Topic: Kim Il-sung

Kim Jong-il trip spurs succession speculation

Kim Jong-il reportedly met top Chinese leaders on Friday in an apparent bid for Beijing's diplomatic and financial support for a succession plan involving his third and youngest son, who is said to be traveling with him.

Terrorism & Security
Kim Jong-il snubs Jimmy Carter to seek China ties, son's accession

Kim Jong-il's visit to China comes as Jimmy Carter visits Pyongyang to seek the release of an imprisoned American.

Did North Korea's Kim Jong-il take heir-apparent son on surprise China visit?

North Korea's Kim Jong-il began a surprise visit to China Thursday, while former President Carter visited North Korea. The trip raises speculation that the 'Dear Leader' is grooming the son he hopes will succeed him.

Global News Blog
Jimmy Carter's North Korea trip: quiet, matter-of-fact diplomacy

On Jimmy Carter's last run to North Korea 16 years ago, I saw Carter in Seoul before he returned to the US. He spoke quietly, even matter-of-factly to explain he'd won the promise of a freeze of the North's nuclear program.

Jimmy Carter's North Korea visit may trigger cooling-off period

Jimmy Carter was greeted Wednesday by North Korea’s nuclear envoy, Kim Kye-gwan, which analysts say is a signal North Korea wants the visit to be about much more than the release of US prisoner Aijalon Mahli Gomes.

Jimmy Carter's North Korea visit: Can he repeat Bill Clinton's success?

Jimmy Carter's North Korea trip this week may echo a successful meeting he had in Pyongyang 16 years ago. But can he secure the release of an American hostage as fellow former President Bill Clinton did last year?

Growthology
Where does the Laffer curve peak?

The Laffer Curve probably peaks around 60-70%, but an optimal top rate is much lower.

Why South Korea is blocking access to North Korea's Twitter account

South Korea is now blocking its own citizens' access to North Korea's Twitter account due to concerns that North Korean propagandists are using the social media website to subvert the South.

North Korea offers to pay off Czech debt -- with Korean ginseng

The Czech Republic suggested barter when North Korea said it would be hard put to repay a $10 million debt left from cold-war days. But it was thinking zinc ore, not Korean ginseng.

North Korea: What does Kim Jong-il's heir apparent look like?

Rare new photos have emerged of Kim Jong-il's son, Kim Jong-un.The leader of North Korea may be getting ready to hand over power to his youngest son, who watches NBA basketball and went to school in Switzerland.

Cheonan attack may be tied to North Korean succession

Kim Jung Il's 20-something son, Kim Jung Un, is rumored to be the next leader of the Hermit Kingdom. Could the March attack that sank a South Korean navy ship be connected to the succession?

Terrorism & Security
North Korea claims successful nuclear fusion test

Turning nuclear fusion into a viable energy source has long eluded the world, but North Korea on Wednesday claimed success. Analysts are dubious and say the claim likely meant for leverage in six-party talks.

Global News Blog
North Korea seizes South-owned resort as warship tensions grow

North Korea has seized five hotels owned by South Korea in a jointly operated resort. The move comes as the South weighs its response to the Cheonan warship sinking.

South Korea raises sunken warship amid questions about retaliation

The South Korea raised the sunken warship Cheonan Thursday. Across South Korea, the view is growing that North Korea is responsible for a blast that killed 46 sailors.

Global News Blog
Senegal's big bronze statue: Monument to liberty or authoritarian rule?

A 170-foot-tall bronze statue in Dakar, Senegal, was meant to represent freedom and promise, much like the Statue of Liberty. But many say the $20 million African Renaissance Monument instead symbolizes a president's authoritarian rule.

Who is the American slated to face trial in North Korea?

Details are emerging about Aijalon Mahli Gomes, the American who will face trial in North Korea after having crossed into the country 'illegally.' From Boston, he had been teaching English in South Korea.

New book: Defector tells of shopping in Europe for North Korea dictators

A new book tells of Col. Kim Jong-ryul, who went on shopping sprees for North Korea dictators Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il before hiding in Europe for 16 years. His tell-all could threaten his life, he says.

Kim Jong-il birthday is all about North Korea's succession

On Kim Jong-il's birthday, the North Korean leader's attention appeared focused on grooming his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, for succession. The senior Kim did not attend his birthday bash.

On birthday of Kim Jong-il's son, a North Korea rising star

On the birthday of Kim Jong-un, North Korea leader Kim Jong-il's son, newspaper drew attention to the "unusual brightness" and placement of Venus, which was seen as a good sign for Kim Jong-un.

Global News Blog
The buzz in Pyongyang: get a haircut

Dear Leader Kim Jong-il has issued new hairstyle guidelines for North Koreans in a bid to tame foreign influence. Will Vidal Sassoon become the next US special envoy to North Korea?

North Korea admits drastic currency reform, is silent on protests

Reports of protest, violence emerged from North Korea after a drastic currency reform that sets an exchange rate of 1,000 old to 1 new . A North Korean paper in Japan confirmed the reform.

Horizons
South Korea again hit by cyber-attacks, as search for hackers intensifies

What's behind cyber attacks on South Korea, US?

North Korea is blamed, but what's Kim Jong-il's strategy?

Terrorism & Security
US shores up missile defense in Hawaii in response to N. Korea threat

The US deployed antimissile defense systems in response to reports that North Korea could launch a long-range missile toward the island early next month.