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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.
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.
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.
Propaganda or paranoia? North Korea threatens South Korea again

As South Korea and the US continue their annual joint military exercises Monday, North Korea cut off a phone hot line to the South and repeated its threat to nullify the Korean War armistice.
Terrorism & Security North Korea leaves phone to South Korea off the hook (+video)

This follows threats from Pyongyang last week both to end the armistice and to 'exercise the right to a preemptive nuclear attack.'
Focus Will China, Japan, and South Korea hit the 'reset' button for Asia?

In a historic moment of coincidence, new leaders are taking the helm in China, Japan, and South Korea, providing an unprecedented moment for the region to refresh relations.
South Korea's president-elect promises aid to North

South Korea's incoming president, Park Geun-hye, says she will reach out to the North and offer humanitarian aid. Some analysts doubt her sincerity and expect her to take a more moderate approach.
North Korea farm reforms: First step to a market economy?

North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-Un will allow farmers to keep – and sell – surplus crops, reports the Associated Press. The plan mirrors elements of China's farm reforms in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Nuclear deal? New North Korea and Iran pact raises international concern

North Korea and Iran appear to be deepening their nuclear technology relationship under a new agreement reached between the two nations that President Bush labelled part of an 'axis of evil.'
Why Japan is angry over South Korea's visit to an island

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak's surprise visit to a small rocky island marks an abrupt escalation in a territory dispute with Japan.
Kim Jong-un speaks: North Korea to keep 'military first'

Speaking in public for the first time, North Korea’s new leader Kim Jong-un vowed to keep the military front and center in the already heavily militarized nation.
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 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.
Visiting Russia, Kim Jong-il casts nervous eye on Tripoli

North Korea's Kim Jong-il is visiting Russia to bolster diplomatic support. A key issue is the ability of Kim's son and heir to rule with an iron hand – an issue getting renewed attention as Libyan rebels advance into Tripoli.
South Korean students protest rising college tuition

While decrying rising educational costs – a phenomenon that’s shaken campuses throughout the world – students in South Korea are increasingly worried about landing a job after college.
Kim Jong-il wraps up economic 'study tour' in China

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is said to have visited factories, a solar panel plant, and a supermarket. Beijing's goal is apparently to push Kim on economic reforms.
North Korea's Kim Jong-un reportedly in China on first diplomatic trip

Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s son and heir-apparent, reportedly visited China Friday. The trip could signal Beijing's support for Kim Jong-un to succeed his father.
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.
China's Hu Jintao's visit: South Korea is worried Obama will cave on North Korea talks

South Korea’s main concern appears to be that Obama does not acquiesce to Hu’s call for six-party talks without the South’s full agreement – and without concessions on the part of North Korea.
Could North Korea bring South Korea and Japan together?

If signed, two proposed military cooperation agreements to deal with North Korea would be the first such agreements between the two nations since Japan’s occupation of Korea in the early 20th century.
What's behind North Korea's offer for unconditional talks?

US envoy Stephen Bosworth ended a tour to northeast Asian capitals Friday without any definitive response to North Korea's offer for talks without preconditions. Japan and South Korea rejected the proposal.
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.
It's official: North Korea says 'modern' nuclear plant is operating

North Korea boasted Tuesday to running 'thousands' of nuclear centrifuges, a week after launching a deadly artillery attack on South Korea, as China pressed for six-nation crisis talks.
Why South Koreans think North Korean conflict won't escalate

In the wake of the North Korean attack on a South Korean island, the sense among many Koreans is they could carry on as usual. But some warn against complacency.
North Korean attack: South mingles toughness with calls for calm

North Korean attack on South Korea was the first such event on land since the Korean War. South Korean analysts appear puzzled over how best to respond to the North Korean attack.