North Korea launched a suspected intermediate-range ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast, detected by South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Japan confirmed the launch, condemning it as a threat to regional security. This is the third ballistic missile launch of 2024 by North Korea, testing a new intermediate-range hypersonic missile with a solid-fuel engine. The launch comes after a Russian veto disbanded a UN panel monitoring North Korean sanctions compliance, amid alleged arms deals between Moscow and Pyongyang. South Korea is focusing on health care reform and economic policies ahead of general elections.
North Korea fired several short-range ballistic missiles into the sea from Pyongyang, with a range of about 180 miles, a move condemned by South Korea, U.S., and Japan. The launches coincided with U.S.-South Korea military drills and raised concerns about exporting missiles to Russia. The U.S. State Department and Japan labeled the launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and threats to regional security. South Korea's Defence Minister mentioned North Korea's testing of new short-range missiles recently.
North Korea successfully tested a solid-fuel engine for its new intermediate-range hypersonic missile, aiming to develop a more powerful weapon capable of hitting distant U.S. targets. Leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground and touted the strategic importance of the missile, setting a timetable for its development. The missile, designed to target U.S. territories like Guam and military installations in Japan, is part of North Korea's efforts to modernize its military arsenal with advanced weaponry like hypersonic missiles.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a live-fire artillery drill involving units capable of striking Seoul, expressing readiness for battle. The drill aimed to increase combat readiness and warfighting capabilities. South Korea and the US are conducting joint military exercises as tensions rise. North Korea denounced the exercises as provocative and warned of monitoring and responsible military activities. North Korea's artillery systems pose a significant threat, with the potential to cause mass casualties. Kim has taken a harder stance against South Korea, declaring it the North's primary foe.
North Korea has threatened to take unspecified military action in response to the joint military drills between South Korea and the U.S., claiming the drills are part of an invasion plot. The drills include 48 field exercises, twice as many as last year. The North views the exercises as invasion rehearsals and may respond with missile tests. Concerns about North Korea's nuclear program have grown due to its increased missile tests and threats. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared a more aggressive military posture and abandonment of peaceful reunification with South Korea.
North Korea's munitions factories are producing weapons and shells for Russia at full capacity, exchanging them for food and other necessities. Pyongyang has shipped over 10,000 containers of munitions to Russia since September, while experiencing shortages for its own exports. The deliveries assist Russia in its war in Ukraine, with concerns raised about North Korea seeking advanced technology from Russia in return. The growing ties between North Korea and Russia worry US intelligence officials, as the two nations deepen their strategic partnership amidst international isolation over their nuclear programs and military actions.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised artillery firing drills near the border involving units within striking range of Seoul, prompting a stern response from South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. The drills, aimed at boosting combat readiness, were carried out in response to the ongoing South Korean-U.S. military training, which North Korea sees as an invasion rehearsal. Kim urged the military to be prepared for rapid and merciless strikes in actual war scenarios. Both South Korea and the U.S. have intensified their drills in response to North Korea's missile testing activities and aim to use a modernized arsenal for diplomacy and sanctions relief.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited a military operations base and ordered heightened readiness for war, emphasizing the need for intensified war preparations and combat capabilities. This visit coincided with the annual joint military drills by the U.S. and South Korea, involving double the number of troops compared to the previous year. Kim's directive for increased war readiness comes amidst ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Former LA County Sheriff Alex Villanueva expresses worry about staff shortages and security issues for the 2026 World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics. Japan's national team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, faces back-to-back World Cup qualifiers against North Korea amid concerns over playing in Pyongyang. Meanwhile, South Korea deals with internal controversy, including a reported scuffle between star players Son Heung-min and Lee Kang-in, ahead of their game against Thailand. Asian Cup champions Qatar strive to secure a spot via qualifying for the first time.
South Korea and the United States have started their annual military exercises, including the Freedom Shield exercise and various field exercises, to enhance readiness against North Korean nuclear threats. North Korea perceives these drills as rehearsals for invasion and has conducted over 100 missile tests in 2022, prompting an increase in US military assets deployment. Kim Jong Un has announced a more aggressive military posture towards South Korea, raising concerns about potential provocations along the Korean sea and land borders amid upcoming elections in the US and South Korea.
