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.
- Play CBS Video Margaret Cho: "I really look like Kim Jong Il"
- Play CBS Video N. Korea celebrates founder with dancing
- Play CBS Video What to expect from N. Korea's third leader
- Play CBS Video Kim Jong Un gives rare speech
- Play CBS Video McCain: North Korean "groundhog day" exercise
- Play CBS Video From Afghanistan to Romney with Sen. McCain
- Play CBS Video What's next in North Korea?
- Play CBS Video A glimpse at the real North Korea
- Play CBS Video What happens after North Korea missile flop?
- North Korea leader Kim Jong Un tries to win over new generation with youth rally speech
N. Koreans learn to revere nation's ruling family at young age, and new Kim seems to recognize value of indoctrinated youth
- Brig. Gen. Neil Tolley leaves post after reportedly talking about parachute missions into North Korea
Chief of U.S. special forces in South Korea departs following reports of him talking about parachuting missions into North Korea
- North Korea: Drought could worsen hunger crisis
Drought could worsen already critical food shortages, and U.S., allies, unlikely to help amid nuclear standoff
- N. Korea ramps up work at nuke site, images show
Analysis of satellite images reveal signs of excavation work being done at Punggye-ri nuclear test site
- Diplomats: UN experts say NKorea violates sanction
Security Council diplomats say an expert panel has reported that North Korea continues to violate U.N. sanctions
- North Korean boat hijacks 3 Chinese vessels
Unclear whether territorial dispute or piracy behind incident between Yellow Sea neighbors
- North Korea allegedly resumes work on nuclear reactor
Satellite imagery purports to show North Korea has kept building a nuclear site; won't be ready until 2014 at earliest
- Clinton cites progress in Chinese activist's case
Also presses China to help on global challenges including Syria, North Korea, Iran
- Analysts: North Korea's ominous missiles showcased at military parade not very good fakes
Ominous new missiles showcased at lavish military parade appear to be mishmash of components that could never fly together
- North Korea boasts having "powerful modern weapons" capable of striking United States
Senior army official tells officials at military ceremony that weapons could defeat America "at a single blow"
- North Korean military warns of "special actions" against South Korea after failed rocket launch
Isolated nation's military touts unspecified "peculiar means" capable of wiping out South Korea's government within minutes
- Experts: NKorea missile carrier likely from China
Truck that North Korea used to carry a missile during a parade likely came from China in a possible violation of U.N. sanctions
- S. Korea unveils missiles as "warning" to North
After a failed North Korean rocket launch, South Korea unveils cruise missiles that could "hit any target" in the North
- U.S.: No progress in North Korea missile program
Head of U.S. missile defense program: Failed rocket launch shows N. Korea has made little progress in its spaceflight program