Pyongyang’s in the news for missile tests, military shows, and supporting Russia in Ukraine—capital of North Korea, led by Kim Jong Un.
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.
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.
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.
On February 27, 2026, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presented new sniper rifles to senior party and military officials as a symbol of trust. His sister, Kim Yo Jong, was promoted to general affairs director of the Workers' Party central committee. Kim's daughter, Ju Ae, appeared publicly handling a rifle, fueling speculation she is being groomed as successor amid ongoing nuclear arsenal expansion.
Russian-Australian historian Andrei Lankov was detained and expelled from Latvia while preparing to give a lecture on North Korea. Latvia's authorities reportedly blacklisted him, citing concerns over his views. Lankov, who lives in Seoul, believes his objective analysis of North Korea led to his ban. He is now in Estonia.
Kim Jong-un warned of South Korea's potential collapse, emphasizing nuclear expansion and rejecting talks with Seoul. He highlighted plans for advanced missile systems and AI-driven weapons, while asserting North Korea's status as a nuclear power. The military parade and Kim’s daughter’s presence fuel succession speculation.
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un indicated willingness for dialogue with the US, contingent on Washington respecting North Korea's nuclear status. This follows recent US actions in Iran and Venezuela, which may influence North Korea's diplomatic approach amid ongoing nuclear development.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presented new-generation rifles to top officials during the Ninth Congress, emphasizing trust and military strength. His daughter Ju Ae appeared publicly for the first time at a military parade, fueling speculation about her succession prospects amid ongoing nuclear development.
North Korea launched over 10 ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan during ongoing US-South Korea military exercises. The launches, from near Pyongyang, come amid heightened tensions and North Korea's calls to end joint drills, which it views as invasion rehearsals. South Korea has increased surveillance and maintains readiness.
China has restarted train services to North Korea after a six-year suspension due to COVID-19. Regular routes between Beijing and Pyongyang now operate multiple times weekly, signaling a potential shift in bilateral relations and easing of border restrictions. The move follows China's full border reopening, while North Korea remains cautious.
On March 14-15, 2026, North Korea conducted a missile drill involving 12 600mm-caliber multiple rocket launchers and artillery units, overseen by leader Kim Jong Un. The launches targeted an island in the East Sea within a 420 km range, coinciding with ongoing US-South Korea military exercises. Pyongyang framed the test as a deterrent and a demonstration of tactical nuclear strike capability.
Kim Jong Un visited a pistol factory, inspecting new weapons and calling for increased production. His daughter, Kim Ju Ae, was present, firing weapons publicly for the first time. The display signals a focus on conventional forces amid ongoing missile tests and regional tensions.
North Korea launched over ten ballistic missiles into the sea amid ongoing US-South Korea military exercises. The missiles were fired from near Pyongyang, with some falling outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. The launches follow joint drills aimed at testing regional defense readiness, which North Korea condemns as invasion rehearsals.
Belarus has released 250 political prisoners following a meeting with U.S. envoy John Coale, as part of a broader effort to improve relations with the West. The U.S. lifted sanctions on key Belarusian companies, including potash producers, in exchange for the prisoner releases. The move signals a diplomatic thaw.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has publicly appeared with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, during military drills, fueling speculation about her potential succession. Recent images show her participating in military activities, amid ongoing tensions with South Korea and the US over military exercises and regional security.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reaffirmed the country's status as a nuclear power in a speech to the Supreme People’s Assembly, emphasizing the importance of nuclear deterrence for security and economic development. He condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran and rejected disarmament talks, asserting North Korea's sovereignty and military strength.
North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko have met in Pyongyang to deepen cooperation. They plan to sign a friendship treaty and discuss expanding political and economic ties, reflecting shared opposition to Western sanctions and support for Russia's stance on Ukraine.
North Korea has conducted a series of weapons tests over three days, including electromagnetic systems, carbon-fiber bombs, and missile launches with cluster-munition and graphite-bomb payloads. The tests indicate efforts to develop strategic military assets and learn from regional conflicts, with ongoing tensions between North and South Korea.
North Korea has attended a memorial ceremony in Pyongyang marking the first anniversary of North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia in the Kursk region. Kim Jong Un has praised the soldiers' heroism, while Russia and North Korea have agreed to deepen military cooperation through a new treaty covering 2027-2031. The event highlights North Korea's ongoing support for Moscow amid the Ukraine conflict.