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Quotes of the Day:
"Prejudices are what fools use for reason."
– Voltaire
To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart."
– Eleanor Roosevelt
"It is the dissimilarities and inequalities among men which give rise to the notion of honor; as such differences become less, it grows feeble; and when they disappear, it will vanish too."
– Alexis de Tocqueville
1. South Korean Tycoon Calls for His Country To Go Nuclear
2. U.S. can respond in 'overwhelming' way in case of N.K. ICBM attack: official
3. N. Korea slams U.S. for using AUKUS to bolster 'nuclear alliance' in Asia-Pacific
4. U.S. lawmakers visit Hanwha Philly Shipyard, spotlight U.S.-South Korea shipbuilding cooperation
5. South Korea to launch AI dream team to build homegrown ChatGPT
6. S. Korea, U.S. stage joint air drills involving B-1B bomber
7. Impeached PM says Cabinet members tried to stop Yoon's martial law bid
8. S. Korea allocates 6.5 tln won for ODA in 2025 amid heightened global uncertainties
9. N. Korea grapples with internal pushback over Russian alliance
10. South Korea willing to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine
11. North Korea expert shares untold stories of Kim Jong-un in new book
12. South Korea slams North's 'inhumane' troop deployment to Russia after newspaper interviews POWs
13. Ukrainian military: “First North Korean self-propelled artillery destroyed using drone”
14. Salmon Report: “North Korean POWs Should Not Be Repatriated”
1. South Korean Tycoon Calls for His Country To Go Nuclear
Excerpts:
Mr. Chung did not say specifically whether South Korea should produce nuclear weapons or persuade its American ally to redeploy nukes in the South, from which the first President Bush withdrew them in 1991. He did make clear, though, that it’s time to bring them back.
“The U.S.-ROK alliance has remained ironclad for nearly half a century,” he said. “The United States made this happen during the Cold War by deploying its military and tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula. In 1991, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev withdrew 10,000 tactical nuclear weapons from Europe, and U.S. President George H.W. Bush withdrew more than 1,200 tactical nuclear weapons from the Pacific region, including more than 100 in South Korea.”
Mr. Chung’s remarks synthesized the thinking of many South Korean conservatives, disturbed by Mr. Putin’s policies long before he ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine three years ago. The opposition Democratic or Minju party, leading the move to impeach and oust Korea’s conservative president, Yoon Suk-yeol, would like to renew talks with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, even though he is calling for getting rid of American troops and bases. About 28,500 American troops are in the South, where they engage in regular training exercises with South Korean forces.
South Korean Tycoon Calls for His Country To Go Nuclear
The heir to the Hyundai empire, Chung Mong-joon, appears to be responding to President Trump’s search for compromise with President Putin on Ukraine and also to calls by South Korean leftists for a deal with North Korea.
DONALD KIRK
Published: Feb. 18, 2025 05:56 PM ET
Updated: Feb. 19, 2025 04:49 AM ET
nysun.com
One of South Korea’s wealthiest tycoons is saying he believes his country should go nuclear, in what appears as a riposte to President Trump’s search for compromise with President Putin on Ukraine and also to calls by South Korean leftists for a deal with North Korea.
Chung Mong-joon, an heir, with his brothers and sister, to the Hyundai empire, says it “does not make sense to deploy tactical nuclear weapons in Europe and not on the Korean peninsula, where the security situation is more serious.”
Mr. Chung, who inherited the controlling stake in the world’s largest shipbuilder, Hyundai Heavy Industries, spoke out Tuesday at Washington even as leaders of NATO countries were responding with alarm to the agreement reached between America and Russia in talks in Saudi Arabia to negotiate a settlement on the war in Ukraine. President Trump initiated the process by phone with President Putin.
While Mr. Trump has suggested NATO countries should rely far more on themselves for their own defenses than on American largesse, Mr. Chung called for “an Asian version of NATO.” He suggested calling it the Indo-Pacific Treaty Organization.
“More and more experts and leaders say they need to think about Asia’s collective security system,” Mr. Chung said. “The United States and its allies and partners must also show a resolute commitment to deter the military adventurism of North Korea, China, and Russia.”
Mr. Chung spoke at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies after donating funds for an “MJ Chung distinguished professor” chair at the university, from which he earned a doctorate years ago. He is founder and honorary chairman of one of Seoul’s leading think tanks, the Asan Institute of Policy Studies, which posted his speech on its website.
Mr. Chung did not say specifically whether South Korea should produce nuclear weapons or persuade its American ally to redeploy nukes in the South, from which the first President Bush withdrew them in 1991. He did make clear, though, that it’s time to bring them back.
“The U.S.-ROK alliance has remained ironclad for nearly half a century,” he said. “The United States made this happen during the Cold War by deploying its military and tactical nuclear weapons to the Korean Peninsula. In 1991, Russian President Mikhail Gorbachev withdrew 10,000 tactical nuclear weapons from Europe, and U.S. President George H.W. Bush withdrew more than 1,200 tactical nuclear weapons from the Pacific region, including more than 100 in South Korea.”
Mr. Chung’s remarks synthesized the thinking of many South Korean conservatives, disturbed by Mr. Putin’s policies long before he ordered Russian troops to invade Ukraine three years ago. The opposition Democratic or Minju party, leading the move to impeach and oust Korea’s conservative president, Yoon Suk-yeol, would like to renew talks with North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, even though he is calling for getting rid of American troops and bases. About 28,500 American troops are in the South, where they engage in regular training exercises with South Korean forces.
A former member of South Korea’s national assembly, Mr. Chung once had presidential aspirations and assisted his late father, the founder of the Hyundai empire, Chung Ju-yung, who formed his own minor party and ran for president in 1992. Mr. Chung is the sixth of his father’s eight sons, each of whom, along with one sister, got a slice of the pie. The eldest surviving brother, Chung Mong-koo, was bequeathed Hyundai Motor, ranked among the top 10 automotive groups in global sales and market share.
At 73, once the chairman and now honorary chairman of Hyundai Heavy Industries, Mr. Chung seemed just as concerned about China as about Russia. “Over the past decade, China has exerted economic and diplomatic coercion against Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and Canada,” he said.
Adding to the sense of urgency is that North Korea persists in hyping its own nuclear threat. Pyongyang’s Korean Central News Agency quoted a foreign ministry spokesman castigating Washington’s “outdated and absurd plan of ‘denuclearization,’ which is now getting more impossible and impracticable even practically and conceptually.”
