North Korea
Follow the latest North Korea news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 23, 2024 at 4:06 PM

Ukraine's Zelenskyy says 3,000 North Koreans killed or wounded in Russia fighting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said more than 3,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting for Moscow in Russia's western Kursk region.
December 23, 2024 at 4:06 PM
Korean People's Army soldiers are pictured at Mansu Hill in Pyongyang, North Korea on Dec. 17, 2019.
December 19, 2024 at 6:55 AM

At least 100 North Korean soldiers killed in Russia, South Korean intelligence says

North Korea may dispatch more troops to Russia despite casualties, South Korea’s National Intelligence told lawmakers during a briefing Thursday.
December 19, 2024 at 6:55 AM
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visits the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to pay tribute on the 13th anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death, in Pyongyang, North Korea, Dec. 17, 2024, in this photo released Dec. 18, 2024, by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency.
December 18, 2024 at 3:15 PM

Live dashcam feed used in Ukraine’s deadly Moscow bomb plot, police say

A senior Russian general was killed in a bomb blast in a residential neighborhood in Moscow, Russian media reported early Tuesday.
December 18, 2024 at 3:15 PM
Investigators work near a scooter at the place where Lt. General Igor Kirillov was killed in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
December 18, 2024 at 2:09 PM

North Korean troops in Russia's Kursk adapting after 'serious losses,' Ukraine says

Ukraine's intelligence services released new information Tuesday about the conduct of North Korean troops now fighting alongside Russian forces in the Kursk region.
December 18, 2024 at 2:09 PM
This file photo shows North Korean soldiers marching during a rally on Kim Il Sung square in Pyongyang, North Korea, on Sept. 9, 2018.
December 18, 2024 at 1:18 AM

Russian chemical weapons general killed in Moscow blast

A senior Russian general was killed in a bomb blast in a residential neighborhood in Moscow, Russian media reported early Tuesday.
December 18, 2024 at 1:18 AM
A view of the blast scene, which killed the commander of Russian armed forces' chemical, biological and radiation defence troops, Igor Kirillov, and his deputy, according to the Russian Investigative Committee, outside a residential building on Ryazansky Avenue in Moscow on Dec. 17, 2024.
December 17, 2024 at 12:53 AM

Ukrainian forces claim 'significant' casualties among North Koreans in Kursk

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Directorate of Intelligence said on Monday that at least 30 North Korean soldiers were killed and wounded in weekend battles.
December 17, 2024 at 12:53 AM
Soldiers are pictured during a military parade at Kim Il Sung Square in central Pyongyang, North Korea, on July 27, 2023.
December 5, 2024 at 8:01 PM

South Korean president accepts defense minister's resignation

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared martial law late Tuesday, before withdrawing troops hours later.
December 5, 2024 at 8:01 PM
People take part in a protest calling for the resignation of South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 4, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 4:00 PM

South Korean president faces impeachment after martial law declaration

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared martial law late Tuesday, before withdrawing troops hours later.
December 4, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Lawmakers and South Korea's main opposition Democratic Party members hold placards reading "Yoon Suk Yeol should resign!" during a rally against President Yoon Suk Yeol at the National Assembly in Seoul on Dec. 4, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 3:01 PM

Undocumented Chinese immigrant charged with shipping weapons to North Korea

Shenghua Wen allegedly moved items to North Korea by concealing them in shipping containers from Long Beach, California, through Hong Kong and then North Korea.
December 4, 2024 at 3:01 PM
Federal Bureau of Investigation seal is seen on J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington D.C., July 12, 2024.
December 4, 2024 at 1:56 AM

South Korean president's chief of staff resigns after martial law lifted

President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea declared martial law late Tuesday, before withdrawing troops hours later.
December 4, 2024 at 1:56 AM
South Korean soldiers try get into the national assembly, Dec. 4, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea.
December 4, 2024 at 12:29 AM

