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Tag: Kim Jong Un

  • Why Kim Jong-un travels with his own toilet to battle biometric espionage

    Why Kim Jong-un travels with his own toilet to battle biometric espionage

    By David D. Lee

    When North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rose from his chair after a two-hour meeting with Vladimir Putin in Beijing last week, aides swooped in almost instantly, polishing the table and scrubbing the seat he had just occupied.

    The bizarre spectacle was not just political theatre or a quirk of the supreme leader’s personality, analysts say; it was an act of counter-intelligence.

    Kim travelled to Beijing for China’s Victory Day parade, the first occasion the North Korean leader has been seen in public alongside Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping. But while the cameras captured a trilateral show of strength, they also recorded a smaller drama: Kim’s staff carefully wiping down a chair and coffee table he had just used.

    Their choreography appeared to confirm long-circulating accounts of Pyongyang’s extraordinary biometric security measures.

    Days earlier, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported that Kim had brought his own toilet aboard his armoured train to prevent his bodily waste from falling into foreign hands – a precaution he has previously deployed at summits with US and South Korean leaders.

    David D. Lee attended the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. He has covered social issues, popular culture and the political arena as a reporter in the US, Israel and South Korea. David currently works as a freelance reporter in Seoul, where he enjoys runs at the Han River and frequently goes searching for trendy cafes in the alleyways of the city.

  • Why Kim Jong-un’s military parade presence could signal a China-North Korea realignment

    Why Kim Jong-un’s military parade presence could signal a China-North Korea realignment

    By Shi Jiangtao and Laura Zhou

    North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s coming visit to China – his first in over six years – for a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II could reinvigorate Beijing-Pyongyang ties and signal a broader strategic realignment, according to observers.

    For the first time, Kim will appear alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on September 3, in what analysts said would be a rare show of unity and a calculated act of defiance against US-led pressure.

    China’s foreign ministry and North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency confirmed the visit on Thursday, but neither disclosed the trip’s duration or itinerary.

    Source :SCMP

  • Kim Jong-un weeps for North Korea’s Ukraine war dead in display of calculated grief

    Kim Jong-un weeps for North Korea’s Ukraine war dead in display of calculated grief

    By Park Chan-kyong

    For the first time since its founding in 1948, North Korea has openly acknowledged the deaths of its soldiers fighting on foreign soil with a carefully staged ceremony that analysts say betrays supreme leader Kim Jong-un’s deepening domestic anxieties.

    Kim embraced weeping children, affixed medals to portraits of the dead and even appeared to wipe away tears as he honoured more than 100 North Korean troops killed in Russia’s war at the event on Friday.

    Though 101 portraits were visible in the footage, state media did not confirm how many soldiers had been killed.

    Calling the fallen “great heroes and patriots”, Kim singled out soldiers who had taken their own lives rather than risk capture, praising them for their “morality”. His remarks echoed the testimony of former North Korean prisoners of war, who have described being indoctrinated to view capture as treason.

    State television devoted a full day of programming to the sacrifices of troops deployed to the conflict, including graphic battlefield footage that was broadcast late into the night. The images showed soldiers writhing in pain and trading fire with Ukrainian drones, as the narration recounted several cases of troops detonating their own grenades to avoid capture.

    Source : SCMP

  • North Korea detains four officials over naval destroyer debacle

    North Korea detains four officials over naval destroyer debacle

    North Korean authorities have detained four officials after the launch of a naval destroyer ended in failure last week, its state media reported, in a debacle that the country’s dictator Kim Jong-un said was caused by “criminal negligence”.

    Kim, who attended the event on Wednesday in the northeastern port of Chongjin, was said to be furious after the launch of the pariah state’s second naval destroyer was marred by an accident and lost its balance.

    Satellite imagery showed the vessel toppled over and draped in blue covers, with parts of the warship submerged.

    It is unusual for Pyongyang to acknowledge military-related setbacks and publicly punish officials over them, with analysts saying it reflects how serious Kim is about North Korea’s naval modernisation.