That statement came seemingly in response to the declaration by Secretary Rubio and the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea, meeting at Munich, that they are committed to the North’s “denuclearization.” Mr. Trump, who earlier had called the North “a nuclear power,” did not refer to “denuclearization” when talking to Mr. Putin.
nysun.com
2. U.S. can respond in 'overwhelming' way in case of N.K. ICBM attack: official
(LEAD) U.S. can respond in 'overwhelming' way in case of N.K. ICBM attack: official | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 20, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS more info in paras 8-9, 11-16)
By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Feb. 19 (Yonhap) -- A senior U.S. military official warned Wednesday that America can respond in an "overwhelming" way in the "time, place and manner of our choosing" in the event of a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) attack as he underscored the strength of the United States' nuclear deterrence system.
Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, the commander of the Eighth Air Force and of the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center, made the remarks, responding to a question regarding what would happen to America's nuclear umbrella for South Korea when North Korea successfully acquires bombs capable of striking the continental U.S.
"It is problematic for them (North Korea) to have an ICBM ... With current and imaginable capabilities, it is extremely difficult to attack that system of systems," Armagost said during a forum hosted by The Korea Society, a non-profit organization based in New York.
"What that system allows us to do is to say that use of an ICBM would not result in the benefit that you are seeking because we can respond in a way that is overwhelming in the time and place and manner of our choosing," he added.
Maj. Gen. Jason Armagost, Eighth Air Force and Joint-Global Strike Operations Center commander, speaks during a forum hosted by The Korea Society in New York on Feb. 19, 2025 in this photo captured from a YouTube account of The Korea Society. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Armagost was referring to the U.S.' nuclear triad system consisting of ICBMs, strategic bombers and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) -- three key nuclear delivery vehicles.
"It's why we have a triad: ICBMs on alert, SLBMs for an assured second strike capability and bombers to be a forward and, or visible presence with regards to that ... what the triad does for a spectrum of capability for strategic deterrence," he said.
A second strike capability refers to a nuclear retaliatory strike capability that remains alive even after a country sustains a first nuclear strike from an enemy. An SLBM is the centerpiece of that capability.
The official underscored the importance of maintaining a "resilient" triad system.
"The numbers of ICBMs matter greatly. The numbers of on-alert submarine-launched capabilities matter greatly. And the numbers of bombers matter," he said. "Because unless you have a resilient system, the triad becomes a tricky thing."
Pyongyang's push to have credible ICBM missile capabilities have raised concerns that the U.S. might dither on coming to the aid of its treaty ally, South Korea, as it could fear that continental American cities would become a target of a North Korean ICBM attack.
To dispel such concerns, Seoul and Washington have been working to strengthen the credibility of America's "extended deterrence" commitment to South Korea in recent years through a set of measures, including the Nuclear Consultative Group, the allies' key nuclear deterrence body.
To further deepen deterrence cooperation, the allies have been pushing for a "conventional-nuclear integration (CNI)" initiative under which South Korea mobilizes its conventional military assets to back America's nuclear operations in a crisis scenario.
Whether such training cooperation would continue to develop remains to be seen as during his first term, President Donald Trump described military exercises between the two allies as "expensive."
In a separate press event later in the day, Armagost described allied efforts to work together in an integrated manner as a "powerful" thing, while refusing to comment specifically on examples of CNI operations between Seoul and Washington.
"When I talk about habitual training and planning and exercise relationships, what we see is the ability to seamlessly integrate those operations across the spectrum of conflict all the way from competition activities through crisis and conflict," he said during the event hosted by the Foreign Press Center in New York.
"That relationship of working together, planning together and operating militarily together is an extremely powerful thing to practice and to conduct. So that translates all the way from conventional operations to nuclear operations."
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Song Sang-ho · February 20, 2025
3. N. Korea slams U.S. for using AUKUS to bolster 'nuclear alliance' in Asia-Pacific
N. Korea slams U.S. for using AUKUS to bolster 'nuclear alliance' in Asia-Pacific | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · February 20, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- North Korea on Thursday denounced the United States for bolstering another "nuclear alliance" in the Asia-Pacific region over Australia's move to introduce nuclear-powered submarines from Washington via the AUKUS security partnership.
The North's condemnation came as Australia has made its first payment of US$500 million to the United States over its plan to buy Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarines under the trilateral AUKUS security partnership also involving Britain.
"This is not a just financial transaction, but it is the activation of another nuclear alliance led by the U.S. in earnest," the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said in its commentary.
"The move is a dangerous attempt to further worsen the political and military environment in the Asia-Pacific region that has already remained unstable."
North Korea also claimed the U.S. would be able to build multilayers of a nuclear siege against its enemies in the region if it fully creates a "nuclear alliance" called AUKUS on top of Washington's similar trilateral partnership scheme with South Korea and Japan.
"The U.S. should contemplate what consequences its military adventurism that will bring a nuclear cloud to the Asia-Pacific region would be," the KCNA noted.
North Korea has vowed to bolster its nuclear forces since U.S. President Donald Trump returned to the White House in January. At a year-end party meeting in December, the North pledged to take the "toughest" counteraction strategy against Washington.
This image, provided by Yonhap News TV, describes Australia's move to buy several nuclear-powered submarines from the United States under the AUKUS security partnership deal. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
sooyeon@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Soo-yeon · February 20, 2025
4. U.S. lawmakers visit Hanwha Philly Shipyard, spotlight U.S.-South Korea shipbuilding cooperation
Arsenal of democracy.
Build more ships. Fast.
U.S. lawmakers visit Hanwha Philly Shipyard, spotlight U.S.-South Korea shipbuilding cooperation
Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon tour Hanwha Philly Shipyard
https://www.chosun.com/english/industry-en/2025/02/20/MLPD224JJJAZFMM6EHT7HAOLFM/
By Park Kook-hee (Philadelphia),
Kim Mi-geon
Published 2025.02.20. 14:00
On Feb. 18, Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (from left) speak with local workers during their visit to Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia. /Park Kook-hee
Two U.S. lawmakers visited Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia on Feb. 18, marking the first congressional visit since Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders, acquired the facility in December 2024. The acquisition was a historic first for a South Korean shipbuilder in the U.S. market. Braving frigid temperatures of minus 8 degrees Celsius (18 degrees Fahrenheit), Arizona Senator Mark Kelly and Pennsylvania Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon toured the shipyard, wearing hard hats emblazoned with Hanwha’s logo. Scanlon recalled her first visit to the area in 2018. “The shipyard was very quiet back then,” she said. “This place, once the birthplace of the U.S. Navy and the largest shipyard in the country, is being revitalized thanks to a South Korean company.”