Chinese national sold weapons to North Korea: Feds

Prosecutors say Shenghua Wen was allegedly moving items to North Korea by concealing them in shipping containers.
December 4, 2024 at 12:29 AM
Prosecutors say Shenghua Wen was allegedly moving items to North Korea by concealing them in shipping containers.
1 month ago

AI, North Korea, Trump: What Biden and Xi discussed in their final meeting

President Joe Biden met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC conference in Lima, Peru -- their last meeting of Biden’s presidency.
1 month ago
President Joe Biden meets with China's President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the APEC Summit in Lima, Peru, Nov. 16, 2024.
1 month ago

Russian 50,000-strong Kursk counteroffensive may include North Koreans, sources say

Some 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are preparing a new counteroffensive in Russia’s western Kursk region, multiple Ukrainian military sources told ABC News.
1 month ago
In this photo taken from a video released by Russian Defense Ministry press service on Nov. 5, 2024, a Russian Su-34 bomber operates at the border area of Kursk region in western Russia.
1 month ago

Russia, North Korea ratify defense treaty as war in Ukraine continues

ABC News’ Ian Pannell reports on Russia preparing for a new offensive against Ukrainian forces.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Russia, North Korea ratify defense treaty as war in Ukraine continues
1 month ago

Russia, North Korea prepare 50,000 troops to reclaim captured territory 

Russia has reportedly gathered a force of 50,000 soldiers, including thousands of North Korean troops, to reclaim parts of Russia’s Kursk region that were seized by Ukraine. 
1 month ago
Russia, North Korea prepare 50,000 troops to reclaim captured territory 
2 months ago

Russia, North Korea prepare 50,000-troop offensive

Some 50,000 Russian and North Korean troops are preparing a new counteroffensive in Russia’s western Kursk region, multiple Ukrainian military sources told ABC News.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Russia, North Korea prepare 50,000-troop offensive
2 months ago

North Korea launches ballistic missiles as troops fight for Russia: Pentagon

The launches come days after a trilateral military exercise run by the U.S., South Korea and Japan, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
2 months ago
The launches come days after a trilateral military exercise run by the U.S., South Korea and Japan, according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command.
2 months ago

North Korea test-launches ballistic missiles, Japan and South Korea say

North Korea on Tuesday test-launched several short-range ballistic missiles, neighboring South Korea and Japan said.
2 months ago
A TV screen shows a report of North Korea's multiple short-range ballistic missiles with file footage during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.
2 months ago

10,000 North Korean troops now in Russia's Kursk region, Pentagon says

NATO confirmed on Monday that North Korean troops had been deployed to fight alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region.
2 months ago
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui during their meeting at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.
2 months ago

8,000 North Korean soldiers to enter Ukraine in days: Pentagon

ABC News’ Patrick Reevell talks about what the escalation of troops by North Korea and Russia could mean in Ukraine, as well as in Asia.
2 months ago
VIDEO: 6,000 North Korean soldiers to enter Ukraine in days: Pentagon
2 months ago

North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch meant as message to 'rivals'

Just days before the United States’ presidential election, North Korea conducted a new provocation by test-launching an intercontinental ballistic missile believed to be capable of reaching the U.S.
2 months ago
VIDEO: North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile launch meant as message to 'rivals'
2 months ago

North Korea ICBM was message to 'rivals': Kim Jong Un

ABC News’ Luis Martinez reports on North Korea confirming it launched an intercontinental ballistic missile that traveled for about 90 minutes before dropping in the Sea of Japan.
2 months ago
VIDEO: North Korea ICBM was message to 'rivals': Kim Jong Un
2 months ago

North Korea ICBM launch intended as message to 'rivals,' Kim says

A North Korean ballistic missile launch was intended as a message to "rivals" who have "escalated" regional tensions, according to leader Kim Jong Un.
2 months ago
This picture taken and released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on Oct. 31, 2024 shows the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a test-fire conducted by the Missile Administration at an undisclosed location in North Korea.
2 months ago

North Korea ICBM launch intended as message to 'rivals,' Kim says

A North Korean ballistic missile launch was intended as a message to "rivals" who have "escalated" regional tensions, according to leader Kim Jong Un.
2 months ago
A North Korean ballistic missile launch was intended as a message to "rivals" who have "escalated" regional tensions, according to leader Kim Jong Un.
2 months ago

