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On December 3, 2024, South Korea declared martial law under then-President Yoon Suk Yeol, sparking a political crisis. The anniversary is marked by protests, legal proceedings, and reflections on the country's democratic resilience. President Yoon was impeached and is facing criminal charges, while current President Lee Jae Myung emphasizes the people's role in stopping the crisis.
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North Korea has introduced Russian as a compulsory subject from 4th grade, amid growing ties with Russia. Over 600 students study Russian, and the countries are deepening military and educational cooperation since 2022, including North Korea sending troops to support Russia's Ukraine war.
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EU leaders are meeting to decide whether to unlock frozen Russian assets to fund Ukraine's needs in 2026-27. The plan faces opposition from Belgium and others over legal and political risks. The summit could last days or until Christmas, as disagreements persist.
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North Korea deployed over 12,000 troops to assist Russia in Ukraine, focusing on mine clearing in Kursk. Kim Jong-un praised their heroism, honoring nine soldiers killed during the 120-day mission. The deployment highlights North Korea's close military ties with Russia amid ongoing conflict.
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North Korea is set to hold its first major Workers' Party Congress in five years, with Kim Jong Un emphasizing regional development and military strengthening. The congress will likely focus on advancing nuclear capabilities and economic goals, amid recent missile tests and military activities.
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Ukraine reports a series of Russian strikes involving drones and missiles, targeting energy infrastructure and port facilities across multiple regions. Kyiv and Odesa are heavily affected, with casualties and power outages. Diplomatic efforts continue, with US and European talks aiming for a peace deal amid ongoing hostilities.
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The EU is considering unlocking about €210 billion of frozen Russian central bank assets to fund Ukraine’s war effort, amid political and legal hurdles. The plan aims to support Kyiv as Ukraine faces potential bankruptcy and increased Russian aggression, with key EU states divided over legal risks and diplomatic implications. The decision could reshape EU-Ukraine-Russia relations.
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As of early January 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has praised the country's 2025 military and economic progress, including the near-completion of an 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine and multiple missile tests. He reaffirmed commitment to nuclear weapons development and sent New Year greetings to North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in Ukraine, emphasizing the Pyongyang-Moscow alliance ahead of a key party congress.
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Kim Keon-hee, wife of former President Yoon, is under investigation for accepting bribes and valuables, with prosecutors seeking a 15-year sentence. Kim denies wrongdoing, while her legal team emphasizes procedural fairness amid ongoing trials. Meanwhile, Yoon faces separate charges related to his actions during his presidency.
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South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is in China for a four-day trip, his first since June, aiming to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties. The visit occurs as North Korea tests hypersonic missiles and regional tensions rise over Taiwan and Japan. Leaders signed cooperation agreements on trade, technology, and regional security.
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Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 13, has appeared increasingly in state media, fueling speculation she may be North Korea's future leader. Her recent visit to Kumsusan Palace ahead of the Workers' Party Congress suggests a possible formalization of her succession, though experts remain divided on her role.
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Over the past two days, Ukraine has experienced multiple Russian missile and drone strikes targeting energy infrastructure, civilian areas, and military sites. Casualties and damage have increased, with Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Dnipro among the hardest hit. International efforts continue to focus on security guarantees and diplomatic negotiations amid ongoing hostilities.
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North Korea launched several ballistic missiles early Sunday, flying about 560 miles toward eastern waters. The launches occurred ahead of its Workers' Party congress, with South Korea and the US closely monitoring. The event coincides with South Korea's president visiting China to seek regional stability.
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North Korea launched multiple missile tests, including hypersonic weapons, just before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to China. Kim Jong Un emphasized the tests as a demonstration of its nuclear deterrent amid regional and international crises. The tests follow recent provocations and regional tensions.
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South Korea's President Lee Jae Myung met with Chinese President Xi Jinping during a visit to China, urging China to mediate in North Korea's nuclear issues. Both leaders emphasized patience and the importance of regional stability amid North Korea's missile tests and diplomatic isolation.
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Russia has intensified its missile and drone strikes on Ukraine, killing at least four in Kyiv and damaging infrastructure in Lviv. The strikes include a ballistic missile targeting a repair plant in Lviv, with Ukraine and its allies condemning the escalation amid ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts.
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On January 27, 2026, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, marking its second missile test this month amid rising tensions with South Korea. The launches followed accusations by Pyongyang of South Korean civilian drone incursions, which Seoul denies. South Korea and Japan have increased defense cooperation, while the U.S. urges Seoul to take a leading role in regional security.
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As of late January 2026, Russia has escalated drone and missile strikes targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure amid one of the coldest winters in years. These attacks have caused widespread power outages affecting millions, including over half of Kyiv's residents. Ukrainian forces intercepted most attacks, but critical damage persists. Diplomatic efforts led by the U.S. continue, focusing on security guarantees and peace talks.
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Kim Jong Un dismissed Vice Premier Yang Sung-ho during a ceremony at the Ryongsong Machine Complex, citing irresponsible officials and project delays. The move aligns with preparations for the upcoming Workers' Party congress, emphasizing discipline and economic reform.
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As of early February 2026, Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. have engaged in trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi to end the nearly four-year war. Despite ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and cities, negotiations focus on territorial disputes in eastern Ukraine and security guarantees. No breakthrough has been reached, but talks remain ongoing under U.S. mediation.
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On February 10, 2026, South Korea announced a phased increase in medical school admissions from 3,058 in 2026 to 3,548 in 2027, reaching 3,871 by 2030. The plan aims to address regional healthcare shortages, especially in rural areas, following a healthcare crisis triggered by trainee doctor strikes in 2024-2025 over previous proposed increases.
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North Korea warns of severe retaliation if drone provocations continue, following recent incidents involving South Korean drones. Kim Yo Jong emphasized that any violation of sovereignty will trigger responses beyond proportionality, amid ongoing investigations into drone flights and tensions with Seoul. The story highlights escalating military tensions in the region.
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North Korea's Kim Jong Un appears to be grooming his 13-year-old daughter, Kim Ju Ae, as his successor amid signs of a potential power struggle with his sister, Kim Yo Jong. Public appearances and increased political visibility suggest her future leadership, raising questions about dynastic succession in the secretive regime.
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North Korea has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia in Ukraine, with an estimated 2,000 casualties. Kim Jong Un unveiled a new street in Pyongyang, symbolizing military sacrifice and political loyalty, amid preparations for a major party congress.
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North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has re-elected as party leader and promoted his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to a full department director during the recent Workers' Party congress. Kim also emphasized nuclear development and economic plans, with speculation about his daughter’s succession. The event underscores Kim’s consolidation of power and military ambitions.
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Kim Jong-un announced plans to expand North Korea's nuclear and missile arsenal, including ICBMs and AI-driven weapons, while dismissing dialogue with South Korea and emphasizing hostility towards the US. He also hinted at potential future talks, depending on US policies, amid regional tensions.
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North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signaled willingness for dialogue with the US, contingent on Washington respecting North Korea's nuclear status. This comes amid speculation of a potential meeting with Donald Trump during a visit to China in late March or early April. Kim reaffirmed his country's nuclear stance at the recent Workers’ Party congress.