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Quotes of the Day:
"The alternate domination of one faction over another, sharpened by the spirit of revenge natural to party dissension, which in different ages and countries has perpetrated the most horrid enormities, is itself a frightful despotism. But this leads at length to a more formal and permanent despotism."
– George Washington
"We the people are the rightful masters of both Congress and the courts, not to overthrow the Constitution but to overthrow the men who pervert the Constitution."
– Abraham Lincoln
"The greatness of America lies not in being more enlightened than any other nation, but rather in her ability to repair her faults."
– Alexis de Tocqueville
1. The Art of War, the Science of Bias: DEI is a Warfighting Necessity
2. Ukraine has ‘completely destroyed’ North Korean units in Kursk says Zelensky
3. Three North Korean companies set to export medicinal products to Russia
4. South Korea Should Lean into Nuclear-Powered Submarines
5. Ruling party chief dismisses speculation Yoon may voluntarily resign before impeachment ruling
6. N. Korea's Kim visits mausoleum for 1st time in 4 yrs to mark late leader's birthday
7. N. Korea's Kim unveils construction plan to expand capital Pyongyang eastward
8. FM Cho to attend G20 foreign ministers' meeting this week
9. Exclusive: N. Korea's combat gains may reshape East Asia's security, Ukraine Intel Chief warns
10. Editorial: Gwangju's rallies across the barricades mirror S. Korea's deepening divide
11. N. Korea orders major military aid package to Russia
12. N. Korea deploying military personnel to construction sites in Russia
13. Yoon's anti-China rhetoric stirs diplomatic concerns as Xi mulls visit to Korea
14. ＜Inside N. Korea＞ Daytime Masked Robberies on the Rise - Young Organized Crime Groups Emerge in Hoeryong as Authorities Struggle with Deteriorating Security
15. Voice of America [Washington Talk] “Korea, China’s Closest Target∙∙∙Strategic Goal is to Promote Conflict Between the US and Korea and Between Korea and Japan”
1. The Art of War, the Science of Bias: DEI is a Warfighting Necessity
Here is a thought provoking perspective.
This will be panned by the anti-woke faction. But this describes the importance of diversity that is not viewed as important by the woke faction. I fear neither extreme will grasp (or even read) this essay since both sides are hardened in their biases for and against DEI. But there are those in the middle....
Of course what Mr. Wang describes is what some of us would call cultural understanding and most important, cultural respect, which is something I recall growing up with among my Special Forces brothers - those who were specifically assessed and selected because they want to live and work among foreign indigenous cultures.
Excerpts:
We need a military of diverse backgrounds and mindsets; we need cultural competency training; we need to root stereotypes and biases out of the heads of our warfighters and our war planners as meticulously as we would clear a minefield. Neither you nor I believe that a typical service member consciously holds racist beliefs. But everyone is liable to have unconscious biases, and unconscious biases are an equal if not greater liability – because without countermeasures, we’re blind to the very fact we have them.
As just one example, East Asians in the United States are consistently perceived as less creative than people of other ethnicities. It’s not a belief founded in fact, but it is an enduring one, and our warfighters and war planners are as susceptible to it as anybody—in the absence of DEI measures like the unconscious bias trainings you’ve terminated. Our greatest rival in the decades to come will be an East Asian state: the People’s Republic of China. How will a military that systematically underestimates the creative thinking of its adversaries fare in battle against them? Certainly not as well as one that heads into conflict with a clear and objective assessment of its enemies.
Please note:
(Editor’s Note: Small Wars Journal always prioritizes the publication of counterpoints to open letters. At Small Wars Journal we value discourse at the speed of relevance.)
Opinion / Perspective| The Latest
The Art of War, the Science of Bias: DEI is a Warfighting Necessity
https://smallwarsjournal.com/2025/02/17/the-art-of-war-the-science-of-bias-dei-is-a-warfighting-necessity/
by Dan Wang
|
02.17.2025 at 06:00am
29th Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth Official Portrait (DoD photo by Chad J. McNeeley)
Dear Secretary Hegseth,
You have inflicted tangible harm to American national security by interfering with our military’s ability to assess our adversaries objectively. I’m not talking about anything that’s happened at the Defense Intelligence Agency, but rather DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion). History’s greatest military failures weren’t just the result of poor strategy or bad luck – they were rooted in prejudice, in systemic mischaracterization of the enemy that has cost countless lives and toppled entire empires. And yet, with your order to eliminate all DEI programs in the military, you’ve made sure that America’s war planners and warfighters will enter the battlefields of the future with the very same self-inflicted handicap.
The two worst military downfalls in history, those of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan, were both the result of wars their leaders opted into, confident that the ethno-racial qualities of their adversaries guaranteed victory. Adolf Hitler wrote at length about the inferiority of the Slavic people (the untermenschen) and promised the swift conquest of the Soviet Union. Five million German soldiers died in the ensuing war, and in the end it was Germany that was conquered.
On the other side of the globe, Japanese war planners assumed that Americans didn’t have the spiritual fortitude to fight a prolonged war like their own people, and that a decisive blow such as Pearl Harbor would be followed by a quick U.S. exit from the war. Yet we stayed in the fight through the bleakest days of the Pacific War, went the distance with the Japanese Empire, and in due course prevailed over it.
If the Japanese truly knew the American character, they would have had every reason to foresee this. They would have known that Americans don’t back down: we’re the ones who fought to the last man at the Alamo; who rebelled against the most powerful empire in the world in 1775—and then had the audacity to go back for a rematch in 1812. But the Japanese Empire stereotyped and underestimated American society, sowing the seeds of its own demise.
We as Americans are far from immune to making these same mistakes ourselves. A pervasive atmosphere of racially-tinged skepticism that a unified Vietnam could maintain political autonomy from the Soviet Union accelerated Washington’s escalation of the Vietnam War. On the ground, the dehumanization of the Vietnamese as “mere gooks” disinhibited American G.I.s from civilian massacres like My Lai, each crime of war causing more and more Vietnamese to turn against the U.S. and towards North Vietnam and the Viet Cong. By striking DEI programs from the military, you’ve set us up to repeat the failures of the past.
We need a military of diverse backgrounds and mindsets; we need cultural competency training; we need to root stereotypes and biases out of the heads of our warfighters and our war planners as meticulously as we would clear a minefield. Neither you nor I believe that a typical service member consciously holds racist beliefs. But everyone is liable to have unconscious biases, and unconscious biases are an equal if not greater liability – because without countermeasures, we’re blind to the very fact we have them.