Graphics by Jung In-sung
Kelly engaged with workers, speaking directly with welders and assemblers to assess their working conditions. He posed a series of questions: “Where did you work before this?” “How many hours do you work per day?” “What has changed since Hanwha took over?” “How satisfied are you with your job?” One worker, Casey, who previously worked in childcare, said she was now training as a welder and earning significantly more, smiling as she spoke.
A former U.S. Navy fighter pilot, NASA astronaut, and Gulf War veteran, Kelly holds significant influence over U.S. military and aerospace policy. He is among four bipartisan lawmakers who introduced the SHIPS for America Act in December, a bill aimed at expanding the U.S. shipbuilding industry and port infrastructure. The legislation seeks to grow the U.S. commercial fleet from 80 vessels—currently handling just 2% of imported goods—to 250 over the next decade. The measure is designed to bolster national security by ensuring commercial vessels can transport military supplies during crises, amid concerns over China’s dominance in maritime security.
Kelly’s visit to Hanwha Philly Shipyard was part of a field assessment ahead of reintroducing the SHIPS for America Act in the 119th Congress. Lawmakers across party lines have reached a consensus on the urgency of revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding sector and strengthening ties with South Korea. President Donald Trump also underscored the importance of U.S.-South Korea cooperation in shipbuilding during a phone call with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol following his election victory in November last year.
If passed, the legislation is expected to benefit Hanwha Philly Shipyard significantly. Since 2000, the facility has supplied half of all large commercial vessels built in the U.S. “I expect 2025 to be our busiest year yet,” said an employee named Ernest. Another worker, Whittaker, noted that repainting the shipyard’s iconic Goliath crane with Hanwha’s logo was set for completion in the coming months, calling Hanwha Philly Shipyard “Philadelphia’s new landmark.” Currently, only two U.S. shipyards are capable of constructing large commercial vessels: General Dynamics’ facility in California and Hanwha Philly Shipyard. Addressing workers, Kelly said, “We need to build 250 more ships in the next 10 years, which means we may need to hire more people here.” He encouraged the workforce as the U.S. shipbuilding industry prepares for substantial expansion.
5.South Korea to launch AI dream team to build homegrown ChatGPT
South Korea to launch AI dream team to build homegrown ChatGPT
Korea eyes global AI powerhouse status with new AI initiative: government to invest $700 million into AGI tech, acquire 18,000 GPUs
https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/02/20/4FPPFT4EYNG3ROTTSK22WGKXVY/
By Kim Kyung-pil,
Lee Jae-eun
Published 2025.02.20. 16:30
Updated 2025.02.20. 18:31
Naver's data center GAK Sejong / Naver
South Korea will assemble an elite “national artificial intelligence team” to spearhead the development of the most advanced large language model (LLM) and invest over 1 trillion won ($700 million) to develop the core technology for general-purpose artificial intelligence (AGI).
The initiative is part of the country’s broader strategy to bolster its AI capabilities and position itself among the world’s top three AI powerhouses as global competition for AI leadership intensifies, led by the United States and China.
At the third National AI Committee meeting on Feb. 20, the government announced plans to develop advanced AI models, secure top-tier AI talent, and build a robust AI infrastructure to boost the country’s AI sector.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok, who chaired the meeting, stressed the importance of developing an AI model that is advanced enough to be competitive in the global market. “Under the “World’s Best LLM” project, we aim to develop our homegrown version of ChatGPT by selecting the country’s top AI teams and providing them with large-scale graphics processing unit (GPU) resources and substantial research funding,” Choi said.
The government will introduce an AI model-sharing system to facilitate innovation in both the public and private sectors, allowing AI researchers and businesses to leverage the system for various applications. Choi also announced plans for a 1 trillion won R&D initiative to advance AGI technology and establish a foundation for long-term AI leadership.
To foster and attract top AI talent, the government will host a global AI challenge for young researchers. The government will also increase support for emerging AI researchers in Korea and expand efforts to attract top-tier foreign talent.
Korea aims to enhance computing infrastructure by launching a new national AI computing center, acquiring 10,000 GPUs by the end of the year, and securing an additional 8,000 GPUs by mid-2026. The government also pledged tax incentives for AI and cloud investments to encourage private-sector investment in AI data centers.
Choi said that by 2027, the government will establish a 3 trillion won AI startup fund to foster AI startups and facilitate their partnerships with large corporations.
6. S. Korea, U.S. stage joint air drills involving B-1B bomber
Peace through strength.
(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. stage joint air drills involving B-1B bomber | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 20, 2025
(ATTN: ADDS details from fourth para, byline)
By Lee Minji
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States on Thursday held combined air drills, involving at least one B-1B bomber, the South's defense ministry said, in a show of force against North Korean military threats.
South Korean F-35A and F-15K fighter jets and U.S. F-16 fighters also took part in the combined drills, which marked the first such exercise between the allies this year.
"The training was conducted to display the U.S. extended deterrence capabilities against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats and bolster interoperability of South Korea-U.S. combined forces," the ministry said in a release.
South Korea and the United States conduct joint air drills on Feb. 20, 2025, in this photo provided by the South's defense ministry. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
Under close coordination, the allies will seek to strengthen their cooperation by continuously expanding combined drills to deter and counter North Korean threats, it added.
The latest exercise marked the first combined air drills between the allies, involving the B-1B bomber, following U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House last month.
The two countries earlier held trilateral air drills with Japan on Jan. 15, involving two B-1B bombers in addition to South Korean F-15K and Japanese F-2 fighter jets.
Two days later, North Korea warned of taking action "more intensively" to exercise its right to self-defense, denouncing the three countries over conducting the joint exercise.
North Korea has been dialing up tensions on the Korean Peninsula this year, with multiple missile launches into waters off its coasts, including what it called sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles.
mlee@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Lee Minji · February 20, 2025
7. Impeached PM says Cabinet members tried to stop Yoon's martial law bid
Self preservation?
