer to formally becoming his successor, South Korea's spy agency said Tuesday, citing her increasing frequency and prominence in state media. During a closed-door briefing to the National Assembly's intelligence committee, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) offered the assessment amid growing speculation over North Korea's succession plans, fueled by Ju-ae's i September 1, 2026
Seoul spy agency says Trump-Kim summit possible at any time SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - South Korea’s intelligence agency said Tuesday that a summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could take place at any time, pointing to signs that the two sides may be moving toward renewed dialogue. The National Intelligence Service (NIS) made the assessment during a closed-door meeting of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, according to lawmakers Yoon Kun-young of the ruling Democratic Party and Yoo September 1, 2026
White House explores steps for possible Trump-Kim deal SEOUL, September 01 (AJP) - The White House has asked the U.S. agency responsible for recovering missing service members to outline steps it could take in preparation for possible talks with North Korea. Kelly McKeague, director of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), said Monday that his agency had been asked to outline what could realistically be done in the event of an agreement between Trump and Kim. McKeague made the remarks during a virtual discussion hosted by the September 1, 2026
U.S. reaffirms commitment to North Korea's complete denuclearization SEOUL, August 27 (AJP) - The Trump administration has reaffirmed that the United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea, clarifying its policy after President Donald Trump recently declined to say whether denuclearization remained his goal in seeking renewed talks with Pyongyang. “The United States remains committed to the complete denuclearization of North Korea,” a State Department spokesperson said Wednesday in response to a question August 27, 2026
North Korea deploys drone operators among 8,500 troops in Russia, Ukraine says SEOUL, August 22 (AJP) - North Korea has deployed about 8,500 troops to Russia, including hundreds of drone operators who could conduct reconnaissance and strikes against targets inside Ukraine, according to a senior Ukrainian intelligence official. Maj. Gen. Vadym Skibitskiy, deputy head of Ukraine's military intelligence agency, told CNN that the North Korean contingent is deployed mainly in Russia's Kursk region and includes about 1,000 engineers and demining personnel as August 22, 2026
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles as US-South Korea exercise winds down SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - North Korea fired a dozen ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, as the annual U.S.-South Korea military exercise neared an early end following U.S. President Donald Trump's order to scale it back, while Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a two-day visit to Seoul. The Joint Chiefs of Staff here said it detected about 10 short-range ballistic missiles launched at around 5 p.m. and that military authorities were analyzing their types, August 20, 2026
Will Trump's joint drill reduction revive talks with North Korean leader? SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt call to scale back a joint military exercise with South Korea has quickly moved from presidential rhetoric to security concerns, amid growing signs that he is seeking another face-to-face meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise (UFS), which began earlier this week and was originally scheduled to run for 11 days through Aug. 27, is being cut to five days and end on Friday. August 20, 2026
Trump seeks talks with North Korean leader as Pyongyang remains skeptical SEOUL, August 20 (AJP) - U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he expects to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year. When asked whether he expects to meet Kim, Trump told reporters at the White House, "Yeah, I will be." But he did not provide details about when or where the meeting could take place. Trump also said North Korea has "57 very powerful nuclear weapons," while reiterating his "good" relationship with Kim. But th August 20, 2026
North Korea warns of decisive response to US-South Korea joint military drills SEOUL, August 19 (AJP) - North Korea would decisively respond to military threats posed by its enemies, referring to the ongoing joint military exercise between the U.S. and South Korea, state media reported on Wednesday. In a commentary carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), North Korea said its "right to self-defense" would be exercised "clearly" through what it described as "advanced new power" to "fully neutralize militar August 19, 2026