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North Korea

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea is a country in East Asia, located in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula bordering South Korea and China. Its capital, Pyongyang, is the country's largest city by both land area and population. It is a single-party state led by the Korean Workers' Party (KWP), and governed by Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un since 2012. It has a population of 24,052,231 (UN-assisted DPRK census 2008) made up of Koreans and a smaller Chinese minority. Japan 'opened' Korea in 1876 and annexed it in 1910. The Republic of Korea (ROK) was founded with US support in the south in August 1948 and the Soviet-backed Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in the north in September that year.

Capital

Pyongyang

Head of State

Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un

Head of Government

Premier Kim Tok-hun

Screenshots from a viral video posted by an social media user on Wednesday showing her daughter being shoved while attempting to take a photo at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing. Photo: Instagram/peipeilin527

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3 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

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Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

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US-Israel war on Iran: everything you need to know

2 Mar 2026 - 6:30PM

Korean Central News Agency (North Korea)

Video | What do we know about Kim’s daughter and potential successor?

Kim Ju-ae is seen by North Korea analysts as a potential leadership successor, given the number of high-profile events she has attended alongside her father.

1 Mar 2026 - 9:00AM

06:17

Kim Jong-un

North Korea unveils image of Kim’s daughter firing rifle at shooting range

Speculation has mounted that Kim Jong-un is grooming his daughter – believed to be named Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old – as his successor.

28 Feb 2026 - 8:00PM

Kim Jong-un

Dress for succession? Why ‘twin look’ of Kim Jong-un, daughter is sparking talk

The appearance of the Kims in near-identical leather coats at a military parade is seen by some that Pyongyang’s succession plan is in place.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:09AMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

Video | North Korea holds military parade to mark ruling Workers’ Party Congress

Analysts say the event reflects a continued emphasis on military strength as a driving force for national development under Kim Jong Un’s leadership.

27 Feb 2026 - 7:52PM

This picture taken on February 25, 2026 and released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on February 26, 2026 shows soldiers marching during the military parade commemorating the 9th Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea at Kim Il-Sung Square in Pyongyang. (Photo by KCNA VIA KNS / AFP) / South Korea OUT / SOUTH KOREA OUT / ---EDITORS NOTE--- RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT “AFP PHOTO/KCNA VIA KNS” - NO MARKETING NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
THIS PICTURE WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY A THIRD PARTY. AFP CAN NOT INDEPENDENTLY VERIFY THE AUTHENTICITY, LOCATION, DATE AND CONTENT OF THIS IMAGE. /

01:05

Kim Jong-un

North Korea’s Kim warns of ‘eternal confrontation’ without US dialogue

As long as Washington acknowledges Pyongyang as a nuclear power, there is ‘no reason not to get along’, the North Korean leader says.

27 Feb 2026 - 8:07PMvideocam

Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Dominant North Korea among favourites to win Women’s Asian Cup despite Covid break

Secretive state’s team emerged from 4-year pandemic lockdown to win trio of youth titles, including Women’s Under-20 World Cup in 2024.

26 Feb 2026 - 11:01AM

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Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

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A Ukrainian serviceman of the 18th Sloviansk Brigade of the National Guard of Ukraine participates in training at an undisclosed location in Donetsk region on January 28. Photo: AFP

South Korea

South Korean ex-president Yoon appeals against ‘excessive’ life sentence

Yoon Suk-yeol’s legal team said it needed to place the problems with the ruling on record for the sake of history.

24 Feb 2026 - 4:37PMvideocam

Supporters of former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol (second row, left) watch a live stream of his trial on Thursday. Photo: AFP

China-South Korea relations

Seoul’s protest seen as reluctance to let US Forces Korea confront China

South Korean complaint highlights growing difficulty in balancing ties with both security ally US and top trading partner China: analyst.

24 Feb 2026 - 5:53PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-un’s sister takes major step up in North Korean leadership

Kim Yo-jong, one of her brother’s closest lieutenants, has been promoted to full department director at the Workers’ Party congress.

24 Feb 2026 - 9:03AMvideocam

South Korea

Why South Korea is risking a rare rift with US to slash joint military drills

Washington is reportedly pushing back on Seoul’s request for smaller drills, forcing the postponement of a major joint military briefing.

