Topic: South Korea

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Kim Jong-un: Can US trust North Korean leader to act rationally?

Kim Jong-un isn't the first North Korean leader to use threats for political gain. But the West doesn't really know what to make of him because of his youth and the uncertainty that shrouds the country.
North Korea unexpectedly closes entry to key industrial park, upping tensions

The last time South Korean workers were denied entry to the jointly operated factories, a major source of income for North Korea, was in 2009, after North Korea’s second nuclear test.
Global News Blog Is North Korea on a 'collision' course with vow to restart nuclear reactor?

Kim Jong-un announced that North Korea will restart its nuclear facility, making the country's nuclear program a source of deep concern for the international community.
Global Viewpoint Can Latin America resist a return to its populist past?

The interventionist role of the military has mostly disappeared in Latin America. But the temptation of populist politics is greater than ever in some countries, while others are resisting the short-term demands of voters in favor of the long-term sustainability of society. Here's a look at six countries.
Could China and Japan see a spring thaw in relations?

Diplomatic visits between Japan and China had been largely suspended since last September, when a territorial dispute brought the two Northeast Asian powers to the edge of a confrontation.
North Korea: US signals strength, but speaks softly

In response to the threats from North Korea's untested young leader, the Obama administration has sought to reassure the US public and allies alike, but without saying very much.
The Monitor's View Amid another North Korea storm, look who's calm

South Koreans, unlike many around the world, don't react with fear to North Korea's verbal and nuclear threats. Why this wise reaction?
Decoder Wire US jets to Korea: Why send stealth fighters to the region? (+video)

US jets, Korea bound, constitute Washington's latest move in the face of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula. The presence of the stealth fighters could figure into several American aims.
‘Long Shot’: 8 observations shared in Mike Piazza’s autobiography

Check out some of Piazza's thoughts on baseball from his autobiography 'Long Shot.'
Terrorism & Security Reality check? North Korean parliamentary session shifts tone

After weeks of belligerent talk, North Korea espoused a 'new strategic line,' saying its struggling economy as well as its military strength is a top priority.
US jets to South Korea: F-22 Stealth fighters join drills (+video)

US jets to South Korea: The US sent F-22 stealth fighter jets to South Korea to join military exercises as North Korea threatens war. The US has also sent B-2 bomber jets to South Korea.
In Easter message Pope Francis calls for peace

Pope Francis emphasized his concern for the poor and suffering, and delivered a plea for peace in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula during his first Easter Sunday Mass.
US pushes back against North Korean war rhetoric

North Korea warned Seoul on Saturday that the Korean Peninsula had entered 'a state of war.' US officials note that North Korea has a long history of bellicose rhetoric and threats, but they're taking additional defensive measures just in case.
Family man and friendly leader? Kim Jong Un gets positive spin at home

While the rest of the world worries about North Korea's threats of nuclear war, at home, North Koreans see a softer side of leader Kim Jong Un portrayed in state propaganda. Images show Kim mingling with children and saluting soldiers.
North Korea: What happens if Kim Jong-un acts on his threats?

In the event that the 'bellicose rhetoric' of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un turns into something more serious, the opening hours of conflict could be 'pretty ugly,' defense analysts warn.
Briefing North Korean war talk: hot air or serious threat?

Pyongyang has cut the last military hotline to the South and says it's ready to target US bases in Hawaii, Guam, and South Korea. So why is there no sign the North is really girding for war?
Clean fuel regulations: EPA, oil industry vie over effect on gas prices

EPA on Friday proposed new regulations to require refineries to make cleaner gasoline. The cost? EPA says less than a penny a gallon. Oil industry says nine cents a gallon – and higher gas prices.
Terrorism & Security North Korea's Kim Jong-un issues fresh round of threats (+video)

Joint US-South Korea military drills yesterday prompted harsh language from North Korea's leader himself today.
Global News Blog Good Reads: dogs with PTSD, children in the news, unwed mothers, waking up the Ice Age

This week's round-up of Good Reads includes helping dogs who come home from war zones, the dilemma behind telling Malala Yousafzai's story, why more mothers aren't choosing marriage, and a quest to bring back the wooly mammoth.
B-2 bombers not intended to provoke North Korea, says Hagel

The unprecedented U.S. decision to send nuclear-capable B-2 stealth bombers to drop dummy munitions during military drills with South Korea this week was part of normal exercises and not intended to provoke a reaction from North Korea, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said.
The catch in North Korea's scrapping of Korean War cease-fire: China

North Korea's declaration that the armistice is 'null and void' overlooks the significant point that China is also a signatory – and that it's not saying anything about nullifying it.
Terrorism & Security Armistice dead? US and South Korea dismiss North Korea's edict (+video)

Skepticism about the effect of the North's dismissal of a cease-fire is grounded in past experience.
North Korea abandons armistice: 4 key questions answered

Tensions on the Korean peninsula are ratcheting up. The US has started its annual war games with South Korean forces, and North Korea has used that fact to declare that it is invalidating the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War in 1953. What really has North Korea upset, though, is the tough, new sanctions passed by the United Nations in response to the North's nuclear test last month.Here are the top four questions analysts are wrestling with on the heels of these developments.
Global News Blog Now we can talk: Steaks raise stakes for Taiwan-US trade ties

Taiwanese officials let in US beef this summer after years of wrangling over health concerns. Now, Taiwan is getting what it wants: trade talks.
North Korean bombast and war games? Seoul residents take it in stride

South Koreans appeared more focused on protesting the new president and chatting about K-Pop than the prospect of imminent attack from North Korea.