As just one example, East Asians in the United States are consistently perceived as less creative than people of other ethnicities. It’s not a belief founded in fact, but it is an enduring one, and our warfighters and war planners are as susceptible to it as anybody—in the absence of DEI measures like the unconscious bias trainings you’ve terminated. Our greatest rival in the decades to come will be an East Asian state: the People’s Republic of China. How will a military that systematically underestimates the creative thinking of its adversaries fare in battle against them? Certainly not as well as one that heads into conflict with a clear and objective assessment of its enemies.
For the sake of our nation and our soldiers, I ask you: restore the military’s DEI programs immediately.
See you at the reunion,
Dan Wang
(Editor’s Note: Small Wars Journal always prioritizes the publication of counterpoints to open letters. At Small Wars Journal we value discourse at the speed of relevance.)
2. Ukraine has ‘completely destroyed’ North Korean units in Kursk says Zelensky
I read that President Zelensky spoke in English in Munich but I fear there must be an interpretation issue here if not a translation one. This statement is just too sensational.
Excerpt:
Ukraine has killed all North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich on Saturday
Ukraine has ‘completely destroyed’ North Korean units in Kursk says Zelensky
President warned Western leaders of threat Moscow-Pyongyang alliance poses during speech at Munich Security Conference
Anton Sokolin February 17, 2025
https://www.nknews.org/2025/02/ukraine-has-completely-destroyed-north-korean-units-in-kursk-says-zelensky/
North Korean soldiers sit in the back of a truck, South Hamgyong Province, Hamhung, North Korea | Image: Eric Lafforgue (Sept. 2012)
Ukraine has killed all North Korean troops fighting in Russia’s Kursk region, Volodymyr Zelensky said in Munich on Saturday after flagging that Pyongyang is set to send reinforcements to aid Russia’s campaign.
In his speech at the Munich Security Conference, the Ukrainian president claimed Russia had lost 20,000 soldiers in the Kursk region alone, with the total death toll standing at nearly 250,000 since the start of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The number of wounded Russians exceeds 610,000, he added.
He said Ukrainian forces have “completely destroyed the North Korean units that Putin had to bring in because his own forces weren’t enough to hold back” Kyiv’s counteroffensive.
“For over six months now, Ukrainians have been holding a foothold inside Russian territory,” he emphasized, adding that Kyiv is grappling with the adversary alone, warning Western leaders of the risks posed by Moscow’s alliance with Pyongyang.
“Make no mistake – North Koreans are not weak. They are learning how to fight now, how to fight the modern war,” he said, suggesting that DPRK troops may show up at European borders.
Zelensky demanded security guarantees and NATO membership for Ukraine, calling on the U.S. to continue supporting Kyiv, while urging Europe to take greater responsibility over its security, including by creating its own armed forces.
The Ukrainian president told journalists on Friday that about 2,000-3,000 North Korean soldiers could be soon deployed to the Kursk area after North Korea lost about two thirds of the some 12,000 troops it initially sent.
Chris Monday, a Russia researcher at Dongseo University, cautioned against taking Zelensky’s statements at face value, noting that “Russian and North Korean sources are silent, while Ukrainian accounts vary significantly.”
“We hear that the North Koreans have deserted one day, but on the next day they are maniacally sacrificing themselves for the leader,” the expert told NK News, pointing to the discrepancies in Ukrainian coverage of the DPRK troop deployment to Kursk.
Similarly, he cautioned that it’s hard to gauge the performance of North Korean soldiers, without knowing how many have been killed relative to the Ukrainian casualties as Kyiv doesn’t report its losses.
Russia didn’t attend the Munich Security Conference but its representatives are set to meet with U.S. counterparts, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Donald Trump’s Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, to discuss the Ukraine peace process in Saudi Arabia on Monday.
Ukraine has reportedly been left out of this round of talks, despite Kyiv’s insistence to have a seat at the table.
Monday added that Zelensky’s claim about eliminating the entire DPRK contingent in Kursk is aimed at showing Trump that the “situation at the front is not hopeless,” while the U.S. president seeks to cut a deal with Putin.
“The occupation of Kursk was designed as a negotiating card against Putin so Zelensky must prove that it is in play,” he stressed. “North Korean troops are regrouping to plan out the next phase. Both Putin and Kim have an eye on Trump — the last thing either wants is to humiliate him with a military defeat.”
In the meantime, Ukrainian war bloggers and military units continue to release footage showing purported DPRK soldiers being hit by drones, with some noting tactical adjustments — although they appear to remain futile against Ukrainian strikes.
3. Three North Korean companies set to export medicinal products to Russia
I guess Russia needs all the help it can get. And now Putin and Kim seem pretty tight.
As an aside, when I went through the Special Forces training in the 1980s, my wife would make a concoction of ginseng and other herbs (from the South not the north) for me to drink every morning before PT. This was long before protein drink smoothies were fashionable.
Excerpt:
It remains unclear whether Gonchar intends to acquire the declared items for personal use or resale in Russia, but his apparent connection with DPRK businesses underscores the depth of Moscow-Pyongyang ties, extending far beyond the military domain.
Three North Korean companies set to export medicinal products to Russia
Moscow-based proprietor filed declaration for goods that likely violate UN sanctions banning import of medicinal plants
https://www.nknews.org/2025/02/three-north-korean-companies-set-to-export-medicinal-products-to-russia/
Anton Sokolin February 17, 2025
A pharmacist in Pyongyang, North Korea, in Sept. 2008 | Image: Eric Lafforgue
Three North Korean companies are set to export their products to Russia this year in likely violation of international sanctions, official records show, after multiple DPRK firms sought entry into the Russian market amid rebounding ties in 2024.
According to Russia’s Federal Service for Accreditation (FSA), a Moscow-based sole proprietor filed four import declarations in early February to acquire medicinal goods from three North Korean companies.
The Pyongyang-based Namsong Pharmaceutical Company is expected to supply Kumdang-5 pills made from compressed ginseng roots to Vitaly Gonchar, a registered entrepreneur since 2015, according to FSA data.
The product falls under Harmonized System Code 12, covering medicinal plants, which are banned from export under U.N. Security Council Resolution 2397. If the merchandise reaches Russia, Pyongyang will have violated international sanctions.
Additionally, Gonchar seeks to import various ginseng teas and the ginseng-based medicine Tongbanghangamso, purported to have anti-cancer properties, from the Oriental Instant Medicine Development Center, according to FSA declarations.
Namsong’s Kumdang-5 ginseng pills | Image: Ozon, edited by NK News
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One Russian-language online shop specializing in oriental medicine currently sells the medicine for about $420 per box, while another Moscow-based company Korus Biomed offers it for between $380 and $1,030, depending on the dosage.