Impeached PM says Cabinet members tried to stop Yoon's martial law bid | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 20, 2025
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- Impeached Prime Minister Han Duck-soo told the Constitutional Court that Cabinet ministers were concerned about President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law bid and attempted to dissuade him before he announced it on Dec. 3.
Han, who was impeached on Dec. 14 over his alleged role in Yoon's botched martial law bid, made the remarks as he attended what is likely the last hearing of Yoon's impeachment trial Thursday.
"As I recall, all (Cabinet members) were concerned and tried to dissuade him," Han said, referring to a hastily arranged meeting of some Cabinet ministers shortly before Yoon's surprise imposition of martial law.
When asked about former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun's testimony that some members were in favor of Yoon's plan, Han replied, "From what I recall, that was not the case at all."
President Yoon Suk Yeol attends the 10th hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2025, over his short-lived imposition of martial law in December. (Pool photo) (Yonhap)
Yoon appeared briefly at the courtroom and left around 3:05 p.m. to return to the Seoul Detention Center, where he has been held since mid-January.
Yoon's legal team later explained they deemed it inappropriate for Yoon to watch Han testify.
Hong Jang-won, former first deputy director of the National Intelligence Service, and Cho Ji-ho, commissioner general of the National Police Agency, have also been called to testify as witnesses.
The president has been standing trial at the Constitutional Court on the validity of his impeachment by the National Assembly over his short-lived Dec. 3 imposition of martial law, while also facing criminal charges of inciting an insurrection through the decree.
Under the current timeline, the court is expected to deliver its ruling in early or mid-March to either remove him from office or reinstate him.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 20, 2025
8. S. Korea allocates 6.5 tln won for ODA in 2025 amid heightened global uncertainties
Despite the political turmoil the ROK government continues to function. It remains a global pivotal state that chooses to be a peaceful nuclear power, that is a partner in the arsenal of democracy and contributes to global development in support of the rule based international order.
(LEAD) S. Korea allocates 6.5 tln won for ODA in 2025 amid heightened global uncertainties | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · February 20, 2025
(ATTN: CHANGES photo; ADDS more info in paras 4-7)
By Kim Han-joo
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has set aside 6.5 trillion won (US$4.5 billion) for official development assistance (ODA) this year, despite fiscal difficulties, as global uncertainties continue to rise, acting President Choi Sang-mok said Thursday.
Choi made the remarks during a meeting of the government committee on ODA, citing growing global crises, including conflicts, natural disasters and climate change. ODA refers to government aid aimed at supporting the economic growth of developing nations.
"As global crises intensify, major donor countries are strategically utilizing ODA in alignment with their foreign policies," Choi said.
To reflect such trends, the government has increased this year's ODA budget to 6.5 trillion won, up 3.8 percent from a year earlier, reaching its funding target five years ahead of schedule, he added.
The government had initially set a goal of doubling its annual ODA budget from approximately 3.2 trillion won in 2019 by 2030.
This year, the government plans to focus its ODA efforts on three key areas -- pursuing mutually beneficial projects, supporting the international community's sustainable development goals and enhancing the quality of aid.
Under such principles, the 2025 ODA budget was structured to streamline projects, reducing the total number from 1,976 to 1,928 while increasing the average amount of assistance provided.
Choi also noted that a peer review by the Development Assistance Committee of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) highly praised South Korea's commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities by increasing ODA contributions.
Choi underscored that this year is a critical period as the government prepares a new basic plan that will define the country's ODA vision for the next five years.
"Government agencies, along with experts and civil society, will collaborate to enhance the value and effectiveness of our ODA initiatives," he said.
Acting President Choi Sang-mok speaks during a meeting of the government committee on official development assistance (ODA) at the government complex building in Seoul on Feb. 20, 2025. (Yonhap)
khj@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Han-joo · February 20, 2025
9. N. Korea grapples with internal pushback over Russian alliance
Will the nK-Russia alliance be the ultimate undoing of the regime? COuld it lead to further internal instability and resistance? Will the significant losses that are taking place in Russia cause a loss of coherence of the military and its support for the regime? We need to be observing for the indicators of internal instability.
N. Korea grapples with internal pushback over Russian alliance - Daily NK English
Several senior military figures worry that deeper military ties with Russia could weaken the DPRK's strategic independence
By Jeong Seo-yeong - February 20, 2025
dailynk.com · by Jeong Seo-yeong · February 20, 2025
North Korean President Vladimir Putin's arrival in Pyongyang "is warmly welcomed as the largest state visit ever," North Korea's Rodong Sinmun reported on June 19, 2024. (Rodong Sinmun-News1)
North Korea’s leadership is working to address concerns within the ruling party and military about the country’s deepening alliance with Russia.
“There’s been pushback from both Workers’ Party and military circles about our growing dependence on Russia, which stems from Kim Jong Un’s recent strategic pivot toward Moscow. The Organization and Guidance Department and the military’s General Political Bureau are currently investigating these reactions,” a Pyongyang source told Daily NK recently.
Some officials have quietly expressed fears that closer economic and military alliance with Russia could compromise the party’s independence.
Policy departments report internal rivalries emerging over mineral production rights and trade opportunities as economic cooperation with Russia expands.
Foreign policy officials worry that North Korea’s eager embrace of Russia could strain its long-standing relationship with China.
Military leaders, meanwhile, fear that while Russian military technology could boost their capabilities in the short term, it might undermine North Korea’s defense independence long-term. Specifically, they worry that relying on Russian technical support could compromise North Korea’s military sovereignty.
“Several senior military figures worry that deeper military ties with Russia could weaken our strategic independence. They point out that incorporating new technology could disrupt our traditional command structure,” the source explained.
There are also fears that tension between hardliners pushing for expanded military cooperation and those urging caution could destabilize the regime.
In response to these concerns, North Korean authorities have begun taking steps to ease tensions.
“Leadership has promised to maintain balanced foreign relations while continuing Russian cooperation, acknowledging both Chinese ties and diplomatic constraints. They’ve also pledged to address military concerns and develop concrete measures, while emphasizing continued independent weapons development to maintain autonomous defense,” the source said.