Russia vetoed the annual renewal of a panel of experts monitoring UN sanctions against North Korea, amidst allegations of transferring weapons from Pyongyang and a desire to strengthen military relations. China abstained from the vote while other council members supported the renewal. The veto comes after a deadly attack in Moscow and drew criticism from the US for hindering peaceful resolutions. Russia claimed Western nations sought to 'strangle' North Korea and deemed sanctions irrelevant in curbing its nuclear ambitions.
Russia has vetoed the renewal of a UN panel of experts monitoring North Korea's compliance with international sanctions, following accusations of Pyongyang supplying weapons to Moscow for use in the war in Ukraine. The panel, in place since 2006 to monitor sanctions on North Korea's nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, faces its mandate ending in April. South Korea's UN ambassador criticized Russia's veto as hindering accountability. The US referred to Russia's actions as undermining international peace and security, revealing Moscow's alliance with North Korea.
Russian and North Korean officials met in Pyongyang to discuss expanding cooperation in economy, science, and technology following the agreements reached by their leaders in September. The meeting confirmed measures for revitalizing and expanding bilateral exchange and cooperation in various fields, including trade, economy, science, and technology. The two countries also signed a protocol of the meeting. Sports ministers of both countries held talks to expand cooperation and agreed on a plan for exchanges in 2024-2026. The visit comes amid growing concern in Washington and Seoul over the increasing cooperation between Russia and North Korea.
Formerly a single nation that was annexed by Japan in 1910, the Korean Peninsula has been divided into North Korea and South Korea since the end of World War II on 2 September 1945. The two governments were founded in the two regions in 1948, leading to the consolidation of division. The two countries engaged in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 which ended in an armistice agreement but without a peace treaty. North Korea is a one-party totalitarian state run by the Kim family. South Korea was formerly governed by a succession of military dictatorships, save for a brief one-year democratic period from 1960 to 1961, until thorough democratization in 1987, after which direct elections were held. Both nations claim the entire Korean Peninsula and outlying islands. Both nations joined the United Nations in 1991 and are recognized by most member states. Since the 1970s, both nations have held informal diplomatic dialogues in order to ease military tensions.In 2000, President Kim Dae-jung became the first President of South Korea to visit North Korea, 55 years after the peninsula was divided. Under President Kim, South Korea adopted the Sunshine Policy in pursuit of more peaceful relationships with North Korea. The policy established the Kaesong Industrial Region, among other things. This policy was continued by the next president Roh Moo-hyun who also visited North Korea in 2007 and met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. Through this meeting both leaders signed a declaration to pursue peace and recover inter-Korean relations. However, faced with growing criticism, the Sunshine Policy was discontinued under the next two governments. During Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye's presidencies, the relationship between North and South Korea became more hostile.Under President Moon Jae-in, beginning with North Korea's participation in the 2018 Winter Olympics, the relationship saw a major diplomatic breakthrough and become significantly warmer. In April 2018, the two countries signed the Panmunjom Declaration. The summits between North and South Korea also facilitated positive relationships between North Korea and the United States. However, the negotiations stalled in 2020 and relations deteriorated. The relationship further deteriorated during the presidency of Yoon Suk Yeol, with an increase in military tensions.
A group of 97 Russian tourists arrived in Pyongyang, North Korea, becoming the first foreign tour group to visit the country since pandemic-related border closures. The tourists, including people in the tourism business and travelers from various parts of Russia, will spend four days visiting sights and a ski resort. This visit comes as Moscow and Pyongyang strengthen ties, with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un visiting Russia in September 2021. Analysts speculate that this visit could pave the way for President Vladimir Putin's visit to North Korea and potential humanitarian and missile support between the two countries.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida expressed commitment to working towards a summit with North Korea to address the return of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korean agents in the 1970s and 80s. North Korea suggested the meeting would be possible if Japan stops pressing the abductions issue. Japan believes hundreds more may have been abducted, with some potentially still alive. Kishida aims to resolve various bilateral issues amidst concerns over North Korea's missiles and nuclear weapons programs. Previous efforts in 2002 and 2004 involved negotiations regarding abducted Japanese citizens.
Around 100 Russians visited North Korea on a four-day private tour, revealing a country facing food shortages and international sanctions. The tourists criticized the country's only airline, Air Koryo, for its old aircraft and unpleasant smell. In Pyongyang, they observed children's performances highlighting a different reality from the official image presented by the regime.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was seen inspecting his top tank group, the Seoul Ryu Kyong Su Guards 105th Tank Division, and visiting a canteen in North Korea on March 24, 2024. Independent journalists were not granted access to cover the event, and the content of the images distributed by the North Korean government cannot be verified.
