Inter-Korean Relations

A special counsel team demanded a 30-year prison term for former President Yoon Suk Yeol on charges of benefiting the enemy by allegedly ordering military drones over Pyongyang in 2024. The team, led by Cho Eun-suk, also requested 25 years for former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun on the same charges. Prosecutors believe the October 2024 dispatch aimed to provoke North Korean retaliation as a pretext for Yoon's failed martial law bid.

April 06, 2026 Reported by AI

President Lee Jae Myung expressed regret on Monday over drone flights by individuals into North Korea that caused unnecessary military tension with Pyongyang. He made the remarks during a cabinet meeting after prosecutors indicted three people last week for flying drones there between September and January. The indicted include a graduate student in his 30s, a National Intelligence Service employee and a military officer.

North Korea accused South Korea on Saturday of infringing on its sovereignty with drone incursions in September last year and earlier this week, warning Seoul to be ready to 'pay a high price.' South Korea's defense ministry rejected the claim, stating the military did not operate drones on the asserted dates. The allegations come amid heightened tensions following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's declaration of inter-Korean ties as relations between two hostile states.

December 26, 2025 Reported by AI

South Korea's unification ministry announced on December 26 that it will take administrative steps to allow public access to the Rodong Sinmun, the main newspaper of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. The move aims to ease restrictions previously imposed due to concerns over North Korean propaganda. It seeks to uphold the public's right to know and promote inter-Korean exchanges.

South Korea's unification ministry said adjustments to joint military drills with the U.S. could be discussed if necessary conditions are met. National Security Adviser Wi Sung-lac emphasized that the exercises are not being considered as a direct card for dialogue with North Korea. This highlights differing stances amid efforts to revive inter-Korean talks.

December 02, 2025 Reported by AI

A bull that drifted south from North Korea during a 1996 flood and became a symbol of inter-Korean peace has been laid to rest on a border hill overlooking its homeland nearly 30 years later. The animal's remains were relocated to an exhibition hall in Aegibong Peace Ecopark, just 1.4 kilometers from North Korea's Kaepung county. A memorial ritual preceded the relocation on November 27.