“The authorities also stressed the need for the party to carefully manage strategic cooperation with Russia, along with enhanced training for party members to reinforce their commitment to self-reliance,” he added.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Jeong Seo-yeong · February 20, 2025
10. South Korea willing to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine
This should become part of an aggressive PSYOP campaign target the nKPA in north Korea as well
South Korea willing to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine
Foreign ministry stated ROK is willing to provide protection and support after DPRK soldier expressed hope to defect
Shreyas Reddy February 19, 2025
https://www.nknews.org/2025/02/south-korea-willing-to-accept-north-korean-prisoners-of-war-from-ukraine/
A North Korean soldier known simply as Ri, after his capture by Ukrainian forces in January | Image: Volodymyr Zelensky via Telegram (Jan. 11, 2025)
South Korea has announced that it is willing to accept North Korean troops deployed to support Russia’s war efforts, after a soldier detained by Ukraine reportedly expressed a desire to defect rather than face persecution in the DPRK.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Seoul’s foreign ministry said the ROK government deems North Korean soldiers to be citizens of the South under its constitution, and is thus willing to provide protection and support for those who wish to defect.
“Respecting individual free will regarding repatriation aligns with international law and customary practice,” the ministry said.
“Individuals should not be repatriated to places where they may face persecution against their will,” the statement added, highlighting the risks captured DPRK soldiers may face if they return to their country.
The ministry stated that the South Korean government has already conveyed its position to Kyiv and intends to continue discussions on this topic.
The statement comes the same day South Korean daily Chosun Ilbo published the first half of a two-part interview with two North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine last month
In Wednesday’s interview with a North Korean sniper, known simply by his family name Ri, the prisoner of war said he has made up his mind to go to South Korea “about 80%,” despite knowing little about the country.
Ri, who hails from Pyongyang, said that in the DPRK army, “being captured is seen as betrayal,” and his life will be difficult if he chooses to return home.
“I’m planning to apply for asylum and go to South Korea,” he told the newspaper. “Do you think they’ll accept me?”
In response, the Ukrainian authorities indicated that it is up to the ROK government to decide whether North Korean soldiers can move to South Korea, according to Chosun Ilbo.
However, this appears to go against Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s plans, as he indicated in late October that Kyiv was unlikely to support Seoul’s reported plans to convince captured North Korean soldiers to defect.
“The most important thing for us is to increase the resources for exchanging [Ukrainian] prisoners held by Russia,” he said in an interview with South Korean broadcaster KBS News. “Therefore, we are prepared to exchange North Korean troops for Ukrainians.”
After the capture of the two prisoners of war last month, he reiterated his intent to “hand over Kim Jong Un’s soldiers” to the DPRK if Pyongyang could help arrange for the return of Ukrainians detained by Russia.
However, amid concerns that at least one of the captured soldiers did not want to go back to North Korea, Zelensky suggested at the time that there may be “other available options” for those unwilling to return.
“In particular, those who express a desire to bring peace closer by spreading the truth about this war in Korean will be given that opportunity,” he said, implying that North Korean detainees who support Ukrainian propaganda efforts targeting their compatriots could receive such treatment.
However, Zelensky has yet to indicate a change of mind regarding handing over captured North Korean soldiers to the ROK, leaving Seoul with an uphill battle in its efforts to fulfill Ri’s stated dream of moving to South Korea.
Edited by Alannah Hill
11. North Korea expert shares untold stories of Kim Jong-un in new book
I hope there will be an English translation.
Some very interesting tidbits in this article and a "bombshell" prediction:
Excerpts:
The North Korea expert predicted that a North Korea-U.S. summit may take place as early as the second half of this year.
“There is a possibility that when U.S. President Donald Trump visits South Korea for the APEC summit [this November], he may stop by Pyongyang. If Trump and Kim meet, it is likely that Trump will promise the suspension of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises until the end of his term and reduce the size of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea,” he said.
Cheong also said Kim’s “biggest enemy” is his health.
North Korea expert shares untold stories of Kim Jong-un in new book
The Korea Times · February 20, 2025
Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for Korean Peninsula Strategy at the Sejong Institute, speaks during a press conference held to mark the publication of his new book, "What we don’t know about Kim Jong-un: his politics and strategy (direct translation)," at Sejong Institute in Seoul, Thursday. Newsis
By Kwak Yeon-soo
Cheong Seong-chang, director of the Center for Korean Peninsula Strategy at the Sejong Institute, is a longtime observer of North Korea and has closely followed the reclusive regime's two previous successions: before and after Kim Il-sung's sudden death in 1994 and Kim Jong-il's sudden death in 2011.
The in-depth analysis of Kim Jong-un stems from his many years of studying North Korea, both before and after he succeeded his father in 2011.
In his new book, “What We Don’t Know About Kim Jong-un: His Politics and Strategy” (direct translation), Cheong claims that Kim was born in an exclusive villa in the Samsok district, northeast of Pyongyang.
“Kim’s birthplace is obscured, as it is not mentioned in the unification ministry’s publications. Some intelligence specialists have claimed that Kim was born in Wonsan. However, I confirmed through multiple reliable sources that he was born in the Samsok district,” he stated during a press conference on Thursday.
Cheong interviewed Kim’s maternal aunt and her husband, Ko Yong-suk and Ri Gang, who defected to the U.S. in 1998, while he was on a sabbatical in Washington from October 2020 to March 2021.
According to their testimonies, the young dictator was appointed as Kim Jong-il’s successor on his eighth birthday.
Book cover of "What we don’t know about Kim Jong-un: his politics and strategy" (direct translation) / Courtesy of Cheong Seong-chang
“Kim Jong-un was officially named the successor on Jan. 8, 1992. Only about 10 close aides who participated in a banquet were aware of this,” Cheong said. “By 1995, the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (chief policymaking body) authorities knew about the young successor.”
Cheong also argued that the North Korean leader doesn’t have a son, rejecting reports by the National Intelligence Service that said Kim’s son was born in 2010.
“Kim Jong-un’s first child is Ju-ae, who has accompanied him to missile tests and military parades. She is most likely his successor. She was born in 2013, and her younger sibling is also believed to be a girl born in 2017,” he said, adding that he obtained this information from Joseph Terwilliger, a professor of neurobiology at Columbia University Medical Center, who accompanied retired basketball player Dennis Rodman on his visits to North Korea.
The North Korea expert predicted that a North Korea-U.S. summit may take place as early as the second half of this year.
