South Korea

South Korea to North Korea: Learn from Myanmar

South Korea's President Lee made a historic visit to Myanmar this week to boost long-frozen relations – and send a message to North Korea about the benefits of coming in from the cold.
North Korean women sold into 'slavery' in China

Like the thousands of women who fled North Korea before her, Kim Eun-sun made it into China and paid a woman to help her, only to discover she'd traded one form of captivity for another.
Why is North Korea threatening to conduct a nuclear test? (+video)

First, to make up for the embarrassment of the failed missile; second, the regime's past nuclear tests didn't go very well.
North Korea threatens to take 'special actions' against South Korea (+video)

North Korea today threatened to take 'special actions' against the South. The rising rhetoric comes as US and South Korean forces devise ways to coordinate closely in the event of battle with the North.
Blast-off: 6 recent missile advances

Missiles have been prominent in the news with India’s successful test, North Korea’s failed one, and much talk of missile defense systems in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Here are six recent noteworthy missile-technology advances.
In rare move, North Korea admits to missile failure (+video)

But the failure, coming amid the build-up for the centennial of Kim Il-sung’s birth, does not appear to have changed North Korea’s policies. More missile tests are likely, say analysts.
North Korea bestows new title on its young leader ahead of rocket launch

In a move designed to shore up his standing, Kim Jong-un received the title of 'first secretary' ahead of the centennial of his grandfather's birth and an anticipated rocket launch.
North Korea rebuffs Obama's warnings at nuclear summit (+video)

President Obama's admonition against firing a long-range rocket next month went unheeded by North Korea, which argued it is for economic development. Will China and Russia have any sway?
Obama lauds troops at 'freedom's frontier' and warns North Korea

On a trip to South Korea, President Obama visits the heavily-armed DMZ and warns the regime across the border not to test a long-range missile next month.
Korean baseball: Could scandal unseat the country's most lucrative sport?

As Korea's eight baseball teams wind up spring training in the US and Japan, their sport is reeling under a bribery scandal that could threaten baseball’s ascent as the national pastime.
North Korea plan to fire missile spurs doubt about US nuclear deal

North Korea's announcement that it would launch a long-range missile carrying a satellite throws into doubt the future of a food-for-nuclear-moratorium deal with the US.
Global News Blog
A culinary union flourishes in South Korea

A cold soup serves as a cultural tie between North and South Korea.
North Korea nuclear deal raises concerns for Seoul

By agreeing to US demands to suspend its nuclear program, is North Korea trying to manipulate elections to oust South Korea's current conservative leadership?
Global News Blog
The simple pleasures of a South Korean ski slope

Skiing in China is potentially life threatening, but Muju, Korea, couldn't be more different: courteous customers, organized chairlifts, staff who bow at the waist.  
On North Korea's border: foreboding about what's next

South Koreans wonder if North Korea’s new leader, Kim Jong-un, might cause more trouble abroad to divert attention from political instability at home.
South Korea in furor over intelligence vacuum on Kim Jong-il's death

Getting information out of North Korea is notoriously difficult, but many say South Korea's intelligence service has been embarrassed by playing catch-up on Kim Jong-il's death.
Kim Jong-il's death brings end to era of cruelty, mystery

'Dear Leader' Kim Jong-il's death ends 17 years of leadership defined by oppression, bizarre stories of grandeur, and tensions with the West over its nuclear program.
North Korea quickly names 'great successor' after Kim Jong-il's death

North Korea is unlikely to act erratically following the death of Kim Jong-il. All eyes are on heir Kim Jong-un, whose youth and inexperience mean elder statesmen are likely to guide the transition.
South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island one year after North Korea's attack

Residents of South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island are confident enough to return to one year after North Korea's devastating attack, but still nervous.
Global News Blog
South Korea shuts down for the all-or-nothing Korean SAT

Some 80 percent of Korea's high school students go on to further education. And to ensure students have the best chance, one day every year Korea changes its plane schedules, redirects traffic, and holds its breath.
Japan's new PM visits South Korea. Will the visit bring the countries closer?

Japan and South Korea have a complicated history, but both face challenges with North Korea and a rising China.
Trade deals: South Korea finally wins FTA with the US, but hurdles remain

Trade deals with South Korea, Colombia, and Panama were ratified last night. The FTA with South Korea highlights a key moment in US-Korean relations, but the deal still faces obstacles in South Korea.
Standoff over South Korean naval base

Locals say construction of a Navy base on Jeju Island will spoil one of South Korean's environmental gems. South Korean officials say it's a necessary defense against as a rising North Korean threat.
North Korea envoy ties food aid to human rights

As North Korea faces ongoing food shortages, the US appears closer to providing food aid amid hopes for movement on six-party nuclear talks.
Terrorism & Security
Japan's fresh claim to disputed islands reignites feud with South Korea

A Japanese defense report released today reiterates the country's claims to a small chain of islands that South Korea also claims as its own.