# North Korea
Latest news and articles about North Korea
Total: 10 articles found
China and North Korea Restart Passenger Flights — A Modest but Meaningful Rapprochement
China announced the resumption of passenger flights with North Korea on March 16, 2026, framing the move as a way to promote friendly exchanges. While operational details remain scarce, the restart is a symbolic step toward normalization with modest immediate economic impact but wider diplomatic and strategic implications for the region.
China–North Korea Passenger Train Reaches Pyongyang, Ending Six-Year Halt in Cross‑Border Service
A China–North Korea international passenger train arrived in Pyongyang on March 13, restoring cross‑border passenger rail service after a six‑year suspension. The resumption signals a cautious easing of pandemic‑era isolation and carries practical economic and diplomatic implications for Beijing, Pyongyang and their regional partners.
U.S. Repositions Part of THAAD from Korea to the Middle East, Shifting Missile‑Defence Priorities
The United States has shifted part of the THAAD missile‑defence system from South Korea to the Middle East, a partial redeployment that reallocates precious defensive assets in response to concurrent crises. The move reduces one point of friction with China but raises questions about deterrence on the Korean peninsula and the strategic tradeoffs facing Washington and its allies.
Seoul Calls Civilian Drone Flights into North ‘Extremely Dangerous’ as Tensions Rise
South Korea says three civilians launched drones into North Korean airspace on four occasions between September 2025 and January 2026, prompting investigations into the operators, a drone manufacturer and intelligence personnel. Seoul plans to tighten laws, strengthen local security networks, and explore restoring the 9·19 military agreement to reduce the risk of escalation.
Seoul Alleges Yoon-Era Drone Provocations Toward Pyongyang as New Government Moves to Rebuild 2018 No‑Fly Pact
Seoul's unification minister announced investigations into drone flights to North Korea by three South Korean civilians and accused the previous Yoon administration of conducting 11 operations totalling 18 drone sorties aimed at Pyongyang. The new government plans to restore the no‑fly provisions of the September 19, 2018 military agreement to rebuild confidence and reduce airborne tensions between the Koreas.
Seoul’s Risky Bid to ‘Co-Manage’ the DMZ: A Play for Autonomy That Could Unravel Stability
Seoul has proposed joint South Korea–US management of the DMZ, a move framed as a compromise but seen by critics as an attempt to reclaim authority from US command. The plan risks undermining alliance cohesion, provoking North Korea, and creating operational confusion unless accompanied by deeper changes to wartime command arrangements and renewed diplomacy.
Lee Jae‑myung Seeks Reset with Beijing and a Diplomatic Thaw on the Peninsula in Second Year Agenda
At his New Year press conference, President Lee Jae‑myung announced plans to deepen ties with China, push for renewed U.S.–North Korea dialogue, and restart inter‑Korean engagement while prioritising social welfare and prosecutorial reform at home. The agenda signals an attempt to balance external diplomacy with domestic reform as Lee enters a pivotal second year.
Former Yoon Aides Linked to Drones That Violated North Korean Airspace, Stoking Peninsula Tensions
South Korean investigators have identified two men, both former staffers in ex‑president Yoon Seok-yeol’s presidential office, as linked to a private drone that entered North Korean airspace. The case has intensified inter‑Korean tensions, prompted a joint military-police probe, and highlights regulatory and security gaps around civilian drone activity.
Two Ex‑Presidential Office Staff Linked to Drone That Crossed into North Korea, Raising Security and Political Alarms
South Korean investigators have named two civilian suspects who previously worked in the Yoon Suk‑yeol presidential office in connection with a drone that entered North Korean airspace. The episode has provoked sharp condemnations from Pyongyang and triggered a joint military‑police probe in Seoul, raising broader questions about civilian drone risks and political fallout.
Seoul Begins Fielding 'Monster' Hyunmoo-5 Missile, Aiming for Full Combat Status under Lee Administration
South Korea has begun deploying its largest ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo‑5, into field units and aims to complete operational deployment during President Lee Jae‑myung’s term. The missile’s 36‑ton mass and 8‑ton warhead expand Seoul’s strike options and carry significant implications for deterrence dynamics, alliance management and regional stability.