South Korea has announced the establishment of ambassador-level diplomatic relations with Cuba, a move that is seen as a political and psychological blow to North Korea. North Korea has traditionally portrayed its relations with Cuba as brotherly ties, and the opening of relations between South Korea and Cuba would deal a significant blow to Pyongyang. The move by South Korea comes as North Korea has been boosting its ties with Russia and China in an effort to break out of isolation and join a united front against the United States amid tensions over its nuclear weapons ambitions.
FIFA has canceled the World Cup qualifying match between North Korea and Japan scheduled in Pyongyang, as North Korea couldn't provide an alternative venue. The match is set to be forfeited by North Korea with a 3-0 score. AFC cited unforeseen circumstances for the cancellation, potentially related to North Korea's request for a neutral venue. This decision leaves football bodies searching for an alternative venue, with Japan leading the Group B qualifiers with three wins and North Korea having only one win. The match's future is to be decided by FIFA committees.
Kim Jong Un (English: ; Korean: 김정은; born 8 January 1982, 1983 or 1984) is a North Korean politician who has been supreme leader of North Korea since 2011 and the leader of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) since 2012. He is the third son of Kim Jong Il, who was North Korea's second supreme leader from 1994 until his death in 2011, and Ko Yong Hui. He is a grandson of Kim Il Sung, who was the founder and first supreme leader of North Korea from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994.From late 2010, Kim was viewed as the successor to the North Korean leadership. Following his father's death in December 2011, state television announced Kim as the "Great Successor". Kim holds the titles of General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs. He is also a member of the Presidium of the WPK Politburo, the highest decision-making body in the country. In July 2012, Kim was promoted to the highest rank of Marshal in the Korean People's Army, consolidating his position as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. North Korean state media often refer to him as "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un" or "Marshal Kim Jong Un". He has promoted the policy of byungjin, similar to Kim Il Sung's policy from the 1960s, referring to the simultaneous development of both the economy and the country's nuclear weapons program. He has also revived the structures of the WPK, expanding the party's power in expense of the military leadership.Kim rules North Korea as a totalitarian state, and his leadership has followed the same cult of personality as his father and grandfather. In 2014, a United Nations Human Rights Council report suggested that Kim could be put on trial for crimes against humanity. According to reports, he has ordered the purge and execution of several North Korean officials including his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, in 2013. He is also widely believed to have ordered the assassination of his half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, in Malaysia in 2017. He has presided over an expansion of the consumer economy, construction projects and tourist attractions in North Korea.Kim expanded the country's nuclear weapons program, which led to heightened tensions with the United States and South Korea, as well as China. In 2018 and 2019, Kim took part in summits with South Korean president Moon Jae-in and US president Donald Trump, leading to a brief thaw between North Korea and the two countries, though the negotiations ultimately broke down without progress on reunification of Korea or nuclear disarmament. He has claimed success in combating the COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea, as the country did not report any confirmed cases until May 2022, although many experts doubt this claim.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has proposed a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as confirmed by Kim Jong Un's sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong. The summit offer was made in a state media dispatch on Monday, March 25, 2024. This proposal indicates a potential diplomatic effort between Japan and North Korea.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un drove a new-type main battle tank and supervised a military training drill in North Korea, inspecting combat capabilities and emphasizing the need for war preparations. The tank training was seen as a response to South Korea-U.S. military drills and involved firing rounds at targets. Kim likely aims to use the upgraded weapons arsenal to gain U.S. concessions and may increase testing activities and warlike rhetoric. The training involved the 105th Tank Division and took place as joint drills between South Korea and the U.S. concluded.
North Korea has diplomatic relations with 160 states. The country's foreign relations have been dominated by its conflict with South Korea and its historical ties to the Soviet Union. Both the government of North Korea and the government of South Korea claim to be the sole legitimate government of the whole of Korea. The de facto end of the Korean War left North Korea in a military confrontation with South Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone.At the start of the Cold War, North Korea only had diplomatic recognition by communist countries. Over the following decades, it established relations with developing countries and joined the Non-Aligned Movement. When the Eastern Bloc collapsed in the years 1989–1992, North Korea made efforts to improve its diplomatic relations with developed capitalist countries. At the same time, there were international efforts to resolve the confrontation on the Korean peninsula (known as the Korean conflict). At the same time, North Korea acquired nuclear weapons, adding to the concerns of the international community.