    Soon after the embarrassing incident, Kim blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for the botched launch, labelling it a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism”.

    The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that authorities detained Ri Hyong-son, vice director of the munitions industry department at the ruling Workers Party’s Central Committee, who said it was “greatly responsible” for the failed launch.

    Three other officials – the chief engineer, head of the hull construction workshop and deputy manager for administrative affairs – were also detained, it reported, while the shipyard manager was called in for questioning.

    Wednesday’s incident followed the successful launch of North Korea’s first naval destroyer last month, with Kim hailing its construction “a breakthrough” in modernising North Korea’s navy.

    State media reported that the ship – the country’s most advanced – is designed to carry modern weapons including nuclear missiles.

    South Korean officials said the warship, named the Choe Hyon, was likely built with the aid of Russia. Kim has presented his efforts to develop Pyongyang’s military capabilities as crucial in repelling perceived threats from the US and its regional allies.

    Despite publicly detaining officials and Kim’s outraged reaction to last week’s incident, North Korea denied the second destroyer suffered major damage and claimed on Friday that it would require 10 days to be repaired, though commentators said it was likely to be downplaying the damage.

  • North Korea’s Second Naval Destroyer Is Damaged in a Failed Launch Attended by Kim

    North Korea’s Second Naval Destroyer Is Damaged in a Failed Launch Attended by Kim

    SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea’s second naval destroyer was damaged in a failed launch this week, state media reported Thursday, sparking fury from leader Kim Jong Un, who wants bigger warships to deal with what he calls escalating U.S.-led threats against his country.

    It’s not common for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks, but observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests that Kim is serious about his naval advancement program and confident of ultimately achieving that objective.

    During a launching event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday, the newly built 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

    KCNA didn’t provide details on what caused the problem, the severity of the damage or whether anyone was injured.

    According to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” Kim called for a ruling Workers’ Party meeting slated for late June to address their “irresponsible errors.”

    During a launching event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday, the newly built 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

    KCNA didn’t provide details on what caused the problem, the severity of the damage or whether anyone was injured.

    According to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.” Kim called for a ruling Workers’ Party meeting slated for late June to address their “irresponsible errors.”

    State media described that ship as designed to carry weapons systems including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year and later supervised test-firings of missiles from the warship.

    Satellite photos show the partially submerged destroyer

    Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC seen by The Associated Press appeared to show the vessel rolled onto its side, positioned diagonally from the dock, with most of its hull submerged and draped in blue covers.

    Earlier commercial satellite images indicated that the country was building its second destroyer at a shipyard in Chongjin.

    Beyond Parallel, a website run by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said the satellite imagery of Chongjin’s Hambuk shipyard on May 12 showed that a second vessel in the Choe Hyon-class of guided missile destroyers was under construction.

    A report by the North Korea-focused 38 North website assessed last week that the destroyer in Chongjin was being prepared to be launched sideways from the quay, a method that has been rarely used in North Korea. The report said the previous destroyer launched at the western shipyard of Nampo, in contrast, used a floating dry dock.

    South Korean officials and experts say the Choe Hyon destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance as the two countries’ military partnerships are booming. While North Korea’s naval forces are considered far inferior to those of its rivals, analysts say the destroyer with nuclear-capable missiles and an advanced radar system would still enhance the North’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

    Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and South Korea, which have been expanding joint military exercises in response to the North’s advancing nuclear program. He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening the North Korean navy.

    Hours after releasing the report on the damaged destroyer, North Korea test-fired multiple cruise missiles from an area about 300 kilometers (185 miles) south of Chongjin, according to South Korea’s military. The launches were a continuation of a streak of weapons-testing activities by North Korea in recent years. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches were being analyzed by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.

    Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

  • North Korea’s Kim visits Russian embassy as his generals meet Putin

    North Korea’s Kim visits Russian embassy as his generals meet Putin

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a rare visit to Russia’s embassy in Pyongyang with his daughter on Friday (9 May) and reaffirmed “the invincible alliance” between the two countries, while Russia’s leader greeted North Korean generals in Moscow.

    Congratulating Russia on the 80th anniversary of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, Kim said North Korea would “consolidate and develop the long tradition of the DPRK-Russia relations, the noble ideological foundation and the invincible alliance”, state-run KCNA reported.

    Kim has taken his young daughter to a variety of events recently, part of what South Korean intelligence views as plans for her to succeed her father.

    North Korea’s unprecedented deployment of thousands of troops, as well as huge amounts of artillery ammunition and missiles, has helped Russia push back a Ukrainian incursion into its western Kursk region. It has also brought North Korea and Russia – both economically and politically isolated – closer.

    More than three years after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia is marking the World War Two anniversary with a military parade attended by China’s Xi Jinping.

    In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin greeted North Korean army generals with handshakes after hosting the parade.

    Putin embraced Kim Yong Bok, a three-star general who is considered to be a key figure overseeing North Korea’s troop deployment to Russia. Kim is subject to sanctions by the United States, South Korea and the European Union.

    “All of the best wishes to all of your warriors,” Putin said in video footage of their encounter.

    Kim responded to Putin by thanking him for his “high evaluation.”

    With Kim was Sin Kum Chol, another general blacklisted by the South Korean government over involvement in the war in Ukraine.

    About 600 North Korean troops have been killed fighting for Russia against Ukraine out of a total deployment of 15,000, according to the South Korean intelligence.

    In return, Pyongyang appears to have received technical assistance on satellites, as well as drones and anti-aircraft missiles, South Korea has said.

    Pyongyang and Moscow have denied the weapons trade, although the two countries have confirmed the deployment of North Korean troops on the frontlines in Russia’s Kursk region.

  • North Korea’s Kim Jong Un leads missile test, stresses nuclear force readiness, KCNA says

    North Korea’s Kim Jong Un leads missile test, stresses nuclear force readiness, KCNA says

    SEOUL, May 9 (Reuters) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a test of a short-range ballistic missile and long-range artillery on Thursday and stressed the importance of combat readiness of the country’s nuclear forces, state media reported on Friday.

    The test, which also included an inspection of the operational reliability of its “nuclear trigger” system, was designed to ensure the rapid response posture to counter the sensitive regional military climate, KCNA news agency said.

    South Korea and Japan on Thursday reported multiple ballistic missiles were fired from North Korea’s east coast in what was believed to be a performance test of short-range missiles that had been already deployed.

    KCNA said the 600 mm multiple launch rocket systems and tactical ballistic missile Hwasong-11 were mobilised for the test.

    Hwasong-11 is known internationally as KN-23, a series of the North’s short-range ballistic missiles that Ukraine and Western officials have said were being supplied to Russia and used by Moscow to strike Ukraine.

    Ahead of the missile launches, there was an inspection of a nuclear defense system, dubbed by the North as “nuclear trigger”, KCNA said.

    “Kim Jong Un said that it is very important to steadily perfect the normal combat readiness of the nuclear force” to deter war and fight war, ” KCNA said.

    “He said that the DPRK should continue to direct efforts to steadily improving the long-range precision striking capability and efficiency of weapons systems,” KCNA said, using the short form for the country’s official name.

    A South Korean military official and an analyst said Thursday’s missile launches were was likely to test the performance of a short-range missile arsenal, possibly to upgrade them for export.

  • North Korea’s Kim seeks to shore up nuclear force, oversees missile test, KCNA says

    North Korea’s Kim seeks to shore up nuclear force, oversees missile test, KCNA says

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered accelerated production to strengthen the country’s nuclear force more rapidly, on the same day he oversaw a test of tactical ballistic missiles with new guidance system, state media KCNA said on Saturday.

    While visiting an arms factory on Friday, Kim made the production order “to cope with …the enemies’ reckless military confrontation” and bolster nuclear war deterrence, KCNA said.

