Person · 18 published stories · 33 outlets
North Korea launched approximately 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Thursday, a day after the US and South Korea announced scaling back their annual military exercises. The launch prompted emergency meetings in Seoul and trilateral consultations with the US and Japan, while Pyongyang dismissed the drill reduction as 'unworthy of comment.'
The United States and South Korea have agreed to end their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise about a week early, following President Trump's order to scale back the drills. North Korea's Kim Yo-jong dismissed the reduction as insignificant, while political reactions in Seoul have deepened domestic divisions and tensions with Pyongyang.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise between the US and South Korea ended six days early on Friday after President Trump ordered a substantial reduction, citing cost and the message it sent to North Korea. The move, seen as a conciliatory gesture, drew a cool response from Pyongyang and raised concerns among experts about defense readiness.
President Donald Trump has instructed aides to arrange a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this autumn, possibly during the APEC summit in Shenzhen in November, according to The Wall Street Journal. South Korean and U.S. diplomats held talks reaffirming close coordination on the North's nuclear issue, though neither side's readout mentioned denuclearization, amid concerns about Trump's approach.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Seoul for talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, calling on the US to change its 'hostile policy' toward North Korea. The visit follows President Lee Jae Myung's proposal for multiparty talks to formally end the Korean War.
North Korea's Kim Yo-jong dismissed the US decision to scale back joint military exercises with South Korea as meaningless, saying Pyongyang focuses on the fact that the drills continue. A KCNA commentary vowed to 'completely neutralize' military threats, while South Korea's unification minister expressed hope the reduction could open dialogue.
President Donald Trump’s public acknowledgment of North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and his order to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea have sparked concerns about alliance cohesion and denuclearization commitments. Analysts warn that transactional diplomacy and a perceived shift in US policy could undermine regional stability and play into China’s preferences.
President Trump told reporters he has a good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, saying the two leaders understand each other and that his approach is making the region safer. He also addressed reducing joint military exercises with South Korea, citing the relationship.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will make a two-day visit to South Korea starting Wednesday, meeting with Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and President Lee Jae Myung. The trip follows President Lee's proposal for multiparty talks to end the Korean War.
US President Donald Trump announced plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un later this year, citing their personal rapport and Pyongyang's 57 nuclear weapons. The announcement follows his decision to scale back joint military drills with South Korea, drawing mixed reactions from Seoul, Pyongyang, and US lawmakers.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian called for an end to the war with the US, saying Iran was negotiating from a position of strength, even as the partial truce agreed in June expired without renewal. His remarks come amid a reported push by Iranian moderates to revive the economy, while hardliners reportedly favor prolonging the conflict.
The United States has cancelled the Ssangyong amphibious landing exercise with South Korea, citing constraints on US forces due to the war in Iran. The move follows President Trump's order to scale back the separate Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, raising questions about alliance reliability and prompting concerns in Seoul.
President Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in joint US-South Korea military exercises, citing his 'very good relationship' with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. South Korea's defence ministry said the drills would proceed as scheduled, while a Republican lawmaker expressed hope the curtailment is temporary.
President Donald Trump announced that the United States will reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korea's Kim Jong Un and Seoul's refusal to support US efforts in Iran. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills were shortened from 11 days to five, drawing reactions from allies and analysts while North Korea dismissed the move as still provocative.
South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile toward the East Sea on Thursday, August 20. The launch came about a week after a short-range ballistic missile test and amid scaled-down U.S.-South Korea military exercises, with North Korea denouncing the drills as war rehearsals.
Overnight Russian attacks killed at least 12 people in Kyiv and six in Zaporizhzhia, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claiming North Korean missiles were used against the southeastern city. Zelenskyy pressed allies for more Patriot interceptors, warning that without sufficient anti-ballistic defense, Russia will not seriously consider peace.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed that North Korea plans to deploy up to 50,000 troops to Russia, but Pyongyang dismissed the estimate as 'groundless.' South Korean intelligence reports no signs of imminent additional deployment, though preparations may continue.
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. The launch, which occurred from the Wonsan area around 5 p.m., has been labeled a provocation by Seoul's presidential office. The event comes ahead of planned U.S.-South Korea military exercises and follows a similar test in June.