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The Koreas

South Korean Spy Agency Files Charges Against Ex-Chiefs Over North Korea Border Incidents
By Kim Tong-Hyung and Hyung-Jin Kim
Two previous National Intelligence Service directors were charged with improperly handling investigations into separate incidents in 2019 and 2020.

Amid Worsening Medicine Shortages, North Korea Cracks Down on Private Drug Sellers
By Seulkee Jang
With medicine prices rising over ten-fold since the closure of the border, North Korea recently declared price ceilings for drugs in each region.

Following NATO Summit, North Korea Denounces US-South Korea-Japan Joint Military Cooperation
By Mitch Shin
North Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the country will beef up its self-defense capabilities against the U.S. and its allies.

South Korea’s Space Program Is a Big Deal
By Andy Hong
The successful launch of the domestically produced Nuri rocket has implications for the nation, the region, and the world.

From Europe, Yoon Suk Yeol Calls for International Cooperation on North Korea’s Nuclear and Missile Threats
By Mitch Shin
As China opposed Yoon’s attendance at the NATO meetings, Seoul will likely face more complicated obstacles to deter North Korea’s nuclear and missile developments.

Domestic and Global Political Impacts of K-Pop: BoA, BTS, and Beyond
By Jason Bartlett
Korean entertainment, in particular K-Pop, has provided a unique opportunity for Seoul to improve its global standing.

Kim Jong Un Convenes 3rd Enlarged Meeting of WPK’s Military Commission
By Mitch Shin
Kim Jong Un discussed major agendas of his country’s military with his officials, raising speculation that a seventh nuclear test is imminent.

South Korea Launches First Satellite With Homegrown Rocket
By Hyung-Jin Kim
On its second launch, South Korea’s Nuri rocket successfully placed a satellite into orbit.

What Does South Korea’s First Lady Do?
By Hae Kyung Ahn
President Yoon's wife, Kim Keon Hee, has attracted controversy already.

Seoul: No Evidence Slain Official Tried to Defect to North Korea
By Hyung-jin Kim
Disclosing confidential documents about the man's death was a campaign promise by current President Yoon Suk Yeol.

Korean Peninsula Tensions Escalate Amid a Return to Old School Policies
By Mitch Shin
After a meeting with his U.S. counterpart, South Korea's foreign minister emphasized strengthening the joint extended deterrence against North Korea’s missile threats.

North Korea’s Belated Effort to Import COVID-19 Medical Supplies
By Troy Stangarone
Pyongyang only ramped up its pandemic-related imports after admitting its first outbreak. Is it too little, too late?