In 2019 and 2020, Korus Biomed acquired Kumdang-2 Injection — a herbal medicine promoted by the DPRK as a panacea against MERS, SARS and AIDS — from Pugang Pharmaceutical Corporation, another of Gonchar’s partners.
FSA records indicate that Gonchar also seeks to procure Royal Blood-Fresh, a thrombosis drug, from Pugang.
Pugang is a subsidiary of Korea Pugang Trading Corporation, a U.N., U.S. and EU-sanctioned entity linked to the DPRK military via its owner Korea Ryonbong General Corporation, which specializes in military procurement.
Pugang has been exporting its products like Kumdang-2 and Royal Blood-Fresh to Russia every year since 2019, FSA data previously revealed.
Katsu Furukawa, a former member of the now disbanded U.N. Panel of Experts that monitored DPRK sanctions, previously said that all exports from Korea Pugang Trading Corporation and its subsidiaries are sanctioned and should be prohibited.
In 2006, the company’s then-CEO told the Financial Times that Pugang operated more than 100 gold mines across North Korea.
Gonchar registered the import declarations for the three companies between Feb. 5 and 11, making them the first North Korea-related documents filed with the FSA this year.
NK Pro reported last October that Russian businesses filed declarations for importing products from a record number of DPRK firms in 2024, seeking a wide range of goods including sanctioned items.
It remains unclear whether Gonchar intends to acquire the declared items for personal use or resale in Russia, but his apparent connection with DPRK businesses underscores the depth of Moscow-Pyongyang ties, extending far beyond the military domain.
Edited by Alannah Hill
4. South Korea Should Lean into Nuclear-Powered Submarines
A strategic necessity? Or a vanity project in a quest for a status symbol? Would the South be better served investing in missile defense and such platforms as AEGIS equipped surface combatants?
Unfortunately, a question that will now be asked is if the opposition party, with the perception of close ties to China and leanings to north Korea, comes to power will classified material from a nuclear submarine program be put at risk? This may be the biggest obstacle to US-ROK cooperation on nuclear powered submarine development.
Excerpts:
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in the Future of the U.S.-South Korean Alliance
Despite concerns about South Korea’s shifting political landscape and the Trump administration’s potential lack of enthusiasm for regional engagement, the nuclear-powered submarine program presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the U.S.-South Korean alliance in a way that aligns with Trump’s strategic priorities.
By investing in nuclear-powered submarines, South Korea is directly addressing Trump’s calls for allies to take on a greater share of their defense burden. These submarines would enhance deterrence against North Korea, complement America’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and reduce the need for additional American naval deployments. Moreover, U.S. support for the program — whether through nuclear fuel cooperation or strategic alignment — would reinforce the alliance’s credibility and modernization.
In a renewed Trump era, the success of the U.S.-South Korean alliance will depend not just on policies, but on both nations’ ability to adapt to evolving security challenges. If managed effectively, South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program could serve as a cornerstone of alliance modernization, ensuring that burden-sharing is not just a financial demand but a strategic investment in regional stability.
Rather than viewing the nuclear-powered submarine program as a marginal issue, the Trump administration should recognize it as an opportunity to achieve its broader objectives — reducing U.S. military commitments, strengthening allied deterrence capabilities, and reinforcing a more balanced and resilient security partnership.
South Korea Should Lean into Nuclear-Powered Submarines - War on the Rocks
warontherocks.com · by Jihoon Yu · February 17, 2025
The art of the deal is back, and so is the price tag on alliances. In this context, South Korea’s ambitions to develop nuclear-powered submarines could become a critical factor in shaping its alliance with the United States. While the program is primarily aimed at countering North Korea’s advancing submarine-launched ballistic missile capabilities, it also carries broader strategic implications.
Despite concerns about the shifting priorities of South Korea’s political leadership — where transitions between conservative and progressive administrations often lead to shifts in diplomatic priorities and strategies — its nuclear-powered submarine program represents a tangible commitment to strengthening the country’s defense posture and assuming a greater share of regional security responsibilities. Even if enthusiasm within the Trump administration may be tempered by a focus on reducing U.S. military presence on the peninsula, South Korea’s investment in advanced capabilities like nuclear-powered submarines aligns with Washington’s long-standing demand for allies to contribute more to their own security.
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What You Need to Know About South Korean Nuclear Submarines
South Korea has explored nuclear-powered submarines since the early 2000s, primarily to counter North Korea’s growing submarine and missile threats. In 2003, the secret “362 Project” aimed at developing a nuclear-powered submarine was canceled due to U.S. pressure and political concerns. Interest revived in the late 2010s, with President Moon Jae-in expressing support for an indigenous nuclear submarine program in response to North Korea’s advancing missile capabilities. However, South Korea lacks domestic nuclear propulsion technology but has sought alternatives, including potential collaboration with the United States or France.
Despite these efforts, progress remains limited due to technological, diplomatic, and nonproliferation challenges, particularly regarding fuel enrichment and international agreements. While South Korea continues to seek solutions, significant obstacles must be overcome before a nuclear-powered submarine becomes a reality.
Nuclear-Powered Submarines as a Tool for Burden-Sharing and Alliance Strengthening
South Korea’s nuclear submarine program is not merely about acquiring a new military capability, it is a strategic move to reinforce deterrence against North Korea while demonstrating a commitment to shouldering a greater share of regional security. Nuclear-powered submarines, with their superior endurance, stealth, and operational range, would enable Seoul to enhance its maritime deterrence without requiring direct U.S. military reinforcement.
From a U.S. perspective, this aligns with the Trump administration’s previous demands that allies invest more in their own defense rather than relying on American forces. Trump has historically emphasized reducing U.S. military commitments overseas — South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program provides an opportunity to achieve this objective. By investing in a high-end military capability that reduces dependency on U.S. naval assets, South Korea is directly responding to Trump’s calls for burden-sharing.
While critics argue that South Korea’s shifting political landscape introduces unpredictability in its defense policies, the nuclear-powered submarine program is a long-term investment that transcends short-term political fluctuations. Regardless of the administration in power, acquiring nuclear-powered submarines would mark a fundamental shift in South Korea’s military posture — one that strengthens the alliance by reinforcing deterrence and reducing Seoul’s reliance on direct U.S. intervention in the event of a conflict.
The 123 Agreement Challenge: A Test for U.S. Commitment
One of the biggest hurdles for South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine ambitions is the U.S.-Republic of Korea Agreement for Peaceful Nuclear Cooperation, commonly known as the “123 Agreement,” which prohibits South Korea from enriching uranium or reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. . Since nuclear-powered submarines require highly enriched uranium, moving forward with the program would require U.S. cooperation, either through exemptions or alternative arrangements.