    This way, the enemy would be afraid of North Korea’s nuclear combat posture, Kim added.

    North Korea fired a number of short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast on Friday, South Korea’s military had said. Kim expressed satisfaction with the successful missile test featuring an autonomous navigation system, KCNA said.

    Friday’s launches came a day after the US and South Korea conducted joint drills with stealth fighter jets simulating air combat.

  • Kim Jong Un’s Sister Declares: North Korea to Forge Unrivaled Military Might

    Kim Jong Un’s Sister Declares: North Korea to Forge Unrivaled Military Might

    SEOUL, April 24 (Reuters) – Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the country will continue to build overwhelming and the strongest military power to protect its sovereignty and regional peace, the North’s KCNA news agency reported on Wednesday.

    Kim said a series of military exercises by the U.S. military in the region this year starting with live-fire drills conducted with the “South Korean puppet military gangsters” are driving the regional security environment into a dangerous turmoil.

    “We will continue to build overwhelming and the most powerful military power to safeguard our sovereignty, security and regional peace,” KCNA quoted her as saying.

    The U.S. and South Korean militaries have been conducted a range of drills with greater scale and intensity in recent months under a pledge by the two countries’ leaders to upgrade military readiness against North Korea’s military threats.

    About 100 military aircraft conducted two-week-long aerial drills this month, according to South Korea’s military.

    North Korea says U.S. military exercises are preparations for a nuclear war against it. Washington and Seoul say the drills are defensive in nature and regularly conducted to maintain readiness.

  • North Korea’s Kim Jong Un receives car as gift from Putin

    North Korea’s Kim Jong Un receives car as gift from Putin

    North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has received a car from Russia’s President Vladimir Putin as a gift “for his personal use”, official media reported on Tuesday, in what could be a violation of U.N. ban that Moscow had agreed to adopt against Pyongyang.

    The two countries have forged closer ties since Kim and Putin met in September and pledged to promote exchanges in all areas as their international isolation deepened over Russia’s war in Ukraine and North Korea’s nuclear weapons development.

    The Russian-made car was delivered to Kim’s top aides by the Russian side on Feb. 18, official KCNA news agency said.

    Kim’s sister “courteously conveyed Kim Jong Un’s thanks to Putin to the Russian side, saying that the gift serves as a clear demonstration of the special personal relations between the top leaders,” KCNA said.

    South Korea’s foreign ministry said it was closely monitoring the cooperation between Russia and North Korea while urging both countries to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions.

    “Security Council sanctions on North Korea prohibit directly or indirectly supplying, selling or moving all transportation vehicles internationally categorized as HS Code 86 through to 89 regardless of their origin to North Korea including luxury cars,” ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk told a media briefing.

    Kremlin’s spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russia’s RIA state news agency that the Korean leader received an Aurus car.

    According to the carmaker’s website, the car is Russia’s first full-size luxury sedan. It is also Putin’s presidential car. In September, while visiting Russia’s space launch station in the far east, Kim inspected the Aurus Senat limousine and was invited by the Russian leader to climb into the back seat.

    Kim himself drove to the site in a Maybach limousine brought onboard a special train he travelled in from Pyongyang.

    Kim is believed to be an avid automobile enthusiast and has a large collection of luxury foreign vehicles, which are likely smuggled in.

    The Maybach and others he had been seen in including several Mercedes limousines, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and a Lexus sports utility vehicle fall under luxury goods that U.N. Security Council resolutions ban from export to North Korea.

    North Korea is believed to be supplying artillery, rockets and ballistic missiles to Russia for use in the war against Ukraine.

    The Kremlin has not denied nor confirmed its use of North Korean-made weapons. North Korea denies the accusation of arms shipment to Russia, which would also be violations of U.N. sanctions.

    On Tuesday, KCNA separately reported that a delegation of North Korea ruling party officials returned from Russia and three delegations, representing information technology, fisheries and sports, departed for Russia.