Kim Yo-jong strikes conciliatory tone again over Seoul's regret on drone incursions SEOUL, February 19 (AJP) - Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, once again struck a positive note toward South Korea. In a statement carried on Thursday by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said she "highly appreciates" South Korea's Unification Minister Chung Dong-young's expression of regret the previous day over drones allegedly sent by civilians to the North, as well as his pledge to prevent a recurrence. It was Ki February 19, 2026

North Korea urges South Korea to prevent recurrence of drone incursions SEOUL, February 13 (AJP) - North Korea on Friday urged South Korea to take measures to prevent a "recurrence" of what Pyongyang says was a drone incursion into its airspace. "I give advance warning that reoccurrence of such provocation as violating the inalienable sovereignty of the will surely provoke a terrible response," said Kim Yo-jong, the sister of the reclusive country's leader Kim Jong-un, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency February 13, 2026

North Korean leader vows stronger military role over next five years ahead of key party congress SEOUL, February 9 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised the "victorious journey" of the country's military, state media reported on Monday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim attended an event marking the 78th anniversary of the military's founding the previous day along with top Workers' Party officials and senior military brass. Kim said, "In looking back upon the victorious journey of our army over the past t February 9, 2026

Pyongyang highlights military role in national development on army anniversary SEOUL, February 08 (AJP) - North Korea has marked the 78th anniversary of the founding of its armed forces on February 8, with state media calling for the military to guarantee national prosperity ahead of a major political gathering. The Workers' Party of Korea is scheduled to hold its ninth congress in Pyongyang later this month. The event, held every five years, is the highest decision-making body of the state and is expected to outline new development goals while reinfor February 8, 2026

Satellite images suggest North Korean troops rehearse military parade SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - Hundreds of North Korean soldiers were seen "practicing marching formations" in Pyongyang, in what appeared to be preparations for a military parade, according to 38 North, a website formerly run by Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Based on an analysis of Planet Labs' commercial satellite images showing "formations of the hammer, sickle, and brush symbol" of the isolated country's Wo February 3, 2026

North Korean leader highlights 'rural revolution' during on-site inspection SEOUL, February 3 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un stressed the modernization of rural areas, state media reported on Tuesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim visited a dairy farm in North Pyongan Province for its grand opening the previous day and emphasized his development drive for the "rural revolution." He was quoted as saying that the country's rural areas are "undergoing changes one after another to present a ne February 3, 2026

North Korea 'tests upgraded multiple rocket launcher system' SEOUL, January 28 (AJP) - North Korea has test-fired an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS), state media reported on Wednesday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, the test, conducted the previous day, was intended to "verify the effectiveness of a renewed large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system which employed new technology." With its leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, accompanied by key military officials, Tu January 28, 2026

North Korea fires projectiles toward East Sea SEOUL, January 27 (AJP) - North Korea fired what is believed to be ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Tuesday. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected "unidentified projectiles" launched by North Korea later in the day but did not provide further details. The JCS is currently analyzing them. The North's provocation came about a month after it ushered in the New Year with a missile launch on Jan. 4. as South President Lee Jae Myung was set to leave fo January 27, 2026

North Korean hackers 'spread malware through Google, Naver ads' SEOUL, January 19 (AJP) - A hacking group believed to be linked to North Korea has spread malware through ads on Google and Naver. According to an analysis by South Korean cybersecurity firm Genians on Monday, Konni, suspected to be part of APT37, a North Korean state-sponsored cyber espionage group, used online advertising networks to launch cyberattacks by covertly routing users through malicious intermediary web links before landing them on advertisers' websites. Under January 19, 2026

Kim Jong-un hails North Korean troops deployed to Russia at Pyongyang youth event SEOUL, January 17 (AJP) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-un praised North Korean troops deployed to Russia, calling their participation something "only young Korean people could do," state media reported Saturday. According to the state-run Korean Central News Agency, Kim made the remarks on Friday while attending a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Socialist Patriotic Youth League at Kim Il Sung Stadium in Pyongyang. "Present here are also January 17, 2026