For Washington, this presents a critical decision: whether to support a key ally’s security ambitions or prioritize strict adherence to nonproliferation norms. The Trump administration, which has historically taken a more flexible and transactional approach to alliances, could view the nuclear-powered submarine program as an opportunity to modernize the U.S.-South Korean partnership while reducing America’s direct military commitments in the region.
Instead of viewing South Korea’s ambitions to develop nuclear-powered submarines as a challenge, the United States could utilize these efforts to enhance a broader alliance strategy. Facilitating access to nuclear propulsion technology — whether through a controlled framework similar to AUKUS or alternative agreements — would reinforce South Korea’s role as a capable security partner. This would also provide tangible evidence of U.S. support for South Korea’s defense modernization, countering the perception that Trump’s transactional approach undermines alliance credibility.
Beyond North Korea: Aligning with U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy
While the primary justification for South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program is deterrence against North Korea, the broader strategic implications cannot be ignored. China’s expanding naval power and assertive maneuvers in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait pose long-term challenges to regional stability.
A key shortcoming in America’s ability to deter and counter China is the insufficient number of U.S. submarines available for the Pacific theater. This gap has driven initiatives like AUKUS — particularly its submarine pillar — but U.S. submarine production has stagnated, leaving a critical vulnerability in undersea warfare capabilities. In this context, supporting South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program would align with U.S. strategic interests by strengthening allied maritime power in the region. South Korea’s ability to conduct extended-range submarine operations would complement U.S. efforts to deter Chinese aggression without requiring additional American deployments.
The Trump administration previously took a hardline stance on China, emphasizing the need for allies to play a greater role in counterbalancing Beijing. South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarines would fit into this strategy, providing a crucial capability that enhances regional deterrence while allowing the United States to mitigate its submarine shortfall. Even if the Trump administration prioritizes deterring North Korea over its broader Indo-Pacific objectives, the nuclear-powered submarine program would contribute to both goals, ensuring greater stability while addressing a pressing gap in allied naval forces.
Managing Costs, Public Perception, and Political Dynamics
Developing and maintaining nuclear-powered submarines is a costly endeavor, and South Korea’s defense budget is already under strain due to the need to counter immediate threats from North Korea. Some may argue that the Trump administration’s insistence on greater burden-sharing could create financial pressures that limit Seoul’s ability to invest in nuclear-powered submarines while also meeting U.S. financial demands for hosting American forces.
However, this challenge also presents an opportunity. By committing to a nuclear submarine program, South Korea is demonstrating its willingness to invest in high-end capabilities rather than simply increasing financial contributions for U.S. troop presence. This shifts the burden-sharing debate from a transactional “cost-sharing” model to one of strategic investment, reinforcing South Korea’s role as a proactive security partner rather than a dependent ally.
Public perception in South Korea remains an important factor. The first Trump administration generated concerns about the perceived imbalance in the alliance, with many South Koreans viewing his financial demands as undermining partnership equality. The nuclear-powered submarine program could counter this narrative by showcasing South Korea’s independent military capabilities while still maintaining strong U.S. ties. If the United States actively supports the program — particularly by facilitating nuclear fuel access — it would strengthen public confidence in the alliance and mitigate concerns about American commitment.
Conclusion: A Strategic Investment in the Future of the U.S.-South Korean Alliance
Despite concerns about South Korea’s shifting political landscape and the Trump administration’s potential lack of enthusiasm for regional engagement, the nuclear-powered submarine program presents a unique opportunity to reinforce the U.S.-South Korean alliance in a way that aligns with Trump’s strategic priorities.
By investing in nuclear-powered submarines, South Korea is directly addressing Trump’s calls for allies to take on a greater share of their defense burden. These submarines would enhance deterrence against North Korea, complement America’s Indo-Pacific strategy, and reduce the need for additional American naval deployments. Moreover, U.S. support for the program — whether through nuclear fuel cooperation or strategic alignment — would reinforce the alliance’s credibility and modernization.
In a renewed Trump era, the success of the U.S.-South Korean alliance will depend not just on policies, but on both nations’ ability to adapt to evolving security challenges. If managed effectively, South Korea’s nuclear-powered submarine program could serve as a cornerstone of alliance modernization, ensuring that burden-sharing is not just a financial demand but a strategic investment in regional stability.
Rather than viewing the nuclear-powered submarine program as a marginal issue, the Trump administration should recognize it as an opportunity to achieve its broader objectives — reducing U.S. military commitments, strengthening allied deterrence capabilities, and reinforcing a more balanced and resilient security partnership.
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Jihoon Yu, Ph.D., is director of external relations and associate research fellow at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. He is the principal author of the South Korean navy’s Navy Vision 2045. The views here are those of the author and do not reflect those of any state institution in South Korea.
Image: Petty Officer 1st Class Desmond Parks via Wikimedia Commons
Commentary
warontherocks.com · by Jihoon Yu · February 17, 2025
5. Ruling party chief dismisses speculation Yoon may voluntarily resign before impeachment ruling
We have seen a number of reports of this. But does this statement put the speculation to rest?
Ruling party chief dismisses speculation Yoon may voluntarily resign before impeachment ruling | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 17, 2025
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- The interim leader of the ruling People Power Party on Monday rejected speculation President Yoon Suk Yeol may voluntarily resign before a ruling on his impeachment trial, calling such a move unrealistic and inappropriate.
Kwon Young-se made the remarks during a debate forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists, when asked about the possibility of Yoon voluntarily stepping down amid concerns his impeachment ruling could trigger clashes between political factions.
"I do not think his resignation would necessarily resolve all these issues, regardless of whether it is legally and constitutionally possible," he said. "It is not appropriate."
Kwon stressed that Yoon's decision to resign is entirely up to himself and not his legal team, referring to recent remarks by the team suggesting it could make a "major decision."
"Such an option is realistically not being considered, and even if it is, it is not the right course of action," he said.
On Yoon's Dec. 3 martial law declaration, Kwon admitted that it was "clearly a mistake" and an "excessive measure."
The Constitutional Court will decide whether to formally remove Yoon from office or reinstate him after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach him.
Kwon Young-se, chief of the ruling People Power Party's emergency leadership committee, speaks during a debate forum hosted by the Kwanhun Club, an association of senior journalists, at the Press Center in Seoul on Feb. 17, 2025. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Yi Wonju · February 17, 2025
6. N. Korea's Kim visits mausoleum for 1st time in 4 yrs to mark late leader's birthday
Kim must feel this is necessary to enhance his legitimacy. He cannot yet go it alone as there appears to be too much growing resistance to him personally.
N. Korea's Kim visits mausoleum for 1st time in 4 yrs to mark late leader's birthday | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 17, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has paid his respects at the mausoleum of his father, late leader Kim Jong-il, on the anniversary of his birthday, state media reported Monday, marking his first reported visit to the family mausoleum on the late leader's birth anniversary in four years.
