Topic: The Sejong Institute

All Content

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?
North Korea calls Kim Jong-un 'supreme leader'

The public backing for North Korea's 'supreme leader' Kim Jong-un at his father's memorial provides a strong signal that officials have unified around him in the wake of Kim Jong-il's death.
After Kim Jong-il funeral: collapse or continuity for North Korea?

As North Korea mourns during Kim Jong-il's funeral, South Koreans are reminded of the dangers of their unstable and poor sibling nation.
North Korea takes over Mt. Kumgang tourist area, further dimming Sunshine legacy

North Korea has taken control of Mt. Kumgang, a jointly maintained tourist area in which South Korea's Hyundai Asan had invested more than $1.5 billion for a hotel, hot springs, shopping mall, and a road inside the North.
South Korean companies shelve Libya projects as workers flee riots

South Korea, one of the biggest investors in construction projects in the Middle East for more than 40 years and a major importer of oil, may have more to fear than most as it evacuates Koreans in Libya.
North and South Korea: Path to six-party talks rocky, but still open

Without six-party talks, there will be no opportunity to dissuade North Korea from testing another nuclear device. The US is trying to keep the conversation open.
North Korea walks out of talks. Is it setting the stage for more nuclear tests?

After walking out of a meeting meant as a preliminary step toward six-party nuclear talks, some worry North Korea may stage another nuclear test. Its first test came during a break in six-party talks in 2006.
Step toward peace? South Korea agrees to talk with North Korea.

The timing is widely interpreted in South Korea as a dividend of Chinese pressure to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula – and the meeting this week between President Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao.
What's North Korea's next move? Perhaps a nuclear weapons test.

North Korea appears poised to display its nuclear weapons capability with an underground test, say experts, in a bid to keep military tensions high and force a return to talks.
North Korea's new dawn with Kim Jong-un

An heir to the North Korean dictatorship is anointed, and begins his rise. Where will Kim Jong-un lead his nation?
Kim Jong Il and North Korea prepare for biggest convention in 30 years

Kim Jong Il is believed to be grooming his youngest son, Jong Un, to take the Kim dynasty into a third generation.
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.
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?
North Korea, don't mess with South, US signals to Kim Jong-il

North Korea was sent a clear message from the United States over the past four days of joint war games with South Korea, whose commanders were buoyed by the massive display of American support.
USS George Washington, S. Korea military drills send mixed signals to North Korea

The United States is getting tough on North Korea by conducting military drills using the USS George Washington with South Korea next week.
South Korea seeks a new way to handle North Korea

The sinking of a naval ship in March called into question the longtime 'Sunshine Policy.' But could dire health care problems and new UN talks help ease North Korea's isolated stance in time for six-party-talks?
How will North Korea respond to South Korea's threats?

A third nuclear test and naval confrontations in the Yellow Sea are likely, say analysts, in response to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's announcement Monday of retaliatory measures against North Korea for torpedoing the navy ship Cheonan.
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.
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.
Taiwan curbs US beef imports in latest Asia trade frictions

Health concerns and angry protests have prompted partial bans on US beef imports in Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea – most recently by Taipei on Tuesday. The recurring dispute has strained relations.
North Korea ready for six-party talks – with caveat

North Korea told China's visiting Prime Minister Wen Jiabao it will return to six-party talks it abandoned in April. But first, it wants bilateral talks with the US.
North Korea ratchets up nuclear defiance

For the first time, the rogue state has admitted to having a uranium-enrichment program. It also threatened to respond militarily to any attempts to stop any of its ships suspected of carrying nuclear components.
Terrorism & Security
UN, US close to imposing sanctions on North Korea

The UN Security Council is close to approving action in response to the North's latest nuclear test. The US also plans separate sanctions for illegal weapons sales and counterfeiting.
Emboldened North Korea pushes neighbors to seek self-defense

South Korea joined a US-led program to block shipments of nuclear material. In Japan, a lawmaker urged first-strike capability.