24 Feb 2026 - 9:25AMvideocam

US and South Korean armoured vehicles cross a floating bridge as part of last year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise. Photo: AFP

China-EU relations

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

23 Feb 2026 - 9:07PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Xi Jinping hoping China can open ‘new chapter’ in relations with North Korea

Chinese leader sends message of ‘high trust and wholehearted support’ to Kim Jong-un after major party event.

23 Feb 2026 - 7:08PM

South Korea

South Korea protests Russian embassy ‘Victory’ banner as key war date looms

South Korea formally protests display in the heart of its capital as the Ukraine-Russia war enters its fifth year.

23 Feb 2026 - 5:30PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

North Korea’s explosive thriller reveals assassination plot against Kim’s dad

‘Days and Nights of Confrontation’, which depicts a plot to kill Kim Jong-il, was released for the first time on state television last month.

22 Feb 2026 - 11:39AMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un greets residents in Pyongyang on Monday. Photo: KCNA via KNS/AFP

Lessons from China's history

Reflections | As Kim Jong-un grooms daughter to rule, a Chinese princess’s fatal ambition

Princess Anle’s radical petition to inherit the throne set in motion a chain of events that would see her decapitated in her own boudoir.

21 Feb 2026 - 8:15AM

South Korea

Where is Kim Ju-ae? Succession question hangs over North Korea’s ruling congress

With Kim Jong-un set to outline his end-of-decade vision, the notable absence of his teenage daughter raises fresh succession questions.

1 Mar 2026 - 10:10AMvideocam

China-South Korea relations

China scrambles fighters to confront US warplanes based in South Korea

The American warplanes made a rare approach towards China’s air defence identification zone over the Yellow Sea, local media reported.

20 Feb 2026 - 8:01PMvideocam

US F-16 fighters based in South Korea approached China’s air defence identification zone, according to media reports. Photo: Getty Images

Kim Jong-un

North Korea’s Kim opens rare party congress with pledge to fix economy

North Korea’s economy has been languishing under heavy Western sanctions that aim to choke off funding for its nuclear weapons programme.

20 Feb 2026 - 6:28PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks during the Ninth Worker’s Party Congress in Pyongyang on Friday. Photo: KCNA / Reuters

China-North Korea relations

China congratulates North Korea on party conclave, vows to work together: Xinhua

Message from Communist Party of China’s Central Committee lauds Workers’ Party for helping to develop North Korean economy, improving lives.

20 Feb 2026 - 7:27PMvideocam

Japan

Takaichi vows to make Japan ‘strong’, says no to ‘reckless’ fiscal policy

The prime minister said Tokyo was facing ‘the most severe and complex security environment’ since World War II, citing China and Russia.

20 Feb 2026 - 3:05PMvideocam

Kim Jong-un

‘Heroic era’: why North Korea’s Kim is lauding Ukraine war sacrifices

The new homes for families of fallen soldiers are part of a push to showcase tangible achievements before the party congress, analysts say.

17 Feb 2026 - 8:00AM

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (centre, right) and his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, touring Saeppyol Street, a new housing district in Pyongyang dedicated to the families of fallen soldiers, on Sunday. Photo; EPA/KCNA

Munich Security Conference

In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

Washington and its Indo-Pacific and European allies emphasise need for cooperation to counter Beijing’s military build-up.

16 Feb 2026 - 6:00AM

Chinese military activities – and the need to respond to them – have been framed as a major driver of cooperation between US allies during this year’s Munich Security Conference. Photo: Xinhua

South Korea

‘We don’t care’: North Korea threatens Seoul with dire consequences over drones

The warning from Kim Yo-jong could derail President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to mend ties with Pyongyang.

13 Feb 2026 - 12:40PMvideocam

Japan

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.

13 Feb 2026 - 5:53PMvideocam

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North Korea

Southeast Asian navy strategies, Japan video sparks outrage: 7 Asia highlights

From predictions on Iranian leadership to North Korea’s nuclear vindication, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

US-Israel war on Iran: everything you need to know

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | What do we know about Kim’s daughter and potential successor?

Kim Ju-ae is seen by North Korea analysts as a potential leadership successor, given the number of high-profile events she has attended alongside her father.

North Korea unveils image of Kim’s daughter firing rifle at shooting range

Speculation has mounted that Kim Jong-un is grooming his daughter – believed to be named Kim Ju-ae and about 13 years old – as his successor.

