Kim Jong Un
Pyongyang rejected Seoul's conclusions that North Korea had planted a mine in the demilitarized zone. North Korea threatened an immediate response to border violations.
Pyongyang said it had tested a medium-range missile capable of changing its trajectory at low altitude. Seoul reported that it flew 700 km.
Donald Trump said that North Korea has nuclear capabilities, unlike Iran. The head of the White House called Kim Jong Un his friend.
Lee Jae-myung and Donald Trump agreed to help resume dialogue with Pyongyang. Seoul seeks to initiate talks on peace and denuclearization.
Zelenskyy said that 30,000–50,000 North Korean troops are training in Russia and working with drones. Pyongyang denies this.
The North Korean leader spoke of deepening cooperation with Russia and its victory in the war against Ukraine. Pyongyang has already sent troops to its side.
North Korea commissioned its second 5,000-ton-class destroyer at the port of Wonsan. Kim Jong Un linked the vessel to nuclear deterrence.
Kim Son Gi became North Korea’s defense minister, replacing No Kwang Chol. Pak Jong Chon returned to head the military commission.
The Freedom Edge exercise will take place on September 9–11 in international waters near Jeju Island. The allies will test their readiness for threats from North Korea.
Seoul said that Pyongyang continues preparations to send troops to Russia, but there are no signs of an imminent deployment. North Korea is also supplying missiles.
Congressman Rich McCormick called on Trump to resume full-scale U. S.–South Korean exercises. After the reduction, North Korea launched missiles.
The United States and South Korea ended the exercises six days early after North Korea launched about 10 ballistic missiles. Pyongyang rejected the reduction in the maneuvers.
The new wave of North Korean troops in Russia includes 400 drone operators capable of conducting reconnaissance and attacking targets in Ukraine. Pyongyang may be asked to send up to 50,000 more troops.
Kim Yo Jong called the joint exercises provocative despite their reduction. She also denied contacts between Kim Jong Un and Trump.
Kim Yo Jong called Zelenskyy's statement about the possible deployment of 50,000 troops to Russia groundless. In 2024, North Korea sent approximately 14,000 military personnel.
Trump seeks to resume dialogue with Kim Jong Un and may meet with him in China in November. There is no official planning yet.
U. S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized CNN correspondent Kristen Holmes, calling her a "fake journalist" and urging her to shut up.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow and Pyongyang are jointly working to establish a new just world order. He also noted the participation of Korean troops in expelling Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region.
U. S. President Donald Trump said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his recent message, calling the exchange “very positive.” This came after Trump ordered a reduction in military exercises with South Korea.
South Korea is reviewing Trump's comments about scaling back joint exercises, hoping for substantive negotiations. Pyongyang has not yet responded, while experts warn of possible high costs.
Lee Jae-myung called for talks with North Korea, proposing to replace the armistice with a peace regime. He also emphasized the need to prevent conflict and limit Pyongyang’s nuclear capabilities.
According to Bloomberg, Kim Jong Un received up to $22 billion in foreign revenues from 2022 to 2025, four times more than in the previous period. This was made possible in part by supplying weapons and troops to Russia.
North Korean authorities recommend hot dishes, including dog meat soup, to combat the heat. Temperatures on the peninsula are reaching 40°C, while South Korea is recording fatalities.
North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile near its east coast; the launch was detected by South Korea and Japan. South Korea's military has intensified surveillance and is coordinating actions with the United States and Japan.
Kim Jong Un's sister Kim Yo Jong stated that additional military measures are being prepared in response to Japan's strengthening of its defense capabilities. Pyongyang accused Tokyo of turning into a "military state."
Russia and North Korea have almost completed the construction of the first road bridge, which could be used for military supplies. Officially, the bridge is intended for trade and tourism, but it raises concerns due to the possible transfer of troops.
North Korea officially put into operation the new destroyer "Choe Hyon". Kim Jong Un announced plans to commission two new ships into the Navy each year for five years.
The DPRK Ministry of Foreign Affairs called its status as a nuclear power irreversible and condemned the actions of the United States. Pyongyang officially considers the issue of denuclearization to be permanently closed.
The US and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to the denuclearization of the DPRK and rejected Russia's statements that the issue is closed. The parties also expressed concern over the PRC's nuclear potential.
Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un agreed to expand cooperation in economy and politics. Pyongyang officially supported the One China principle.