Kim Jong Un

North Korea flaunts nuclear growth ahead of high-stakes Xi-Kim meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit North Korea next week as Kim Jong Un pushes for an "exponential" expansion of the country's nuclear arsenal and deepens ties with Russia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends a tea ceremony with Russian President Vladimir Putin following their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China May 20, 2026.
FILE PHOTO:  A missile is fired during a test-fire of strategic cruise missiles and anti-warship missiles from the destroyer Choe Hyon, North Korea, April 12, 2026, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), April 14, 2026.

North Korea tests mix of enhanced ballistic, cruise missiles and artillery rockets

 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un speaks during the expanded meeting of the first plenary meeting of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), in Pyongyang, North Korea.

North Korea executions more than doubled after COVID, human rights group says

A test of the upgraded Hwasong-11LA ground-to-ground tactical short-range ballistic missile at an undisclosed location in North Korea, April 19, 2026, in this picture released on April 20, 2026, by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency.

UK condemns North Korean missile launches testing warheads containing cluster munitions


North Korea cites rare dissent in elections even as 99% back candidates

The reclusive North has one of the most highly controlled societies in the world, with leader Kim Jong Un accused of using a system of patronage and repression to retain absolute power.

 North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un casts his ballot during a local election, in South Hamgyong Province, North Korea, in this picture released on November 27, 2023

North Korea says its new spy satellite photographed White House, Pentagon

On Tuesday North Korean state media said leader Kim Jong Un had reviewed spy satellite photos of the White House, Pentagon and US aircraft carriers at the naval base of Norfolk.

 A rocket carrying a spy satellite Malligyong-1 is launched, as North Korean government claims, in a location given as North Gyeongsang Province, North Korea in this handout picture obtained by Reuters on November 21, 2023

North Korea amends constitution on nuclear policy, cites US provocations

North Korea must "push ahead with the work for exponentially boosting the production of nuclear weapons and diversifying the nuclear strike means," said Kim Jong Un.

 A missile is displayed during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of North Korea's army, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang, North Korea February 8, 2023, in this photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

North Korea's Kim heads home after final stop in Russia's Vladivostok - KCNA

Kim inspected a Russian fighter jet factory that is under Western sanctions, nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles and warships last week.

 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves as he boards his train at a railway station in the town of Artyom outside Vladivostok in the Primorsky region, Russia, September 17, 2023

North Korea's Kim views Russian nuclear-capable bombers, hypersonic missiles

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected Russian nuclear-capable strategic bombers, hypersonic missiles, and warships accompanied by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

 North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and Russia's Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu inspect Russian military aircraft and missiles put on display at Knevichi aerodrome near Vladivostok in the Primorsky region, Russia, September 16, 2023.

Kim, in Russia, invites Putin to North Korea - KCNA

Kim was briefed on technical details about Russian space vehicles during his visit to a cosmodrome, but there was no mention of any arms supplies, trade of weapons or technical assistance.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin waves as he meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (not pictured) in Russia, September 13, 2023

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles while leader Kim visits Russia

Beijing and Moscow have called for sanctions to be eased on the North to jumpstart diplomatic talks and improve the humanitarian situation.

A missile launch is seen at an undisclosed location in North Korea, in this undated photo released on October 10, 2022 by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kim Jong Un to Putin: Russia will triumph against 'evil' Ukraine

When asked by reporters if Russia would help Kim build satellites, Putin replied: "That's why we came here."

 Russia's President Vladimir Putin talks to North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un as they visit the Vostochny Сosmodrome in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, September 13, 2023

North Korea's Kim says his visit shows 'strategic importance' of Russia relations

The North Korean leader has now arrived in Russia for his meeting with Putin.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019. Picture taken April 25, 2019.

North Korea's Kim Jong Un in Russia amid US warnings not to sell arms

Russia's President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un may talk about Moscow sending humanitarian aid to Pyongyang.

 Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un pose for a photo during their meeting in Vladivostok, Russia, April 25, 2019. Picture taken April 25, 2019.