TOPIC

/ location

North Korea

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a country in East Asia, located in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering South Korea and China. Its capital, Pyongyang, is the country's largest city by both land area and population. It is a single-party state led by the Korean Workers' Party (KWP), and governed by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un since 2012. It has a population of 24,052,231 (UN-assisted DPRK census 2008) made up of Koreans and a smaller Chinese minority. Japan 'opened' Korea in 1876 and annexed it in 1910. The Republic of Korea (ROK) was founded with US support in the south in August 1948 and the Soviet-backed Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north in September that year.

Capital

Pyongyang

Head of State

Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un

Head of Government

Premier Kim Tok-hun

North Korean soldiers move along a fence line near Yujeong-dong village in North Korea, as seen from the Ganghwa Peace Observatory in Incheon in 2024. Photo: The Korea Times

South Korea

North Korea’s border build-up opens a Seoul-UN Command rift

South Korea views its the North’s border fortifications as an armistice violation. The UN body disagrees.

26 Jun 2026 - 8:00AM

South Korea

As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’

25 Jun 2026 - 3:59PMvideocam

South Korea

Why North Korea prefers a ‘hostile’ neighbour to Seoul’s peace efforts

24 Jun 2026 - 9:43AMvideocam

North Korea nuclear crisis

Kim says North Korea to arm navy with nuclear weapons, build bigger warships

The leader is aiming to construct two vessels a year, both of a larger class than the newly commissioned Choe Hon destroyer.

24 Jun 2026 - 5:47PMvideocam

Sailors salute during the commissioning ceremony of the Choe Hyon warship in the port city of Nampo in North Korea on Wednesday. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

Japan

North Korea’s Kim says ‘defeated’ Japan transforming into a ‘war state’

Kim Jong-un also said that Pyongyang will exercise its position as a nuclear state to cope with an unpredictable global security situation.

23 Jun 2026 - 11:32AMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea’s ex-justice minister jailed for 25 years over martial law bid

Park met justice ministry officials and checked on prison capacity for holding critics in the early hours of martial law, prosecutors said.

22 Jun 2026 - 7:11PMvideocam

South Korea

Will Lee Jae Myung’s G7 gamble preserve future diplomacy with North Korea?

Analysts say Lee’s outreach could help preserve prospects for future diplomacy, but Pyongyang has ‘little incentive’ to pursue dialogue.

19 Jun 2026 - 9:58AM

South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung (right) with US leader Donald Trump and CEO of Google DeepMind Demis Hassabis (centre) during the G7 summit on Wednesday in Evian-les-Bains, France. Photo: Pool AP via AP

Japan

Japan, South Korea not for nuclear weapons: until one of them changes policy

Should either take lead in acquiring nuclear weapons, support for such a move in the other country could rise rapidly, new US survey says.

19 Jun 2026 - 7:41AMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

North Korea warns of ‘disaster’ if G7 tries to strip its nuclear weapons

Kim Jong-un’s sister said denuclearisation would never be realised as ⁠North Korea’s weapons were a self-defensive deterrent.

18 Jun 2026 - 10:03PMvideocam

North Korea nuclear crisis

North Korea plays US-China rivalry card to justify ‘irreversible’ nuclear status

As the Iran conflict wanes, analysts say Pyongyang is trying to gain support from Russia and China to pre-empt denuclearisation pressure.

16 Jun 2026 - 8:02AM

A test firing of a missile launch system is conducted at an undisclosed location in North Korea last month. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP

Japan

Japan, Italy to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation

The nations seek closer ties, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals.

16 Jun 2026 - 1:30AM

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) shakes hands with her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni at a welcoming ceremony in Rome on Monday. Photo: Kyodo

South Korea

South Korean music festival out against discord in reunification hopes

In a National Unification Advisory Council survey in May, nearly half of the 1,200 respondents aged 19 to 39 view the North as ‘hostile’.

15 Jun 2026 - 3:42PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | Why the US must get real about North Korea’s nuclear status, and soon

Every year that passes without negotiations with Washington allows Pyongyang to improve its nuclear deterrent.

15 Jun 2026 - 8:39AMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

What does North Korea get from its blossoming ties with Russia?

Kim’s Russia Day message seeks to reassure Putin that ties are evolving beyond transactional into a firm military alliance, experts say.