Kim visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun the previous day, on the late leader's birthday, known as the Day of the Shining Star, accompanied by his powerful sister Kim Yo-jong, party secretaries, Defense Minister No Kwang-chol and others, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
A floral basket was laid in his name before the statues of the late leader and national founder Kim Il-sung, and he paid "homage of immortality and best wishes" to his father, the KCNA said.
"He expressed his solemn will to devote himself to the sacred struggle for the eternal prosperity of the country, the security of the people and the promotion of their well-being, remaining faithful to the revolutionary ideas and cause" of the two late leaders, it also reported.
This marks the first reported visit by Kim to the family mausoleum on his father's birth anniversary since 2021.
The Day of the Shining Star and the national founder's birthday, the Day of the Sun, are the biggest national holidays in North Korea.
North Korea has often avoided using the term the Day of the Shining Star, instead often referring to the former leader's birthday simply as Feb. 16, as the current leader has sought to reduce his dependency on his ancestors for authority and solidify his stand-alone status. However, the KCNA and other state media used the reverent term for the late leader's birthday this year.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (4th from L) and other officials pay their respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang on the birthday of his father and late leader Kim Jong-il on Feb. 16, 2025, in this image captured from the website of the Rodong Sinmun daily. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
pbr@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 17, 2025
7. N. Korea's Kim unveils construction plan to expand capital Pyongyang eastward
Trying to shore up support from the elite in Pyongyang?
N. Korea's Kim unveils construction plan to expand capital Pyongyang eastward | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 17, 2025
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has unveiled a construction plan to expand the capital, Pyongyang, eastward, vowing to refurbish dilapidated suburban areas, state media reported Monday.
Kim announced the plan in his speech during a groundbreaking ceremony the previous day for the construction of 10,000 flats in Pyongyang's Hwasong area, as part of his broader five-year development plan, unveiled in 2021, to build 50,000 housing units in the city, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Delivering the speech, Kim said his country will pursue a construction plan to expand the capital's roads eastward toward Kangdong County after completing the Hwasong construction project, the KCNA said.
Kangdong is a suburban county east of Pyongyang.
In this photo, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Feb. 17, 2025, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un attends a groundbreaking ceremony to build 10,000 housing units in Pyongyang's Hwasong area. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)
Under the plan, a cluster of science research centers, schools and modern housing units will be established in Hwasong and nearby areas, creating another science and culture district within the city, while dilapidated regions in and around the capital area will be refurbished, the KCNA said.
Kim noted the construction plan will be presented at a meeting of the Workers' Party of Korea scheduled for 2026 to be adopted as a major policy project.
The leader also stressed progress on his five-year construction plan, saying that the latest 10,000-unit project would bring the plan to its final stage and calling it "the greatest of all achievements."
Under the five-year plan unveiled in 2021, Kim pledged to build 10,000 housing units every year. Since then, the first batch of 10,000 apartments was built that year in the capital's newly developed Songsin and Songhwa areas, near the northeastern Hwasong district, while 30,000 more have been nearly completed in Hwasong between 2022-2024.
pbr@yna.co.kr
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en.yna.co.kr · by Park Boram · February 17, 2025
8. FM Cho to attend G20 foreign ministers' meeting this week
Despite the domestic political turmoil the ROK government continues to function.
FM Cho to attend G20 foreign ministers' meeting this week | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · February 17, 2025
By Kim Seung-yeon
SEOUL, Feb. 17 (Yonhap) -- Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul will travel to South Africa later this week to attend the foreign ministers' meeting of the Group of 20 nations, his office said Monday, with attention being drawn to his possible meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Cho will take part in the two-day gathering in Johannesburg, which will run from Thursday, with arrangements being made for bilateral talks with the counterparts of some of the participating countries on the sidelines, a foreign ministry official said. Cho will depart on Tuesday.
Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul speaks with South Korean reporters after attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany on Feb. 16, 2025. (Yonhap)
At focus will be whether Cho will meet with Wang on the margins of the meeting, as the top Chinese diplomat is also expected to attend the gathering.
If realized, it will mark the first such talks between the two ministers since the political crisis in South Korea triggered by now-impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's martial law attempt.
It will also follow Cho's talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and their trilateral meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya in Germany last week.
The likelihood of Cho meeting Wang may be low, amid speculation that Wang could visit South Korea before or after going to Japan for the upcoming trilateral meeting with Cho and Iwaya in Tokyo next month, diplomatic sources said.
elly@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by Kim Seung-yeon · February 17, 2025
9. Exclusive: N. Korea's combat gains may reshape East Asia's security, Ukraine Intel Chief warns
There are so many lessons that can be learned from drones to electronic warfare. But the question I will continue to ask is can the nKPA turn lessons from Ukraine into training for the nKPA that will substantively improve their capabilities to fight on the Korean peninsula?
Exclusive: N. Korea's combat gains may reshape East Asia's security, Ukraine Intel Chief warns
https://www.chosun.com/english/north-korea-en/2025/02/17/GQCB3UC4YFHQTNG3QYGBSSTX3A/
By Jung Chul-hwan (Kyiv),
Park Su-hyeon
Published 2025.02.17. 15:48
North Korean troops deployed to Russia are adapting quickly, gaining firsthand experience in modern warfare with Russian military support—an alarming development that could reshape security dynamics in East Asia, Ukraine’s military intelligence chief has warned.
“Despite heavy casualties, North Korean forces remain actively engaged in joint operations with Russian troops,” Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR), said in an exclusive interview with The Chosun Ilbo inside a bunker on the outskirts of Kyiv.
“This war has mobilized the full military capabilities of the nations involved. Only three countries—Ukraine, Russia, and North Korea—are gaining direct experience in full-scale 21st-century warfare. The North Korean military of the future will be fundamentally different from its past,” he said.
Ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, The Chosun Ilbo conducted back-to-back interviews with Budanov and HUR Deputy Chief Vadym Skibitskyi to verify key details about North Korean troop deployments. HUR, which oversees special operations, intelligence, and psychological warfare for Ukraine’s military, is the primary agency monitoring North Korean forces in the war.
This marks the first time the head of Ukraine’s intelligence service has given an interview to an Asian media outlet.
Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Directorate of Defense Intelligence of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine (HUR)./HUR
North Korean forces sustaining heavy losses but continue operations
When asked about the current state of North Korean forces, Budanov estimated that about 4,000 troops had been killed or seriously wounded.
“Despite these losses, their operations continue without major disruptions,” he said.