North Korea foreign minister heads to Russia as Biden warns of 'dangerous' situation

North Korea's Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui left Pyongyang on Monday night for an official visit to Russia, North Korean state-controlled media reported.
2 months ago
In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui (C) prepares to depart for Russia from Pyongyang, North Korea, on Oct. 28, 2024.
2 months ago

US says North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to Russia

The Pentagon reports that around 10,000 North Korean troops are training in Russia and may be deployed to Ukraine soon. President Joe Biden has labeled this situation "very dangerous." 
2 months ago
US says North Korea has sent 10,000 troops to Russia
2 months ago

NATO confirms North Korean troops deployed in Russian war on Ukraine

ABC News’ Ian Pannell reports on the latest deployment in the Kursk region, the area within Russia where Ukraine has been waging an assault.
2 months ago
VIDEO: NATO confirms North Korean troops deployed in Russian war on Ukraine
2 months ago

US says North Korean troops are in Russia to aid in fight against Ukraine

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that the U.S. has evidence that North Korean troops are in Russia.
2 months ago
VIDEO: US says North Korean troops are in Russia to aid in fight against Ukraine
2 months ago

North Korea balloon trash lands in South Korea president's compound, security says

Refuse from a North Korean "trash balloon" landed inside the South Korean presidential compound in the capital Seoul amid rising tensions between the two neighbors.
2 months ago
Trash-carrying balloons launched across the border by North Korea are seen floating in the sky above Seoul, South Korea on Oct. 4, 2024.
2 months ago

North Korea trash balloon lands in South Korea president's compound, security says

A North Korean "trash balloon" landed inside the South Korean presidential compound in the capital Seoul on Thursday amid rising tensions between the two neighbors.
2 months ago
A North Korean "trash balloon" landed inside the South Korean presidential compound in the capital Seoul on Thursday amid rising tensions between the two neighbors.
2 months ago

US confirms North Korean troops are being trained in Russia

Around 3,000 North Korea soldiers may be deployed for combat in Ukraine, officials said. The White House called it a sign of "desperation" and "weakness," but noted that it's "highly concerning."
2 months ago
US confirms North Korean troops are being trained in Russia
2 months ago

North Korean troops are already in Russia, US confirms

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed Wednesday the U.S. has evidence that North Korean troops are in Russia.
2 months ago
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is pictured during a speech at Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 21, 2024.
2 months ago

North Korean troops are already in Russia, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says

ABC News’ Patrick Reevell reports on the troop movement which the defense secretary calls a “very, very serious issue.”
2 months ago
VIDEO: North Korean troops are already in Russia, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says
2 months ago

North Korea sending troops to aid Russia: South Korean intelligence

ABC News' Britt Clennett reports on this potential threat and the response from the U.S.
2 months ago
VIDEO: North Korea sending troops to aid Russia: South Korean intelligence
2 months ago

Lloyd Austin visits Ukraine as Zelensky warns of 'clear' North Korea threat

Austin's visit is his third to the country during its war with Russia. ABC News' Britt Clennett reports.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Lloyd Austin visits Ukraine as Zelensky warns of 'clear' North Korea threat
2 months ago

New video appears to show North Korean soldiers in Russia

Geolocated video circulating online appears to show North Korean soldiers in Russia's far east, potentially to deploy to the war in Ukraine. ABC News' Ines de La Cuetara reports.
2 months ago
VIDEO: New video appears to show North Korean soldiers in Russia
2 months ago

North Korea sending troops to aid Russia: South Korean intelligence

South Korean intelligence has said that North Korea is preparing to deploy up to 12,000 troops to help Russia fight in Ukraine.
2 months ago
North Korea sending troops to fight alongside Russian troops: South Korean intelligence
2 months ago