The economy of South Korea is a highly developed mixed economy. By nominal GDP, ₩2.24 quadrillion (US$1.72 trillion), it has the 4th largest economy in Asia and the 12th largest in the world. South Korea is notable for its rapid economic development from an underdeveloped nation to a developed, high-income country in a few generations. This economic growth has been described as the Miracle on the Han River, which has allowed it to join the OECD and the G20. South Korea remains one of the fastest-growing developed countries in the world following the Great Recession and the COVID-19 recession. It is included in the group of Next Eleven countries as having the potential to play a dominant role in the global economy by the middle of the 21st century.South Korea's education system and the establishment of a motivated and educated populace were largely responsible for spurring the country's high technology boom and economic development. South Korea began to adapt an export-oriented economic strategy to fuel its economy. In 2022, South Korea was the ninth largest exporter and ninth largest importer in the world. The Bank of Korea and the Korea Development Institute periodically release major economic indicators and economic trends of the economy of South Korea.Renowned financial organisations, such as the International Monetary Fund, notes the resilience of the South Korean economy against various economic crises. They cite the country's economic advantages as reasons for this resilience, including low state debt, and high fiscal reserves that can quickly be mobilised to address any expected financial emergencies. Other financial organisations, like the World Bank, describe South Korea as one of the fastest-growing major economies of the next generation, along with BRICS and Indonesia. South Korea was one of the few developed countries that was able to avoid a recession during the Great Recession. Its economic growth rate reached 6.2% in 2010, a recovery from economic growth rates of 2.3% in 2008 and 0.2% in 2009, during the Great Recession. The South Korean economy again recovered with the record-surplus of US$70.7 billion mark of the current account at the end of 2013, up 47 percent growth from 2012. This growth contrasted with the uncertainties of the global economic turmoil, with the country's major economic output being the technology products exports.Despite the South Korean economy's high growth and structural stability, South Korea is experiencing damage to its credit rating in the stock market due to North Korea in times of military crises. The recurring conflict affects the financial markets of its economy.
North Korea, officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the northern half of the Korean Peninsula and borders China and Russia to the north at the Yalu (Amnok) and Tumen rivers, and South Korea to the south at the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The country's western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. North Korea, like its southern counterpart, claims to be the legitimate government of the entire peninsula and adjacent islands. Pyongyang is the capital and largest city.In 1945, after the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II, Korea was divided into two zones along the 38th parallel, with the north occupied by the Soviet Union and the south occupied by the United States. In 1948, separate governments were formed in Korea: the socialist and Soviet-aligned Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north, and the capitalist, Western-aligned Republic of Korea in the south. The Korean War began when North Korean forces invaded South Korea in 1950. In 1953, the Korean Armistice Agreement brought about a ceasefire and established a demilitarized zone (DMZ), but no formal peace treaty has ever been signed. Post-war North Korea benefited greatly from economic aid and expertise provided by other Eastern Bloc countries. However, Kim Il Sung, North Korea's first leader, promoted his personal philosophy of Juche as the state ideology. Pyongyang's international isolation sharply accelerated from the 1980s onwards as the Cold War came to an end. The fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 then brought about a sharp decline to the North Korean economy. From 1994 to 1998, North Korea suffered a famine with the population continuing to suffer from malnutrition. In 2024, North Korea formally abandoned efforts to peacefully reunify Korea.North Korea is a totalitarian dictatorship with a comprehensive cult of personality around the Kim family. Amnesty International considers the country to have the worst human rights record in the world. Officially, North Korea is an "independent socialist state" which holds democratic elections; however, outside observers have described the elections as unfair, uncompetitive, and pre-determined, in a manner similar to elections in the Soviet Union. The Workers' Party of Korea is the ruling party of North Korea and leads the Democratic Front for the Reunification of Korea. According to Article 3 of the constitution, Kimilsungism–Kimjongilism is the official ideology of North Korea. The means of production are owned by the state through state-run enterprises and collectivized farms. Most services—such as healthcare, education, housing, and food production—are subsidized or state-funded.North Korea follows Songun, a "military first" policy which prioritizes the Korean People's Army in state affairs and the allocation of resources. It possesses nuclear weapons. Its active-duty army of 1.28 million soldiers is the fourth largest in the world. In addition to being a member of the United Nations since 1991, North Korea is also a member of the Non-Aligned Movement, G77, and the ASEAN Regional Forum.