14 Jun 2026 - 12:14PMvideocam

(From left) Russian President Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un head to a military parade marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II at Tiananmen Square in Beijing on September 3, 2025. Photo: KCNA/AP

China-North Korea relations

Was Kim Jong-un the real winner from Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?

The Chinese president’s visit may have vindicated the North Korean leader’s strategy of playing off China and Russia, analysts say.

13 Jun 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un and Xi Jinping watch a performance in Pyongyang during the Chinese leader’s visit. Photo: Reuters

China-North Korea relations

Why a tiny river on Russia’s border tests China’s ties with Kim Jong-un

Sea of Japan access may be China’s national aspiration, but neither Beijing nor Pyongyang mentioned it in statements about Xi-Kim summit.

12 Jun 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

As I see it | Kim Jong-un turns out to be the cleverest of them all

As others exert geopolitical influence based on economic or military might, North Korea’s leader has turned a weaker hand to his advantage.

12 Jun 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

SCMP Highlights

Xi on North Korean military ties; US blacklists Chinese tech firms: 7 highlights

From Thailand’s suffering shrimp industry to China’s space firms anticipating SpaceX IPO, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

12 Jun 2026 - 12:34PM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured in Pyongyang on June 9. Photo: Xinhua

South Korea

Former South Korean president Yoon given 30 years over Pyongyang drone plot

Yoon is already serving a life sentence for insurrection over his short-lived martial law decree in 2024.

12 Jun 2026 - 5:23PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Has Beijing given up on a nuclear weapon-free Korean peninsula?

China is downplaying the issue for now, as it is unlikely that pressuring North Korea would do anything other than sour ties.

11 Jun 2026 - 6:10PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Was Xi’s stance on North Korea military ties also a message for US, Russia?

Analysts note the Chinese leader’s remarks were not reported in full by North Korean state media.

11 Jun 2026 - 4:50PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (left) and President Xi Jinping at Pyongyang International Airport. Photo: AFP

China-North Korea relations

Editorial | Strength of North Korea-China relationship clear on Xi Jinping’s visit

It is evident that both sides need each other, particularly with Japan aggressively rearming and the US waging war.

10 Jun 2026 - 6:45AM

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju, watch a performance at the Pyongyang Gymnasium in Pyongyang on June 8. Photo: Xinhua

China-North Korea relations

Has Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit helped cement China’s vital role?

The Chinese leader’s meetings with Kim Jong-un may have helped underline that Pyongyang cannot do without Beijing’s economic support.

9 Jun 2026 - 11:11PMvideocam

Xi Jinping

Video | Xi visits Korean war memorial for Chinese Soldiers

Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his two-day state visit, pledging to continue the ‘revolutionary spirit’ of the Korean war.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:28PM

Mainland China

Xi’s visit to North Korean war monument evokes ‘eternal historical memory’

Chinese and North Korean leaders recall ‘shared battles’ as tribute paid to Chinese People’s Volunteers who fought during Korean war.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:34PMvideocam

Chinese President Xi Jinping pays tribute at the Sino-Korean Friendship Tower in Moran Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Tuesday. Xi is visiting North Korea for a two-day state visit. Photo: Xinhua

SCMP Highlights

India’s rise in critical minerals; ‘involution’ and Malaysia: 7 Asia highlights

From RedNote’s advice on ‘involution’ to a refugee’s journey to Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

9 Jun 2026 - 3:15PM

A pile of minerals extracted from a rare-earth mine. Photo: Shutterstock

China-North Korea relations

Tilt towards Beijing? Xi and Kim vow to ‘open new chapter’ in ties

North Korean leader says strengthening relations with China is the country’s ‘most important strategic mission’, according to state media.

9 Jun 2026 - 7:08PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Xi returns to exclusive Pyongyang guest house only a handful of leaders ever see

The Kumsusan State Guest House has hosted a handful of foreign leaders, including Russia’s Putin and Belarus’ Lukashenko.

9 Jun 2026 - 10:30AMvideocam

Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.

SUPPORT NOW

North Korea

North Korea’s border build-up opens a Seoul-UN Command rift

South Korea views its the North’s border fortifications as an armistice violation. The UN body disagrees.

As US wavers, ex-minister says Japan and South Korea ‘only have each other’

Why North Korea prefers a ‘hostile’ neighbour to Seoul’s peace efforts

Kim says North Korea to arm navy with nuclear weapons, build bigger warships

The leader is aiming to construct two vessels a year, both of a larger class than the newly commissioned Choe Hon destroyer.