“There is a possibility that when U.S. President Donald Trump visits South Korea for the APEC summit [this November], he may stop by Pyongyang. If Trump and Kim meet, it is likely that Trump will promise the suspension of joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises until the end of his term and reduce the size of U.S. troops stationed in South Korea,” he said.
Cheong also said Kim’s “biggest enemy” is his health.
“Kim is believed to weigh over 140 kilograms. I wouldn’t be surprised if he collapses due to health issues within the next 10 years. My trusted sources have told me that Kim stays up until 5 a.m. to browse military websites. As a result, he’s very adept at military strategy but he cannot cut down on his late-night snacks.”
The unification ministry declined to confirm or deny Cheong's claims.
"The government is not in a position to comment on a civilian expert's assertions," a senior ministry official said.
The Korea Times · February 20, 2025
12. South Korea slams North's 'inhumane' troop deployment to Russia after newspaper interviews POWs
Thursday
February 20, 2025
South Korea slams North's 'inhumane' troop deployment to Russia after newspaper interviews POWs
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-02-20/national/northKorea/Govt-slams-Norths-inhumane-troop-deployment-to-Russia-after-newspaper-interviews-POWs/2246386
Published: 20 Feb. 2025, 18:27
- LIM JEONG-WON
- lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr
Korea JoongAng Daily
Gov't slams North's 'inhumane' troop deployment to Russia after newspaper interviews POWs
4 min
Audio report: written by reporters, read by AI
North Korean soldiers wounded and captured by Ukrainian forces are seen in this photo posted on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's Telegram channel on Jan. 11. [SCREEN CAPTURE]
South Korea's Defense Ministry said Thursday that newspaper interviews with a pair of North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) captured by Ukraine have "confirmed once again" the "deceptive and inhumane" nature of Pyongyang's deployment of troops to Russia.
In a regular briefing at the Defense Ministry, spokesperson Jeon Ha-gyu also condemned the Kim Jong-un regime's behavior and "strongly urged an immediate halt to additional troop deployments" to Russia.
The South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo published a pair of interviews with two North Korean POWs, surnamed Ri and Paek, on Wednesday and Thursday.
In Wednesday's interview, Ri — who was captured by the Ukrainian military last month — said he was a member of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, an elite North Korean unit usually tasked with intelligence missions.
He said he left his homeland in early October last year, trained in Vladivostok in the Russian Far East, and was deployed to the battleground Kursk region of western Russia in mid-December.
Related Article
In the interview, Ri expressed his intention to defect to South Korea.
“First, I plan to apply for refugee status and go to South Korea," he said. "If I apply for refugee status, will they accept me?”
Ri went into battle thinking he was fighting South Korean soldiers, having been deceived by a North Korean security agent who said that Ukraine's drone pilots "were all South Korean soldiers."
One or two agents from North Korea's Ministry of State Security were assigned to each battalion of about 500 soldiers to enforce ideological discipline, he said.
Since Ri could not contact home for three months before deploying to Russia, his parents didn't even know he had been sent.
Asked if he had been ordered to blow himself up, he said that in the North Korean army, "being a prisoner is like being a traitor” and that he might have blown himself up if he had a grenade.
In Thursday's interview, Paek — a 21-year-old rifleman sent to Russia as part of North Korea's "Storm Corps" special forces unit last December — also said he was considering defecting to South Korea.
The South Korean government said Wednesday that it would accept all North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine who wished to defect.
“North Korean soldiers are our citizens according to the Constitution, and not only does respecting an individual's free will regarding the repatriation of prisoners comply with international law and customary practices, but we also believe that no one should be returned to a place where they may face persecution against their will,” a South Korean Foreign Ministry official said Wednesday.
“The government will provide necessary protection and support per the basic principle of accepting all [defectors] upon their request to return to South Korea and per relevant laws and regulations.”
According to the South Korean Constitution, all North Koreans are South Korean citizens, regardless of where they live.
The Foreign Ministry added that it had conveyed this position to Ukraine and was engaged in discussions to bring POWs who wish to defect to South Korea.
However, the Foreign Ministry expressed concern with the Chosun Ilbo's decision to print photos of the two POW's faces.
“According to the Geneva Conventions, prisoners of war should be treated humanely, and related media reports should also be conducted with caution,” the Foreign Ministry official said. “We express our concern and regret that the faces of the North Korean prisoners of war were exposed in the media, which could harm them and their families.”
Diplomats say the South Korean government already approaches the issue of North Korean prisoners of war with the same attitude it adopts with would-be defectors.
The ruling conservative People Power Party (PPP) also responded to the interview on Thursday.
Rep. Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the PPP, speaks during a party emergency committee meeting at the National Assembly in Yeouido, western Seoul, on Feb. 20. [NEWS1]
Rep. Kwon Young-se, interim leader of the PPP, told an emergency committee meeting at the National Assembly on Thursday that the government should make "special efforts" to ensure that young North Korean POWs held in Ukraine can "defect safely" if they wish to do so.
“The Ukrainian government might even trade captured North Korean soldiers for Ukrainian soldiers captured by the Russians, but if they return to North Korea, the lives of these young men cannot be guaranteed,” Kwon warned. “North Korean soldiers captured by Ukraine are also citizens of South Korea according to the Constitution. We must not send them to their deaths.”
He also strongly condemned the dispatch of troops by the Kim Jong-un regime. “North Korea must immediately withdraw its soldiers from Ukraine,” he said.
BY LIM JEONG-WON [lim.jeongwon@joongang.co.kr]
13. Ukrainian military: “First North Korean self-propelled artillery destroyed using drone”
You can run but you cannot hide from Ukrainian drones.
Thisisia Google translation of an RFA report.
Ukrainian military: “First North Korean self-propelled artillery destroyed using drone”
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in_focus/nk_nuclear_talks/ukrainian-drones-strike-north-korea-howitzer-02192025145658.html
WASHINGTON-Cho Jin-woo choj@rfa.org
2025.02.19
A photo showing the Koksan self-propelled howitzer, which frequently appeared during North Korea's military parades, being transported by train to a Russian region in November last year.
/Yonhap News video capture
00:00 /03:12
Anchor : The Ukrainian military announced that it had destroyed a North Korean self-propelled howitzer for the first time on the Eastern Front by striking it with a drone . The North Korean self-propelled howitzer, an M-1989 ' Koksan ' equipped with a 170mm main gun , has been in use on the front lines since October of last year . Reporter Cho Jin-woo reports .