An AFP photographer, Pedro Pardo, documented daily life in North Korea by accessing a remote part of the border with China, offering a bleak yet fascinating look at the isolated nation. North Korea, founded in 1948 under Kim Il-sung, operates under strict Marxist-Leninist principles, promoting self-reliance through 'juche.' The population of around 26 million faces poverty and food shortages, with high levels of isolation. Since the 1950s, around 31,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea, citing worsening conditions. Pardo's photos reveal North Korean soldiers, cities, signs praising leaders, and daily activities.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed his willingness to visit North Korea soon, according to North Korea's state news agency KCNA. This comes after North Korea's foreign minister visited Moscow, as the two countries seek closer ties against increasing pressure from the West. Putin spoke with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during her visit to Moscow. This potential visit would mark Putin's first visit to Pyongyang since 2000.
North Korean state media has referred to Kim Jong Un's daughter, Ju Ae, as 'hyangdo', sparking speculation that she could be the next leader. Analysts note her regular appearances next to her father and various accolades from North Korean outlets. Kim Jong-il's first wife had two daughters, Kim Sul-song and Kim Chun-song, with Kim Sul-song being favoured. Kim Jong-un's younger sister, Kim Yo-Jong, holds a high position in state media. Kim Jong-il's eldest son, Kim Jong-nam, grew critical of North Korean politics and eventually served as an ambassador abroad before his untimely death from a nerve agent attack in 2017. Kim Jong-chul, another son, was deemed unsuitable for politics by Kim Jong-il, preferring music and writing instead.
Pyongyang International Airport (Korean: 평양 국제비행장; Hanja: 平壤國際飛行場; MR: P'yŏngyang Kukche Pihaengchang) (IATA: FNJ, ICAO: ZKPY), also known as the Pyongyang Sunan International Airport, is the main airport serving Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea. It is in the city's Sunan District. The airport was closed to international travel in 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and reopened in 2023, with the resumption of Air Koryo flights to Beijing and Vladivostok.
The economy of North Korea is a centrally planned economy, following Juche, where the role of market allocation schemes is limited, although increasing. As of 2022, North Korea continues its basic adherence to a centralized planned economy. With a total gross domestic product of $28.500 billion as of 2016, there has been some economic liberalization, particularly after Kim Jong Un assumed the leadership in 2012, but reports conflict over particular legislation and enactment. Since the 1990s, informal market activity has increased, which the government has tolerated. These markets are referred to as 'Jangmadang', and were formed as a result of the economic collapse during the 1990s, which made the regime unable to distribute food to its people.The collapse of the Eastern Bloc from 1989 to 1992, particularly North Korea's principal source of support, the Soviet Union, forced the North Korean economy to realign its foreign economic relations, including increased economic exchanges with South Korea. China is North Korea's largest trading partner. North Korea's ideology of Juche has resulted in the country pursuing autarky in an environment of international sanctions. While the current North Korean economy is still dominated by state-owned industry and collective farms, foreign investment and corporate autonomy have increased.North Korea had a similar GDP per capita to its neighbor South Korea from the aftermath of the Korean War until the mid-1970s, but had a GDP per capita of less than $2,000 in the late 1990s and early 21st century. For 2018, the South Korean Bank of Korea estimated the GDP growth as −4.1%. For the first time, in 2021, the South Korean Ministry of Unification estimated that the North Korean private sector outgrew the public sector.
North Korean leader, Kim Jong Un, took his first ride in a luxury car gifted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, symbolizing the strengthening relationship between the two countries. The high-end Aurus Senat limousine was presented to Kim by Putin during their summit in September. Kim's use of the car signifies the deepening DPRK-Russia friendship. Russian state media highlights that Aurus is Russia's first luxury car brand, used in motorcades of top officials. Kim, known for his collection of foreign luxury cars, has reportedly used vehicles like the Maybach limousine during his visits.
North Korea's state television censored a BBC gardening show featuring Alan Titchmarsh in jeans, considered a symbol of Western imperialism prohibited in the country since the 1990s. Kim Jong-il previously denounced denim as a Western imperialist symbol. Kim Jong-un disapproves of skinny jeans and Western logos. Despite strict controls on Western culture, foreign media still enters North Korea through smuggling, and TV networks pirate content like football matches by blurring logos.