North Korea’s Kim says ‘defeated’ Japan transforming into a ‘war state’

Kim Jong-un also said that Pyongyang will exercise its position as a nuclear state to cope with an unpredictable global security situation.

South Korea’s ex-justice minister jailed for 25 years over martial law bid

Park met justice ministry officials and checked on prison capacity for holding critics in the early hours of martial law, prosecutors said.

Will Lee Jae Myung’s G7 gamble preserve future diplomacy with North Korea?

Analysts say Lee’s outreach could help preserve prospects for future diplomacy, but Pyongyang has ‘little incentive’ to pursue dialogue.

Japan, South Korea not for nuclear weapons: until one of them changes policy

Should either take lead in acquiring nuclear weapons, support for such a move in the other country could rise rapidly, new US survey says.

North Korea warns of ‘disaster’ if G7 tries to strip its nuclear weapons

Kim Jong-un’s sister said denuclearisation would never be realised as ⁠North Korea’s weapons were a self-defensive deterrent.

North Korea plays US-China rivalry card to justify ‘irreversible’ nuclear status

As the Iran conflict wanes, analysts say Pyongyang is trying to gain support from Russia and China to pre-empt denuclearisation pressure.

Japan, Italy to boost tech, critical minerals cooperation

The nations seek closer ties, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals.

South Korean music festival out against discord in reunification hopes

In a National Unification Advisory Council survey in May, nearly half of the 1,200 respondents aged 19 to 39 view the North as ‘hostile’.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Why the US must get real about North Korea’s nuclear status, and soon

Every year that passes without negotiations with Washington allows Pyongyang to improve its nuclear deterrent.

What does North Korea get from its blossoming ties with Russia?

Kim’s Russia Day message seeks to reassure Putin that ties are evolving beyond transactional into a firm military alliance, experts say.

Was Kim Jong-un the real winner from Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea?

The Chinese president’s visit may have vindicated the North Korean leader’s strategy of playing off China and Russia, analysts say.

Why a tiny river on Russia’s border tests China’s ties with Kim Jong-un

Sea of Japan access may be China’s national aspiration, but neither Beijing nor Pyongyang mentioned it in statements about Xi-Kim summit.

As I see it | Kim Jong-un turns out to be the cleverest of them all

As others exert geopolitical influence based on economic or military might, North Korea’s leader has turned a weaker hand to his advantage.

Xi on North Korean military ties; US blacklists Chinese tech firms: 7 highlights

From Thailand’s suffering shrimp industry to China’s space firms anticipating SpaceX IPO, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Former South Korean president Yoon given 30 years over Pyongyang drone plot

Yoon is already serving a life sentence for insurrection over his short-lived martial law decree in 2024.

Has Beijing given up on a nuclear weapon-free Korean peninsula?

China is downplaying the issue for now, as it is unlikely that pressuring North Korea would do anything other than sour ties.

Was Xi’s stance on North Korea military ties also a message for US, Russia?

Analysts note the Chinese leader’s remarks were not reported in full by North Korean state media.

Editorial | Strength of North Korea-China relationship clear on Xi Jinping’s visit

It is evident that both sides need each other, particularly with Japan aggressively rearming and the US waging war.

Has Xi Jinping’s North Korea visit helped cement China’s vital role?

The Chinese leader’s meetings with Kim Jong-un may have helped underline that Pyongyang cannot do without Beijing’s economic support.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Video | Xi visits Korean war memorial for Chinese Soldiers

Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up his two-day state visit, pledging to continue the ‘revolutionary spirit’ of the Korean war.

Xi’s visit to North Korean war monument evokes ‘eternal historical memory’

Chinese and North Korean leaders recall ‘shared battles’ as tribute paid to Chinese People’s Volunteers who fought during Korean war.

India’s rise in critical minerals; ‘involution’ and Malaysia: 7 Asia highlights

From RedNote’s advice on ‘involution’ to a refugee’s journey to Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Tilt towards Beijing? Xi and Kim vow to ‘open new chapter’ in ties

North Korean leader says strengthening relations with China is the country’s ‘most important strategic mission’, according to state media.

Xi returns to exclusive Pyongyang guest house only a handful of leaders ever see

The Kumsusan State Guest House has hosted a handful of foreign leaders, including Russia’s Putin and Belarus’ Lukashenko.

Opinion | Why the US must get real about North Korea’s nuclear status, and soon

Video | Xi visits Korean war memorial for Chinese Soldiers