The North Korean leader's public absence and reports of a recent surgery have prompted a flurry of rumors about his health. But South Korean officials said Tuesday, "There is nothing we can confirm."
Pyongyang says it has mobilized to fight for its "national survival." Experts say North Korea's track record of fighting epidemics does not bode well for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak.
He stopped short of saying he was breaking off nuclear negotiations with the U.S. President Trump has repeatedly touted the testing moratorium as a political victory.
North Korea has threatened to send a "Christmas present" for the United States if sanctions aren't eased by the end of the year. Trump says he isn't worried about it.
With the holiday just days away and no sign of a diplomatic breakthrough in sight, here are what experts say are the possibilities for North Korea's "Christmas gift."
In an exclusive interview with NPR, former Ambassador John Bolton criticized his ex-boss' strategy, saying "there's no serious chance" North Korea will voluntarily give up its nuclear weapons program.
Pyongyang did not elaborate on the statement, but in 2017, state media referred to North Korea's first test launch of an ICBM as part of a "package of gifts" for the U.S.
Hours before a midnight deadline, South Korea reversed its decision to scrap a military intelligence-sharing agreement with Japan. The move came as the two U.S. allies have made progress on trade.
The ballistic missile traveled about 280 miles, landing in the Sea of Japan. If capable of submarine launch it would represent a significant advance in North Korea's missile program.
A mother and her young son were found dead in July, apparently of starvation. The case has refocused attention on the circumstances of defectors, who often struggle to start new lives in the South.
It wasn't immediately clear what type of weapon was tested early Friday, but South Korea's military noted the missiles traveled at hypersonic speeds and flew about 137 miles.
Pyongyang said the new multiple rocket system would cause "inescapable distress" to enemy forces. The test on Wednesday was first thought to be of a short-range ballistic missile.
The latest test of two short-range missiles follows a similar launch last week. It comes as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he is "hopeful" talks between Washington and Pyongyang will resume soon.
The test of short-range missiles — one of which may be a new design — is seen as a pressure tactic on Washington as Pyongyang warns against a resumption of U.S.-South Korea military exercises.
Pyongyang accused the U.S. of "unilaterally reneging on its commitments" and said North Korea is "gradually losing our justification to follow through" on its own promises.
The 29-year-old smiled at reporters upon arriving at the airport in Beijing Thursday, telling them he felt "great." But he declined to elaborate on his whereabouts since he was first reported missing.
The two countries are marking the 70th anniversary of their establishment of diplomatic relations. But some experts believe Xi Jinping's trip has another purpose.
The leaders are scheduled to meet on Thursday, according to Chinese and North Korean news agencies. The visit comes after stalled negotiations with President Trump.
Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, in Anna Fifield's reported story Kim is anything but a madman — cold-blooded, for sure, but playing a calculated defensive strategy aimed at standing up his rule.
Kim Jong Nam, who was attacked with a deadly nerve agent in a Malaysian airport in 2017, was in the country to meet with his CIA handler, according to The Wall Street Journal and a new book.
Facing the worst drought in nearly four decades, the country is grappling with food shortages that affect 40% of its population. The donation has humanitarian – but also diplomatic – aims.
