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The Koreas
South Korea Probes Halloween Crowd Surge as Nation Mourns
By Hyung-Jin Kim
154 people were killed during Halloween celebrations in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood, South Korea's deadliest disaster since 2014.
North Korea Begins Preparations to Open New Trade Offices Throughout Russia
By Seulkee Jang
There has been speculation inside North Korea that the country has received Russian food and oil in return for Pyongyang’s international support for Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Rising Backlash Against Gender Equality in South Korea Undermines Stability
By Sumin Lee and Valerie M. Hudson
South Korea’s U-turn on the value of gender equality is especially concerning in light of copious research finding that gender inequality undermines national security.
The Domestic Factors Behind North Korea’s Missile Tests
By Mitchell Lerner
Historically, Pyongyang launches its most provocative foreign policy moves when the regime faces particularly intense problems at home. Current North Korean behavior fits this pattern.
Will South Korea Join Japan’s International Fleet Review?
By Kosuke Takahashi
Japan’s upcoming naval fleet review will be a litmus test for South Korea’s Yoon administration to improve bilateral ties.
South Korea’s Deafening Silence on the Iran Protests
By Joel Atkinson
In contrast to other wealthy democracies, Seoul has remained silent over the protests – and crackdowns – in Iran.
2 Koreas Exchange Warning Shots Along Disputed Sea Boundary
By Hyung-Jin Kim
The sea boundary off the Korean Peninsula’s west coast is a source of long-running animosities, including past bloodshed.
BTS Enlists: What’s Next For the Hallyu Wave?
By Brandon Valeriano and Aleydis Nissen
BTS finally announced that its members will enlist, with the group taking an extended hiatus until 2025.
Agency: BTS Members Will Serve in South Korea’s Military
By Kim Tong-Hyung
The mega-group’s management company said all members planned to complete military service as required by South Korean law – and they have already given their last concert before enlisting.
Will Vladimir Putin Share the Fate of South Korea’s Park Chung-hee?
By Justin Fendos
Kim Jae-gyu, Park’s security chief, ended up as his assassin.
North Korea Flies Warplanes Near South After Missile Launches
By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung
Eight North Korean fighter jets and four bombers flew in formation near the inter-Korean border in a new escalation.
South Korea’s Reprisal Explodes After North Korean Missile Success
By Kim Tong-Hyung
When South Korea launched ballistic missiles of its own, one Hyumoo-2 missile crashed on the outskirts of Gangneung city.