North Korea
Latest North Korea News
Occupying the Northern half of the Korean peninsula, North Korea is one of the world's most closed societies often criticized for its violation of human rights.
Korea was independent for most of its history, but was occupied by Japan in 1905 during the Russo-Japanese war. It was divided into Soviet and American occupied zones following World War II. Both North and South Korea claimed sovereignty of the entire peninsula, which led to the Korean War, lasting from 1950 to 1953. An armistice ended the fighting, but the countries are still officially at war with each other - a peace treaty was never signed.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was founded under President Kim Il-so'ng, and operates under the principal of economic and diplomatic "self reliance" as a hedge against other communist powers. Because of the government's secretive nation and its isolation - very few foreigners visit - it is often called "The Hermit Kingdom." Cellular phone access is limited and international calls are illegal, except for the political elite. Internet use is also limited for most of the population.
The single-party state is currently led by Kim Jong Il, and the nation's long-range missile development as well as nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs concern the international community. During the 1990s, after years of economic mismanagement, the country started relying on international aid in order to help feed its population, but still spends considerable resources on its military, following the Songun doctrine - or "military first."
In 2002, President George W. Bush called North Korea part of the "axis of evil" and a "outpost of tyranny." While talks between the United States and North Korea are ongoing, there are no formal diplomatic relations - and no exchange of ambassadors. President Bill Clinton visited in August in 2009 and spoke with Kim Jong Il in order to exchange the release of two American journalists who were said to have entered the country illegally.
In September 2010, Kim Jong-un was made a four star general and given positions in the national party. Many analysts think this means he will succeed his father Kim Jong Il, who is thought to be in poor health.
See below for the latest news and video reports on North Korea.
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More Headlines
- North Korea sends top official to China amid strained relations with vital ally
High-profile delegation seen as possible attempt by Kim Jong Un to repair ties with key ally and economic benefactor
- North Korea continues apparent short-range missile tests
South Korea says launch appears to be latest test of short-range missile or some new artillery amid signs of diplomacy
- North Korean prisoner escaped after 23 brutal years
Born in a prison camp, Shin Dong-hyuk describes how three generations of a family are incarcerated if one family member is considered disloyal
- North Korea fires short-range missiles for second day
Unclear if missiles are further provocation or routine tests, as four launches in two days aimed at sea
- U.N. panel: Sanctions delaying NKorea nuke program
Panel's report provides further information on the north's attempts to evade four rounds of tough U.N. sanctions
- U.S. "hopeful" after China bank cuts ties with N. Korea
Top envoy says not clear whether Bank of China's decision means Beijing shifting stance on old ally, but it's a "very hopeful sign"
- South Korean president: North Korea will "pay" for any attack
In her first TV interview, South Korea's "Iron Lady" says she won't hesitate to strike back against North Korea
- North Korea pulls missiles from launch site
Two intermediate-range missiles taken away from launch site on east coast; Pentagon acknowledges a "provocation pause"
- Last 7 South Koreans leave joint factory park in North
Pyongyang suspended operations at complex at Kaesong that was nations' last symbol of cooperation and among their last communications points
- U.S. to N. Korea: Release imprisoned U.S. citizen
Kenneth Bae got 15 years hard labor for unspecified crimes; Analysts: Could be Pyongyang gambit to get direct talks with U.S. on its nuke program
- North Korea: U.S. citizen sentenced to 15 years hard labor
Kenneth Bae committed unspecified crimes against the state, Pyongyang claims; Expert: N. Korea hoping to prompt visit by high-ranking American
- South Korean workers allowed to leave N. Korean factory
Most remaining personnel depart joint industrial complex at Kaesong, after North had refused permission for employees to cross border
- Seoul set to pull last 50 South Koreans from factory park
Awaiting North's OK; Recently shuttered Kaesong industrial complex at border was last symbol of cooperation between the Koreas
- North Korea says it will indict U.S. citizen
Report from the official Korean Central News Agency didn't say when Kenneth Bae's trial will occur
- North Korea: Stories of escape
CBS News gets three 1st-hand accounts of life north of the DMZ from people who managed to escape
