The Latest Breaking News from Kim Jong Il

North Korea's space launch programme and long-range missile projects

North Korea made a failed attempt at launching its first spy satellite on Wednesday, with the booster and payload plunging into the sea, North Korean state media said, a setback in its pursuit of a space programme that dates to the 1990s.

Reuters · May 31, 2023

North Korea spent the pandemic building a huge border wall

For North Koreans, the country's northern frontier long offered rare access to outside information, trade opportunities, and the best option for those seeking to flee.

Reuters · May 27, 2023

North Korean defectors may face deportation by China as COVID border controls ease

China usually sends defectors back to North Korea, but Pyongyang wouldn't let them in during the pandemic. That may soon change, and has led to concern among human rights advocates.

WEKU · Apr 25, 2023

North Korean leader brings daughter to soccer match

North Korean state media says leader Kim Jong Un has brought his young daughter to a soccer game celebrating the birthday of his father, her latest in a series of public appearances that have triggered debate on whether she’s being prepped for a future leadership role

The Independent UK · Feb 18, 2023

Experts: A Girl and Missiles Are North Korea’s Way To Perpetuate Regime

Analysts believe Ju Ae’s appearance is meant to let the world know Kim Jong Un’s military achievements will be transferred to successive generations to ensure the survival of his regime for years to come.

The News Lens · Feb 16, 2023

S. Korea: Unlikely that Kim's daughter groomed as successor

South Korea says it’s still premature to determine whether the recently unveiled daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is being groomed as her father’s successor

The Independent UK · Feb 15, 2023

Kim Jong Un puts new missile, and a potential heir, on parade

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un displayed his latest assets to protect his reign: quick-strike missiles that can carry a nuclear warhead to the U.S. and a preteen daughter who ensures his family’s continuous rule over the dynasty forged in the Cold War.

Tribune News Service · Feb 9, 2023

North Korean Leader Kim Brings Daughter to Visit Troops

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un brought his daughter to visit troops to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the country's army as he lauded the “irresistible might” of his nuclear-armed military, state media said Wednesday. The visit came amid indications North Korea is preparing to stage a massive military…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 8, 2023

North Korea Pledges 'Expanded, Intensified' Military Drills

North Korea's top army officials have said they will expand and intensify military drills to ensure their readiness for war, state media reported Tuesday, ahead of a massive parade. The pledge came at a Monday meeting overseen by leader Kim Jong Un and follows last week's staging of joint air…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 7, 2023

North Korea promises ‘expanded, intensified’ military drills

Military top brass meets as armed forces continue preparations for parade expected as early as Wednesday.

Al Jazeera · Feb 7, 2023