Approximately 12,000 North Korean troops have reportedly been deployed, though they do not operate independently. Instead, they are embedded within Russian units, conducting joint operations in small groups rather than maintaining their own front-line positions.
“They move as part of larger Russian formations, executing combined operations,” Budanov said.
No evidence of additional troop deployments, but artillery presence expanding
Regarding the possibility of further North Korean deployments, Budanov said there was no concrete evidence of additional special forces or infantry reinforcements.
“However, there has been a clear increase in artillery and missile operation units, along with support personnel,” he said.
Skibitskyi added that around 1,000 North Korean troops are currently undergoing training with new military equipment.
“North Korean soldiers are fast learners, adapting to modern combat tactics and strategies in just a few months,” he said. “Their combat effectiveness has improved dramatically—not only with conventional weapons like tanks but also with advanced systems such as drones.”
Deepening military ties between North Korea and Russia
Budanov said North Korea and Russia are strengthening military cooperation across multiple sectors, including technology, science, and industry.
“This collaboration is reaching the highest levels and poses a major threat to the international community,” he said.
As an example, Budanov cited the KN-23 missile that North Korea supplied to Russia.
“Initially, its accuracy was severely flawed, with an error margin of 500 to 1,500 meters,” he said. “But Russian missile experts made technical modifications, resolving the issue. The missile is now significantly more precise and a far greater threat.”
He warned that this technological advancement could have serious security implications for South Korea and Japan, both of which are within North Korea’s missile range.
“North Korea is using this war to gain combat experience and modernize its military technology,” Budanov said. “This will have lasting consequences for the security landscape in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Budanov speaks with The Chosun Ilbo during an exclusive interview inside a bunker on the outskirts of Kyiv./Jung Chul-hwan
North Korea learning rapidly from shifting battlefield technologies
An unnamed Ukrainian military intelligence official who attended the interview noted that the battlefield dynamics in Ukraine shift every six months.
“As we introduce new technologies—such as drones and electronic warfare—Russian forces develop countermeasures, and we, in turn, create new tactics to overcome them,” the official said. “North Korean troops are observing and adapting to these changes in real-time.”
Strengthening military cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine
On the possibility of military cooperation between South Korea and Ukraine, Budanov emphasized shared strategic interests.
“Both Ukraine and South Korea are confronting the same adversary—North Korea,” he said. “South Korea has decades of intelligence on North Korea, which would be invaluable to us.”
However, he noted that South Korea has not engaged in large-scale combat with North Korean forces since the 1950-53 Korean War.
“Ukraine is experiencing that firsthand right now,” he said. “Exchanging intelligence and battlefield experience would be mutually beneficial. I hope to see stronger collaboration between our two countries in the future.”
10. Editorial: Gwangju's rallies across the barricades mirror S. Korea's deepening divide
Excerpts:
A protest against the impeachment, organized by the conservative Christian group Save Korea, drew attendees including history instructor Jeon Han-gil and members of the ruling People Power Party.
Meanwhile, a separate rally supporting the impeachment, hosted by opposition groups in Gwangju, saw participation from Gwangju’s mayor, the governor of Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla-Province), and members of the Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party.
Police set up a bus barricade between the two groups to prevent clashes. Both rallies attracted tens of thousands of people, marking an unprecedented turnout for a conservative gathering in Gwangju.
The simultaneous protests in Gwangju, separated by a police barricade, serve as a stark symbol of the deep polarization in S. Korean society.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that 57% of respondents support the impeachment, while 38% oppose it, a significant drop from 75% support and 21% opposition recorded in a similar poll 2nd week of last December.
Also, the latest survey also found that 40% of respondents lack trust in the Constitutional Court, suggesting that as the impeachment case progresses, the divide over the issue is intensifying.
Editorial: Gwangju's rallies across the barricades mirror S. Korea's deepening divide
https://www.chosun.com/english/opinion-en/2025/02/17/X3Y7S2J3DNAUBDAEYJ26OQQ5I4/
By The Chosunilbo
Published 2025.02.17. 09:02
A rally against the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol was held in Gwangju’s Dong-gu district on Feb. 15, 2025, with tens of thousands of people gathering, reflecting the deepening polarization within the nation./Kim Young-geun
Tensions flared in Gwangju, South Korea, as rival rallies over the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol took place simultaneously last weekend.
A protest against the impeachment, organized by the conservative Christian group Save Korea, drew attendees including history instructor Jeon Han-gil and members of the ruling People Power Party.
Meanwhile, a separate rally supporting the impeachment, hosted by opposition groups in Gwangju, saw participation from Gwangju’s mayor, the governor of Jeollanam-do (South Jeolla-Province), and members of the Democratic Party and Rebuilding Korea Party.
Police set up a bus barricade between the two groups to prevent clashes. Both rallies attracted tens of thousands of people, marking an unprecedented turnout for a conservative gathering in Gwangju.
The simultaneous protests in Gwangju, separated by a police barricade, serve as a stark symbol of the deep polarization in S. Korean society.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that 57% of respondents support the impeachment, while 38% oppose it, a significant drop from 75% support and 21% opposition recorded in a similar poll 2nd week of last December.
Also, the latest survey also found that 40% of respondents lack trust in the Constitutional Court, suggesting that as the impeachment case progresses, the divide over the issue is intensifying.
This implies that the court’s rush to make a decision instead of prioritizing fairness has led to accusations of bias from its critics and weakened its credibility. At the same time, political leaders are making the situation worse by focusing on mobilizing their supporters for a possible early presidential election.
The unprecedented scale of the conservative rally in Gwangju drew sharp reactions from the Democratic Party.
Party leader Lee Jae-myung condemned the protest, comparing it to a rally supporting martial law and likening the participants to demons defending murderers at the site of a victim’s home. Democratic Party officials went as far as calling it an insult to democracy, with some describing the protesters as having hearts of stone.
However, given that four out of ten S. Koreans oppose the impeachment, labeling these dissenters as extreme right-wing echoes the earlier efforts to isolate the younger generation by dismissing differing opinions as divisive. It reflects Democrtic Party’s arrogance and another form of violence.
Advocating totalitarianism and using violence to suppress and exclude the weak are hallmarks of far-right ideology, as seen in past fascist and Nazi regimes.
The North Korean regime, which oppresses its people and tightly controls the state, embodies extreme right-wing principles, though the Democratic Party has never criticized it in such terms.
The hypocrisy is equally evident in the People Power Party. Party members participated in rallies against the impeachment nationwide, despite having previously expressed regret over and apologized for the imposition of martial law during past military dictatorships.
With the nation deeply divided, the Constitutional Court faces an inevitable challenge. Regardless of its ruling on the impeachment, the social backlash could be overwhelming. The political sphere must halt its role in stirring up further discord.