The Ukrainian Hortitsa Eastern Military District announced on the 18th via the social networking service Telegram that the ' Nemesis 412 Separate Regiment ' operating drones in the Luhansk region attacked and destroyed a North Korean-made M-1989 ' Koksan ' self-propelled howitzer .
This is the first known instance of Ukrainian forces destroying a North Korean-made self-propelled howitzer using a drone since the start of the war between Russia and Ukraine.
The footage released by the Horchita Eastern Command on this day shows the Nemesis 412th Separate Regiment capturing and destroying a Koksan self-propelled howitzer with a thermal imaging camera from a drone during a night operation .
Radio Free Asia (RFA) has not independently verified the authenticity of this video .
The self-propelled howitzer was first spotted on the Ukrainian front in October last year , and in November and December , images of North Korean self-propelled howitzers, presumed to be M-1989s, were also released being transported to Russia .
The North Korean self-propelled howitzer that was destroyed this time is a long-range gun with a 170mm caliber , capable of firing a shell weighing more than 45kg for more than 40km .
Using a rocket booster would extend the range to 54-60 km, Horticia Eastern Command reported .
Ukrainian military captures North Korean-made M-1989 'Koksan' self-propelled howitzer (left) and destroys it. /Telegram
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The unit is on a mission to patrol the front line around Kupyask, a major supply route along the border between Kharkiv and Luhansk oblasts in eastern Ukraine.
The Luhansk region is one of four regions that Russia declared formal annexation in 2022 .
The North Korean-made Koksan self-propelled howitzer was reportedly damaged while supporting the Russian 1st Guards Tank Army in an operation to cross the Ostul River and pressure Ukrainian forces at Kupyask .
“ Russian troops have intensified their offensive in the direction of Kupyask ,” the Ukrainian Defense Strategy Center reported , “ crossing the Oskil River and advancing to the fields southwest of Topoli . ”
“ Vulnerabilities in North Korean weapons revealed ”
The attack is seen as demonstrating the Ukrainian military's ability to respond to North Korean weapons.
Lee Il-woo, secretary general of the Independent Defense Network and a South Korean military expert who appears on RFA’s weekly program “ Encyclopedia of New Weapons on the Korean Peninsula, ” explained to RFA why these self-propelled howitzers are vulnerable to survivability, saying, “ It takes seven to 15 minutes for a North Korean self-propelled howitzer to stop and prepare to fire, and then about five minutes to fold and detach again . ”
[ Director Lee ] Originally, self-propelled guns were supposed to move, and when they received an order to fire, they would stop, shoot, and immediately retreat to avoid being hit by artillery shells . It’s called counter-fire warfare, and when artillerymen fire a shell, they use counter-artillery radar to reverse-track the shell’s trajectory to find out where it was fired from . So they fire at that origin, and to avoid that, you have to keep shooting, evading, shooting, and evading. But the Koksan and Juche guns can’t do that . As a result, they are extremely vulnerable to survivability. I think they might have been destroyed while being operated in this manner .
Meanwhile , the Ukrainian General Staff announced on the 18th that there were approximately 40,000 casualties, including 16,000 deaths , in the Kursk region where North Korean troops deployed to Russia were deployed over the past six months .
Editor Park Jeong-woo, Web Editor Kim Sang-il
14. Salmon Report: “North Korean POWs Should Not Be Repatriated”
Not repatriated to north Korea.
This is a Google translation of an RFA report. This is helpful to inform the nKPA in north korea prior to their deployment to Russia/Ukraine.
Salmon Report: “North Korean POWs Should Not Be Repatriated”
https://www.rfa.org/korean/news_indepth/north-korea-soldier-ukraine-war-elizabeth-salmon-un-special-rapporteur-human-rights-02192025150919.html
WASHINGTON-Seo Hye-jun seoh@rfa.org
2025.02.19
The Korean Central News Agency reported on March 16 that Chairman Kim Jong-un guided the training of the Korean People's Army Air Corps on March 15 last year.
/Reuters/Korean Central News Agency
00:00 / 00:00
Anchor : While the South Korean government announced that it would accept North Korean prisoners of war captured by the Ukrainian military if they are confirmed to have the will to defect, Elizabeth Salmon, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea, emphasized the “principle of prohibiting forced repatriation” to North Korea.
He said that North Korean POWs, in particular, are at great risk of serious human rights violations if they are repatriated to North Korea, and that they need to be protected according to international law standards. Reporter Seo Hye-jun spoke with Special Rapporteur Salmon, who is celebrating the third anniversary of his term this year.
“ Protection of North Korean POWs is the biggest concern at the moment ”
[ Reporter ] Rapporteur Elizabeth Salmon, thank you for joining us today. Recently, North Korean authorities effectively rejected 88 out of 294 recommendations in the fourth Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on human rights in North Korea. Among them was the cessation of support to Russia in the Ukraine-Russia war. In particular, what are your thoughts on the human rights of the North Korean soldiers who were sent to Russia without knowing that they would be going to war, and the two North Korean prisoners of war who were captured in Ukraine and whose identities were revealed? Are you concerned?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] Absolutely. I think the overall situation of the North Korean people is very poor, and the situation of the North Korean soldiers in particular is extremely difficult. I think there are problems on at least three levels.
The first is what happens when they serve in North Korea. According to several reports, they are treated unfairly and face serious hardships, such as food shortages and limited access to medical care. There are also concerns that female soldiers, in particular, are exposed to sexual violence. The second is what happens when they are deployed to war. Although forced conscription itself is not against international law, I am very concerned about this issue. First of all, it is important to note that these North Korean soldiers were not sent voluntarily, and I think we need to look closely at how they are being treated in Ukraine.
The third is the situation after the North Korean soldiers were detained by the Ukrainian military. You asked about this, but the exposure of North Korean prisoners on TV or social media can be very difficult for them. According to international humanitarian law, especially Article 13 of the Geneva Convention, prisoners of war must be protected from violence, threats, insults, and public curiosity. This is a principle that is stated in international law, and it is especially important for North Korean prisoners of war, because their families can be punished by the North Korean authorities, and they themselves can be in serious danger.
Therefore, I believe that if they are repatriated to North Korea, they are at great risk of serious human rights violations, and I would like to emphasize the principle of non-refoulement. This principle is a very important international legal principle that prohibits individuals from being forcibly repatriated to countries where they are at risk of persecution, torture, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to protect them according to international law standards. This issue is one of my main concerns at present, and I will continue to pay attention and respond to it in the future.
