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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

Protesters rally against Freedom Shield 2026 in front of the US embassy in Seoul. Photo: AFP

Korean peninsula

US begins large military exercise with South Korea while attacking Iran

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36 minutes ago

Korean peninsula

Opinion | Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea is burying the dream of reunification

8 Mar 2026 - 8:30PMvideocam

China-North Korea relations

Will the US attack on Iran push North Korea even closer to Russia and China?

7 Mar 2026 - 11:00PMvideocam

Australia

Australia complains to China after encounter between military helicopters

Australia says the Chinese aircraft made an ‘unsafe’ manoeuvre, while China called the statement ‘distortions of facts’.

7 Mar 2026 - 6:21AMvideocam

The incident is the latest ‌in a series ‌of military encounters involving China that Australia has called out publicly in similar terms. Photo illustration: Shutterstock

South Korea

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

Fears are growing in Seoul that shifting US Patriot and THAAD missiles to fight Iran could leave it vulnerable to North Korea.

6 Mar 2026 - 6:09PMvideocam

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6 Mar 2026 - 12:45PM

Kim Jong-un

Why North Korea’s missile tests from new warship has Iran conflict in mind

Experts say the US strikes on Iran are sharpening Pyongyang’s resolve to diversify nuclear-capable forces, including new naval platforms.

5 Mar 2026 - 5:16PMvideocam

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watches the test firing of a sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile on Wednesday. Photo: KCNA/AFP

Video | North Korea unveils first-known statue of Kim Jong-un

The statue depicts the North Korean leader smiling.

4 Mar 2026 - 7:22PM

US, Israel war on Iran

North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up

The Pentagon wants Seoul to shoulder more of its defence burden. Analysts say it may have strengthened Kim Jong-un’s hand instead.

4 Mar 2026 - 5:25PMvideocam

South Korea

South Korea to finally get fully functioning Google Maps

The move will appease Washington that has urged security-conscious Seoul to tackle what it says is discrimination against US tech companies.

3 Mar 2026 - 6:44PMvideocam

A woman poses for photographs from an observation deck at N Seoul Tower in Seoul, South Korea. South Korea had shot down Google’s previous bids in 2007 and 2016 to be allowed to export the data, citing the risks that information ‌about sensitive military and security facilities could be exposed. Photo: Reuters

SCMP Highlights

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

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3 Mar 2026 - 12:00PM

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

Diplomacy

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

The signs of succession are apparent, from Kim Ju-ae’s growing public appearances with her father to her reported appointment to a new leadership position.

3 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

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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

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

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and daughter Ju-ae attend a military parade to commemorate the Ninth Workers’ Party congress on Wednesday. Photo: KCNA/AFP

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

Ukraine war

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.

24 Feb 2026 - 3:19PM

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

Seoul’s defence minister has protested to the head of US Forces Korea about a stand-off between US and Chinese fighter jets in the Yellow Sea, according to South Korean media. Photo: AP

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

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

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pictured at the party congress which concluded on Monday. Photo: AFP

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

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22 Feb 2026 - 11:39AMvideocam

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North Korea

US begins large military exercise with South Korea while attacking Iran

Thousands of troops begin annual drills amid speculation over US Patriot redeployment to the Middle East.

.css-1m2rp1p{color:#34b8b5;}Opinion | Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea is burying the dream of reunification

Will the US attack on Iran push North Korea even closer to Russia and China?

Australia complains to China after encounter between military helicopters

Australia says the Chinese aircraft made an ‘unsafe’ manoeuvre, while China called the statement ‘distortions of facts’.

South Korea uneasy as US weighs moving air defences to Middle East

Fears are growing in Seoul that shifting US Patriot and THAAD missiles to fight Iran could leave it vulnerable to North Korea.

Woman marries 2 men in Thailand, China’s bamboo-fibre drone: 7 highlights

From a woman marrying two men in Thailand to a bamboo-fibre drone, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Why North Korea’s missile tests from new warship has Iran conflict in mind

Experts say the US strikes on Iran are sharpening Pyongyang’s resolve to diversify nuclear-capable forces, including new naval platforms.

.css-rcruog{color:#C79A00;}Video | North Korea unveils first-known statue of Kim Jong-un

The statue depicts the North Korean leader smiling.

North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up

The Pentagon wants Seoul to shoulder more of its defence burden. Analysts say it may have strengthened Kim Jong-un’s hand instead.

South Korea to finally get fully functioning Google Maps

The move will appease Washington that has urged security-conscious Seoul to tackle what it says is discrimination against US tech companies.

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.

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

The signs of succession are apparent, from Kim Ju-ae’s growing public appearances with her father to her reported appointment to a new leadership position.

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

From what’s next for Iran after Khamenei’s death to China’s reaction, here’s everything you need to know about the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.

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.

Opinion | Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea is burying the dream of reunification

Video | North Korea unveils first-known statue of Kim Jong-un