11. N. Korea orders major military aid package to Russia
Kim Jong Un is all in on supporting Putin's War.
This could be the largest source of funds and support for the regime than all its other illicit activities.
Renting its army is good for the regime.
This could be a greater source of revenue than the Sunshine Policy period.
N. Korea orders major military aid package to Russia - Daily NK English
North Korea dispatched a defense technology delegation to Russia on Feb. 4, and technical discussions are reportedly underway
By Jeong Tae Joo - February 17, 2025
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · February 17, 2025
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on June 20 that "A treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the Russian Federation has been signed" and "Comrade Kim Jong Un signed the treaty together with Comrade Putin." / Photo: Rodong Sinmun, News1
North Korea has intensified its military cooperation with Russia through new orders detailing specific commitments of weapons, troops, and technological collaboration, Daily NK has learned.
A source in the North Korean military told Daily NK recently that the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) Central Military Commission issued detailed orders to multiple military organizations on Feb. 2. The directives, finalized the previous day, went to the Defense Ministry’s General Bureau of Equipment, the WPK Munitions Industry Department, the Second Economic Committee, the Missile General Bureau, and the Combat Training Bureau of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) General Staff Department.
These organizations have begun implementing the orders, which outline specific roles for each body. “The Defense Ministry’s General Bureau of Equipment and Second Economic Committee will handle shell production and export, while the Missile General Bureau and Munitions Industry Department’s technology division will manage military technology cooperation,” the source explained. “The Combat Training Bureau of the KPA General Staff Department is responsible for troop preparation.”
According to the source, the Defense Ministry and Second Economic Committee are working to deliver hundreds of thousands of 152mm and 122mm shells to Russia before March ends. The shipment will also include hundreds of short-range ballistic missiles, including tactical guided missiles (KN-23) and super-large multiple rocket launchers (K-24).
The scope of military assistance reflects a strengthening comprehensive strategic partnership between North Korea and Russia. With Russian forces facing weapons shortages, the continued supply of both armaments and troops from North Korea could significantly impact the war’s trajectory.
The orders also prioritize swift military technology cooperation. North Korea dispatched a defense technology delegation to Russia on Feb. 4, and technical discussions are reportedly underway. “Russia is expected to provide crucial technology for precision missile guidance, aircraft assembly, and radar systems in February and March,” the source said. “If Russia delivers on our February 2024 request for air force enhancement technology, we plan to complete an aircraft assembly line by year’s end.”
The North Korean delegation aims to work with Russian defense industry engineers to acquire advanced technology for upgrading their MiG-29 and Su-25 fighters, along with aircraft assembly and radar development capabilities. Such technological transfers could help Pyongyang improve its missile defense evasion, reduce its air power disadvantage, and enhance reconnaissance and offensive capabilities – potentially altering the military balance on the Korean Peninsula.
The orders also outline plans for additional troop support. “The Combat Training Bureau is currently implementing plans to provide Russia with special electronic reconnaissance forces, mechanized infantry, and airborne units starting in early February,” the source revealed.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU), told Daily NK that the possibility of additional troop deployments signals a deeper shift in North Korea-Russia relations. “North Korea has been providing weapons to Russia, but if this expands to include tactical weapons, super-large rocket launchers, and artillery personnel, their relationship would effectively become a military alliance,” Hong said.
He added that as the Ukraine conflict continues, North Korea appears to be leveraging its military intervention to gain strategic advantages in future U.S. negotiations. “Given the Trump administration’s foreign policy approach, a quick ceasefire seems unlikely, with talks potentially lasting months or even years. North Korea will likely try to strengthen its negotiating position through increased military cooperation with Russia.
“Similar to Iran’s acquisition of Russian military technology while supporting their Ukraine campaign, North Korea aims to secure tactical weapons and missile technology,” Hong explained. “Their long-term strategy includes enhancing military capabilities through combat experience gained from additional troop deployments.”
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · February 17, 2025
12. N. Korea deploying military personnel to construction sites in Russia
Everything in north Korea is for sale or rent for the benefit of the regime.
N. Korea deploying military personnel to construction sites in Russia - Daily NK English
The arrangement appears mutually beneficial, addressing both Russia's labor needs and North Korea's desire for foreign currency
By Jeong Tae Joo - February 17, 2025
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · February 17, 2025
St. Petersburg, Russia, in October 2024. The Lakhta Center, Europe's tallest skyscraper, can be seen. (Daily NK)
North Korea’s Seventh General Bureau has launched a recruitment campaign to send soldiers for construction work in Russia, Daily NK has learned.
A source in North Korea told Daily NK recently that the initiative began following orders from the Central Committee on Feb. 4. “The Seventh General Bureau is working with Namgang Trading Company on this recruitment drive, which started Feb. 6 and will continue for four months,” the source said.
The program appears to address Russia’s construction worker shortage, a consequence of its ongoing war with Ukraine. According to the source, North Korean authorities approached Moscow in late 2024 with a proposal to send active-duty soldiers to Russian construction projects. Russian officials approved the plan in early February.
The bureau aims to select 1,000 soldiers who have served at least three years, organizing them into three groups of roughly 300 each. These units will primarily work at construction sites in Vladivostok, Saint Petersburg, and Novosibirsk.
“This initiative is part of the military’s broader effort to meet government foreign currency quotas,” the source explained. The bureau plans to recruit and train multiple groups of soldiers for deployment to Russian construction sites before June’s end.
Namgang Trading Company, based in Russia, will oversee the project. The company specializes in managing overseas construction deployments and other foreign currency-earning ventures.
The arrangement appears mutually beneficial, addressing both Russia’s labor needs and North Korea’s desire for foreign currency. “Russian officials welcomed the idea of bringing in North Korean military personnel through Namgang Trading Company,” the source said. “The Seventh General Bureau is now focused on selecting project managers.”
North Korean leadership expects significant economic benefits. “Party officials anticipate a substantial increase in foreign currency earnings during the second half of this year if deployment proceeds as planned,” the source noted. “They see this military construction initiative as a milestone in North Korea-Russia economic cooperation.”
While the sudden recruitment drive caught many soldiers by surprise, the response has been largely positive. “The troops understand they must follow government orders, but many welcome this unusual opportunity to work abroad and earn money,” the source said. The prospect of international experience and financial rewards has generated considerable interest among personnel in the Seventh General Bureau.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com · by Jeong Tae Joo · February 17, 2025
13. Yoon's anti-China rhetoric stirs diplomatic concerns as Xi mulls visit to Korea
But the South must not kowtow to China. It must not be afraid to expose China's malign activities in the South.
