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 State of the Union 2011 In Full
- Play CBS Video Flash Points: President Hu Goes to Washington
- Play CBS Video Evening News Online, 01.18.10
- Play CBS Video China's President Begins U.S. Visit
- Play CBS Video Evening News Online, 12.23.10
- Play CBS Video North Korea Will Not Retaliate After South's Drill
- Play CBS Video Evening News Online, 12.17.10
- Play CBS Video Evening News Online, 11.29.10
- Play CBS Video What's in WikiLeaks Documents?
- Shortages forcing N. Koreas to forage for food
Nongovernment agencies: Alarming malnutrition among children as food stocks expected to be exhausted by June
Read Full Story - Diplomats say China blocks NKorea nuke report
Diplomats say China blocks NKorea nuke report
Read Full Story - China blocks N. Korea nuke report, diplomats say
Beijing accused of suppressing report that shows Pyongyang is ignoring U.N. sanctions, continuing nuclear enrichment program
Read Full Story - Official: Iran, NKorea are in 'one trench'
Official: Iran, NKorea are in 'one trench'
Read Full Story - North Korean Said to Defect Across Land Border
Defects Across Land Border Are Rare; Last Known Defection Across Border Was in 2008
Read Full Story - N. Korea: No More Military Talks with S. Korea
North Accuses Seoul of Lacking Serious Intent to Improve Relations
Read Full Story - S. Korea Agrees to Talk with North on Families
Military Officers from Both Sides Meet at Border for Second Straight Day to Try to End Tensions on the Peninsula
Read Full Story - N. Korea Parliament Calls for Talks with South
Offer Comes Days after N. Korean Committee Proposes Lawmakers from the Two Koreas Talk to Overcome "Grave Situation"
Read Full Story - Kim Jong Il Opposes Succession, Outcast Son Says
Exiled Playboy Son Kim Jong Nam Says North Korean Leader Thinks Dynastic Succession Undermines Socialism, but Was Necessary
Read Full Story - S. Korea Rejects North's Latest Invite to Talks
North Proposes Parliamentary Dialogue, says Talks "Only Way" to Avoid War; South says Negotiations Already Underway
Read Full Story - Clinton: U.S., China Must Overcome Differences
Despite Human Rights Disagreements, Relationship is Among "Most Consequential" for World's Future, Top Diplomat Says
Read Full Story - Gates: North Korea a Direct Threat to U.S.
Defense Chief says North's Development of Nukes and Long-Range Missiles Could Put U.S. in Range within 5 Years
Read Full Story - S. Korea Cool to N. Korea Charm Offensive
Analysis: Recent North Charm Offensive Welcome after Threats of Recent Weeks but Don't Expect a Diplomatic Breakthrough
Read Full Story - U.S. Envoy Seeks China's Help with N. Korea
Stephen Bosworth in Beijing to Gain Insight from Chinese Diplomats who Met Recently with Kim Jong Il
Read Full Story - N. Korea Seeks Unconditional Talks with South
Seoul Calls Offer Insincere; Tensions High after Two Months of Clashes, Including a Nov. Battle that Killed Four Civilians
Read Full Story