Dress for succession? Why ‘twin look’ of Kim Jong-un, daughter is sparking talk

The appearance of the Kims in near-identical leather coats at a military parade is seen by some that Pyongyang’s succession plan is in place.

Video | North Korea holds military parade to mark ruling Workers’ Party Congress

Analysts say the event reflects a continued emphasis on military strength as a driving force for national development under Kim Jong Un’s leadership.

North Korea’s Kim warns of ‘eternal confrontation’ without US dialogue

As long as Washington acknowledges Pyongyang as a nuclear power, there is ‘no reason not to get along’, the North Korean leader says.

Dominant North Korea among favourites to win Women’s Asian Cup despite Covid break

Secretive state’s team emerged from 4-year pandemic lockdown to win trio of youth titles, including Women’s Under-20 World Cup in 2024.

Where Ukraine and Russia stand as war enters fifth year

Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

South Korean ex-president Yoon appeals against ‘excessive’ life sentence

Yoon Suk-yeol’s legal team said it needed to place the problems with the ruling on record for the sake of history.

Seoul’s protest seen as reluctance to let US Forces Korea confront China

South Korean complaint highlights growing difficulty in balancing ties with both security ally US and top trading partner China: analyst.

Kim Jong-un’s sister takes major step up in North Korean leadership

Kim Yo-jong, one of her brother’s closest lieutenants, has been promoted to full department director at the Workers’ Party congress.

Why South Korea is risking a rare rift with US to slash joint military drills

Washington is reportedly pushing back on Seoul’s request for smaller drills, forcing the postponement of a major joint military briefing.

Opinion | Germany’s outreach to China signals a reckoning, rather than a shift

The German chancellor realises that while China poses a long-term economic challenge, the United States is currently the more disruptive partner.

Xi Jinping hoping China can open ‘new chapter’ in relations with North Korea

Chinese leader sends message of ‘high trust and wholehearted support’ to Kim Jong-un after major party event.

South Korea protests Russian embassy ‘Victory’ banner as key war date looms

South Korea formally protests display in the heart of its capital as the Ukraine-Russia war enters its fifth year.

North Korea’s explosive thriller reveals assassination plot against Kim’s dad

‘Days and Nights of Confrontation’, which depicts a plot to kill Kim Jong-il, was released for the first time on state television last month.

Reflections | As Kim Jong-un grooms daughter to rule, a Chinese princess’s fatal ambition

Princess Anle’s radical petition to inherit the throne set in motion a chain of events that would see her decapitated in her own boudoir.

Where is Kim Ju-ae? Succession question hangs over North Korea’s ruling congress

With Kim Jong-un set to outline his end-of-decade vision, the notable absence of his teenage daughter raises fresh succession questions.

China scrambles fighters to confront US warplanes based in South Korea

The American warplanes made a rare approach towards China’s air defence identification zone over the Yellow Sea, local media reported.

North Korea’s Kim opens rare party congress with pledge to fix economy

North Korea’s economy has been languishing under heavy Western sanctions that aim to choke off funding for its nuclear weapons programme.

China congratulates North Korea on party conclave, vows to work together: Xinhua

Message from Communist Party of China’s Central Committee lauds Workers’ Party for helping to develop North Korean economy, improving lives.

Takaichi vows to make Japan ‘strong’, says no to ‘reckless’ fiscal policy

The prime minister said Tokyo was facing ‘the most severe and complex security environment’ since World War II, citing China and Russia.

‘Heroic era’: why North Korea’s Kim is lauding Ukraine war sacrifices

The new homes for families of fallen soldiers are part of a push to showcase tangible achievements before the party congress, analysts say.

In Munich, US urges ‘collective strength’ among allies to deter China

Washington and its Indo-Pacific and European allies emphasise need for cooperation to counter Beijing’s military build-up.

‘We don’t care’: North Korea threatens Seoul with dire consequences over drones

The warning from Kim Yo-jong could derail President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to mend ties with Pyongyang.

Why Takaichi’s landslide victory in Japan has North Korea on edge

North Korea has accused Japan of resurrecting its wartime ambitions by expanding its defence and pursuing security alliances.

Opinion | Kim Jong-un’s daughter may well become North Korea’s first female leader

Video | What do we know about Kim’s daughter and potential successor?