The North Korea national football team (Munhwaeo Korean: 조선민주주의인민공화국 국가종합팀 (North Korean romanisation: Josŏn minjujuŭi inmin konghwaguk kukka chonghap thim), recognized as Korea DPR by FIFA) represents North Korea in men's international football and it is controlled by the DPR Korea Football Association, the governing body for Football in North Korea. The team represents both FIFA and Asian Football Confederation (AFC).In their 1966 World Cup debut, North Korea reached the quarter-finals and beat Italy in the group stage becoming the first men's Asian team in history to make it past the group stage. During the 2006 World Cup Qualifiers, controversy arose when the team's supporters rioted, interfering with the opponents' safe egress from the stadium, because of North Korea's failure to qualify. In 2009, the team qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, the second World Cup appearance in their history. North Korea has qualified for the AFC Asian Cup five times; in 1980, when they finished fourth, in 1992, 2011, in 2015, and in 2019. The current team is composed of both native North Koreans and Japanese-born Chongryon-affiliated Koreans.
South Korea, officially the Republic of Korea (ROK), is a country in East Asia. It constitutes the southern part of the Korean Peninsula and borders North Korea along the Korean Demilitarized Zone. The country's western border is formed by the Yellow Sea, while its eastern border is defined by the Sea of Japan. South Korea claims to be the sole legitimate government of the entire peninsula and adjacent islands. It has a population of 51.96 million, of which roughly half live in the Seoul Capital Area, the ninth most populous metropolitan area in the world. Other major cities include Incheon, Busan, and Daegu.The Korean Peninsula was inhabited as early as the Lower Paleolithic period. Its first kingdom was noted in Chinese records in the early 7th century BCE. Following the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea into Silla and Balhae in the late 7th century, Korea was ruled by the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392) and the Joseon dynasty (1392–1897). The succeeding Korean Empire (1897–1910) was annexed in 1910 into the Empire of Japan. Japanese rule ended following Japan's surrender in World War II, after which Korea was divided into two zones: a northern zone occupied by the Soviet Union, and a southern zone occupied by the United States. After negotiations on reunification failed, the southern zone became the Republic of Korea in August 1948, while the northern zone became the communist Democratic People's Republic of Korea the following month.In 1950, a North Korean invasion began the Korean War, which ended in 1953 after extensive fighting involving the American-led United Nations Command and the People's Volunteer Army from China with Soviet assistance. The war left 3 million Koreans dead and the economy in ruins. The authoritarian First Republic of Korea led by Syngman Rhee was overthrown in the April Revolution of 1960. However, the Second Republic was incompetent as it could not control the revolutionary fervor. The May 16 coup of 1961 led by Park Chung Hee put an end to the Second Republic, signaling the start of the Third Republic in 1963. South Korea's devastated economy began to soar under Park's leadership, recording the fastest rise in average GDP per capita. Despite lacking natural resources, the nation rapidly developed to become one of the Four Asian Tigers based on international trade and economic globalization, integrating itself within the world economy with export-oriented industrialization. The Fourth Republic was established after the October Restoration of 1972, in which Park wielded absolute power. The Yushin Constitution declared that the president could suspend basic human rights and appoint a third of the parliament. Suppression of the opposition and human rights abuse by the government became more severe in this period. Even after Park's assassination in 1979, the authoritarian rule continued in the Fifth Republic led by Chun Doo-hwan, which violently seized power by two coups and brutally suppressing the Gwangju Uprising. The June Democratic Struggle of 1987 ended authoritarian rule, forming the current Sixth Republic. The country is now considered among the most advanced democracies in Continental and East Asia.South Korea maintains a unitary presidential republic under the 1987 constitution with a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly. It is considered a regional power and a developed country, with its economy ranked as the world's twelfth-largest by nominal GDP and the fourteenth-largest by GDP (PPP). Its citizens enjoy one of the world's fastest Internet connection speeds and densest high-speed railway networks. The country is the world's ninth-largest exporter and ninth-largest importer. Its armed forces are ranked as one of the world's strongest militaries, with the world's second-largest standing army by military and paramilitary personnel. In the 21st century, South Korea has been renowned for its globally influential pop culture, particularly in music, TV dramas, and cinema, a phenomenon referred to as the Korean Wave. It is a member of the OECD's Development Assistance Committee, the G20, the IPEF, and the Paris Club.
ABC News
ABC News
NDTV
https://apnews.com/author/hyung-jin-kim
Fox News
Al Jazeera
Yahoo! News
NBC
Brad Lendon
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
Wikipedia
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
Wikipedia
PANORA
PANORA
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
PANORA
PANORA
PANORA
Wikipedia
Wikipedia
PANORA
PANORA
Wikipedia
Wikipedia