South Korea fires warning shots after North Korea blows up border roads

South Korea's military said Tuesday it detected explosions on two cross-border roads connecting the country to North Korea.
2 months ago
South Korea's military said Tuesday it detected explosions on two cross-border roads connecting the country to North Korea.
3 months ago

North Korean defector allegedly stole bus to drive back across border, police say

South Korea's Unification Ministry said 31 defectors re-entered the North from 2012 to 2022, an average of about three each year.
3 months ago
Barricades set up at a military checkpoint on the Tongil bridge, the road leading to North Korea's Kaesong city, in the border city of Paju on October 9, 2024.
3 months ago

North Korean defector stole a bus to cross the border: Officials

The man allegedly tried to cross the Tongil Bridge in Paju, just south of the heavily fortified demilitarized zone.
3 months ago
The man allegedly tried to cross the Tongil Bridge in Paju, just south of the heavily fortified demilitarized zone.
3 months ago

South Korea threatens military response for North Korean 'trash balloons'

South Korea officials said Pyongyang has launched 5,500 balloons across the border since May.
3 months ago
South Korea officials said Pyongyang has launched 5,500 balloons across the border since May.
3 months ago

South Korea threatens military response to North Korean 'trash balloons'

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Seoul may respond militarily to any casualties caused by North Korea's launching of so-called "trash balloons."
3 months ago
Balloons believed to have been sent by North Korea fly over North Korean territory in this picture taken from an observation post near the demilitarized zone separating the two Koreas in Paju, South Korea, Sept. 5, 2024.
3 months ago

Travis King, Army soldier who ran into North Korea, pleads guilty

Travis King, the U.S. Army private who ran across the border from South Korea to North Korea last year, pleaded guilty on Friday.
3 months ago
A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Aug. 16, 2023.
4 months ago

North Korea to partially reopen doors to tourism for 1st time since COVID-19 pandemic

North Korea is set to partially reopen its doors to tourism later this year after being closed off since January 2020, according to a Chinese-based tourist operator.
4 months ago
TOPSHOT - People pay their respects before the statues of late North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il at Mansu Hill as North Korea marks its 79th National Liberation Day, commemorating the end of Japanese colonial rule at the end of World War II, in Pyongyang on August 15, 2024.
4 months ago

Travis King, Army soldier who ran into North Korea, to plead guilty to desertion

Travis King, the U.S. Army soldier who ran across the border from South Korea to North Korea last year, will plead guilty to desertion, his attorney said.
4 months ago
A TV screen shows a file image of American soldier Travis King during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, July 24, 2023.
4 months ago

North Korea set to reopen its borders again in December

Visitors will be allowed to visit Samjiyon City, but Pyongyang and other parts of the country will be restricted, according to Koryo Tours.
4 months ago
Visitors will be allowed to visit Samjiyon City, but Pyongyang and other parts of the country will be restricted, according to Koryo Tours.
5 months ago

North Korean leader trains daughter to become successor, says intelligence service

Curiosity over Kim Jong Un’s preteen daughter, Kim Ju Ae, has been accumulating since she first accompanied him holding hands to the ICBM test launch site in Nov. 2022.
5 months ago
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center right, reviews an honor guard with his daughter, center left, and his wife Ri Sol Ju during a military parade on Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea, Feb. 8, 2023.
5 months ago

DOJ indicts North Korean hacker for extorting hospitals, health care providers

The Justice Department has charged a North Korean military hacker for allegedly extorting hospitals and health care providers in the U.S. through a cyber espionage campaign.
5 months ago
The Justice Department has charged a North Korean military hacker for allegedly extorting hospitals and health care providers in the U.S. through a cyber espionage campaign.
5 months ago

DOJ indicts North Korean hacker for extorting hospitals, health care providers

Justice Department indicts North Korean military hacker for extorting hospitals, healthcare providers
5 months ago
Department of Justice building in Washington D.C., July 12, 2024.
6 months ago

North Korea tests 2 missiles, 1 reportedly may have fallen on land

The U.S. military condemned Monday's launches, calling on North Korea to put an end to its "unlawful and destabilizing acts."
6 months ago
A man walks past a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on July 1, 2024.