[ Reporter ] Have you ever communicated with relevant government officials, such as those in China, or raised the issue with North Korean authorities?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] One of the biggest problems is that North Korea does not recognize my mandate. So we are not communicating at the moment. I write letters to the North Korean authorities all the time. Sometimes they write back to me, saying they do not recognize my mandate. But I use every opportunity, in my meetings with other special rapporteurs and other countries and the media, to raise awareness of the dire situation of human rights in North Korea, as well as the dire situation of the North Korean soldiers who are deployed in this terrible war.
Special Rapporteur Salmon during an interview with Radio Free Asia (RFA) on the 17th. /RFA Photo
“ North Korea remains silent on request for information on forcibly repatriated North Korean women ”
[ Reporter ] Also, you emphasized the human rights of North Korean defectors in China who were forcibly repatriated. Last November, you sent a letter to North Korea, urging them to provide information and an explanation about the two North Korean female defectors who were executed after being repatriated. Have you received a response since then?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] North Korea has not yet responded to the letter. The situation of North Koreans forcibly repatriated from China is one of my top priorities. I have spoken about this situation repeatedly in forums, interviews, and meetings with other countries. I have tried to reach out to other special rapporteurs since the beginning of my term because I thought we could work with them as we move through the various special procedures. For example, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) has raised concerns about the human rights situation of North Korean women in China. In fact, in October 2023, that committee even asked the Chinese government about the situation of North Korean women in China. So I think this letter is important because it is the result of working with other special rapporteurs.
[ Reporter ] Have there been any more cases of North Korean defectors being forcibly repatriated within China? Have you heard any news about people who have been forcibly repatriated?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] Not right now. And it's not something I can share publicly.
[ Reporter ] Is there a message you would like to emphasize once again to the North Korean and Chinese governments?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] I think the situation of the two women mentioned in the letter is important because it is a warning sign of the situation of those who are forcibly repatriated. I hope that this unfortunate incident will encourage some countries, including China, to step back a little from their position that there is no reasonable basis to believe that those who are repatriated will suffer serious human rights abuses in North Korea. I also want to point out that China's laws on recognizing refugee or asylum seeker status in relation to forcible repatriation are not clear. It is important to emphasize that countries have obligations to refugees and asylum seekers, and this may be a good time to do so.
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[Stop Forced Repatriation, A Year of Cries] “It Was Not in Vain”… China Feels Pressure Too
“ We will continue to adhere to the ‘ victim-centered approach ’ ”
[ Reporter ] You said that North Korea has only responded three times to the letters you have sent so far. Have you ever had a constructive dialogue with North Korea, with which communication is difficult?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] It is true that North Korea is not cooperative because they do not recognize my mission. But I would say that North Korea is engaged in the human rights system to some extent. For example, as you know, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) was conducted last November, and North Korea published a report at that time. As you mentioned, they did not accept all the recommendations, but anyway, communication must be emphasized. Communication is the only way for any country to improve its human rights situation. North Korea submitted a written response to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2023. So at least they are getting some information through other channels.
[ Reporter ] The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) recently released a report on human rights violations by the North Korean regime. However, there was no mention of the forced repatriation of North Korean defectors in China or the detention of South Korean missionaries. I wonder if it was included in the report that you will submit to the UN Human Rights Council in March. What topics do you plan to focus on?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] First of all, I think the report released by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights is a very good report. It is a report on the work of the past two years, so it is not focused only on the current situation. The UN in general raised its voice on the situation of people who have been forcibly repatriated. I think that is one of the major concerns. It also focused on economic, social, and cultural rights in North Korea, and the rights to food, water, sanitation, and education, and the related Sustainable Development Goals. Because human rights cannot be improved without considering development. This report also mentioned freedom of expression and freedom of food. Coincidentally, my report also mentioned the right to food, and I think we were able to cooperate on many aspects while collecting information with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Elizabeth Salmon, UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in North Korea, being interviewed by Radio Free Asia in August 2023. /RFA Photo
[ Reporter ] In your first report as Special Rapporteur on North Korean Human Rights, you focused on improving human rights in North Korea in various ways, including on topics such as “children and women.” How do you evaluate this approach based on your experience over the past three years?
[ Elizabeth Salmon ] When I began my term, I was the fourth Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in North Korea and the first woman. From the beginning, I felt a great sense of urgency about how to continue this work, and I wanted to try to change things up a bit and emphasize certain themes. So I decided that the report should be in two parts. The first part would be about the current situation in the period of gathering information and reporting to the Human Rights Council and the Third Committee of the General Assembly, and in the second part, I added a few themes.
The reason I took this approach was because from the beginning, I wanted to strengthen cooperation with other UN agencies. For example, my first focus was on women and girls. This allowed me to strengthen cooperation with other UN human rights organizations. I was able to work with the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which I mentioned earlier, as well as the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, the Working Group on Violence against Women, UN Women, and many others. Some of them had not previously been actively involved in North Korea, but they were interested in women’s issues and were able to work with me. So my first goal was to strengthen cooperation and communication and bring more stakeholders into the discussion. In 2023, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women requested information about the situation of North Korean women in China and expressed concern about it. I think that is the result of my strategy.
Another important approach for me is the victim-centered approach. I wanted to listen to the voices of the victims and reflect their needs, thoughts, and plans. The safest and most important approach when discussing human rights is to always keep the victims in mind and think from their perspective. This is the only way to avoid political division and maintain what is truly important. Therefore, I think that the dual strategy of strengthening cooperation and communication to raise awareness and include more people who can discuss the severity of the human rights situation in North Korea, combined with a victim-centered approach, has been effective. It has been a valuable experience for me to meet with various organizations and individuals over the past three years. However, even in the current situation of extreme political division, I think we need to work with other human rights organizations to continue discussions that put people at the center. Also, what I want to emphasize in today’s interview is that if there is a possibility of dialogue with the North Korean government or if there is a high-level meeting, all countries must remember the situation of the North Korean people. This issue is not simply a denuclearization or military issue, but a humanitarian issue.
This is Seo Hye-jun of RFA Radio Free Asia.
Editor Noh Jeong-min, Web Editor Lee Gyeong-ha
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Vice President, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
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