Yoon's anti-China rhetoric stirs diplomatic concerns as Xi mulls visit to Korea
The Korea Times · February 17, 2025
President Yoon Suk Yeol attends his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, Thursday. Joint Press Corps
Foreign ministry says working closely with China to prevent 'certain claims' from harming ties
By Lee Hyo-jin
President Yoon Suk Yeol's controversial and unsubstantiated comments about China during his impeachment trial are sparking concerns about their potential impact on the relationship between Seoul and Beijing. This is particularly significant as Chinese President Xi Jinping is considering a visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in October.
Yoon, who is facing impeachment over his brief declaration of martial law late last year, has argued that China's alleged interference in South Korea’s elections played a role in his decision to impose emergency military rule.
The president's claims appear to be tapping into anti-China sentiment among his supporters, some of whom have grown increasingly hostile toward Beijing.
On Friday, police arrested a man in his 40s, believed to be a supporter of Yoon, for attempting to storm into the Chinese Embassy in Seoul. Dressed as famous comic book character Captain America, the man claimed he was trying to deliver an “anti-China message” to the embassy.
“We express our concern and regret over this incident. We have conveyed these concerns to the Korean government,” the embassy said in a statement.
In recent weeks, dozens of protesters have gathered outside the embassy in Seoul, staging what they call a “Festival to Exterminate Communism,” chanting slogans such as “Xi Jinping out.”
These protests were fueled by claims made by Yoon and his legal team.
In multiple court documents and public statements, the president argued that the National Election Commission’s network system was vulnerable to cyberattacks. He suggested that the Chinese government, accused of political manipulation in other countries, could have exploited these vulnerabilities.
Yoon’s legal team also alleged that the opposition parties in Korea “are trying to turn this country into a colony of China and North Korea,” in a written statement submitted to the court on Jan. 14.
In a letter to his supporters on Jan. 15, the president expressed solidarity with young people opposing what he called a “pro-China” stance, saying, “It was touching to hear the younger generation’s opposition toward pro-China forces.”
Some conservative lawmakers backing the embattled president have suggested that China may be behind what they describe as an “impeachment maneuver,” claiming that Chinese residents are playing a significant role in pro-impeachment protests.
Chinese Ambassador to Korea Dai Bing refuted these claims on Feb. 10, saying, "China has consistently adhered to the principle of noninterference in internal affairs. We believe that the Korean people have the wisdom and ability to handle domestic issues well."
The Chinese Embassy reportedly delivered similar concerns to the government through diplomatic channels.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik, left, meets with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Taiyangdao Hotel in Harbin, Feb. 7. Yonhap
These developments are proving to be a major headache for South Korean officials working to stabilize relations with China.
Relations with Beijing had been strained in recent years amid China’s dissatisfaction with Korea’s growing security ties with the U.S. However, with U.S. President Donald Trump adopting a hawkish stance on China, Beijing has been hinting at wanting to improve relations with its Asian neighbor.
In a recent meeting with National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-shik in Harbin, Xi said he was “seriously considering” attending the APEC summit in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province. If realized, it would mark the first visit by a Chinese leader to Korea in more than a decade, following Xi’s last trip in 2014.
The foreign ministry is treading carefully to avoid upsetting the positive mood.
“We cannot comment on statements made during the Constitutional Court’s impeachment proceedings,” a ministry official said. “But we are in close communication with China to ensure that certain claims do not negatively impact bilateral relations.”
During an impeachment trial last Tuesday, National Security Adviser Shin Won-sik, testifying as a witness, declined to answer when Yoon’s lawyers asked whether China could be interfering in Korea's elections.
“Since this is based on a hypothetical assumption, I will not answer as it could affect our diplomacy,” Shin said.
The Korea Times · February 17, 2025
14. ＜Inside N. Korea＞ Daytime Masked Robberies on the Rise - Young Organized Crime Groups Emerge in Hoeryong as Authorities Struggle with Deteriorating Security
Perhaps a second and third order effect of watching foreign media.
But if they can organize for crime, they can organize for collective actions and resistance.
＜Inside N. Korea＞ Daytime Masked Robberies on the Rise - Young Organized Crime Groups Emerge in Hoeryong as Authorities Struggle with Deteriorating Security
asiapress.org
A soldier inspecting travelers and blocking roads near the border. This appears to be 'Checkpoint No. 10' under the jurisdiction of the State Security Department. They primarily check identification cards, travel permits, and mobile phones. Photographed from the Chinese side of Sakju County, North Pyongan Province in September 2023. ASIAPRESS
Since January, the city of Hoeryong in North Hamgyong Province has seen a surge in daytime robberies by young perpetrators, prompting heightened alerts from authorities. Most crimes involve organized groups of 5-7 people with designated roles, making it difficult for the police to effectively control or apprehend suspects. The security deterioration stems from ongoing economic hardship that has persisted even after the pandemic subsided, according to our reporting partner in Hoeryong speaking in late January. (HONG Mari / KANG Ji-won)
Brazen Organized Crime in Broad Daylight
A reporting partner said there were several incidents in Hoeryong during January:
"Around January 12, a private home in Mangyang-dong was robbed in broad daylight. Despite active police patrols, the thieves had lookouts posted and coordinated roles, managing to steal all household items including electronics. Security camera footage revealed a five-person organized group, including one woman. The perpetrators remain at large."
Another robbery occurred at a roadside shop on January 16: "A man and woman entered claiming they wanted to warm up, then threatened the shop owner with a knife and stole money and cigarettes. Despite being on a busy street, three lookouts prevented anyone from entering. The owner was gagged and bound, and the door was locked. The owner's daughter discovered the scene and reported it, but the criminals haven't been caught."
Why are these brazen daytime criminals evading capture? One key factor is the increasing organization of crime: "Young people are committing robberies while masked. Unlike the past when robberies were done by one or two individuals, they now operate in coordinated groups of 4-7 people, making arrests more challenging."
Surveillance of Previous Offenders
"These days, we have at least one robbery, theft, or violent incident daily. We can't live with peace of mind," the reporting partner revealed.
Authorities are concerned about the deteriorating security. On January 18, the police and Youth League received orders to prevent even minor crimes. They are now intensively monitoring and investigating potential offenders based on criminal history and behavior patterns. The reporting partner describes recent enforcement efforts:
"Authorities are focusing investigations on young people with criminal records. They're also watching those who skip work without permission and try to make money with former soldiers through questionable means. Neighborhood unit leaders must report all movement of people in areas where these individuals live.
Going out at night is now itself considered suspicious. Those under intensive investigation get reported immediately. They're trying to prevent crimes through enhanced surveillance."
asiapress.org
15. Voice of America [Washington Talk] “Korea, China’s Closest Target∙∙∙Strategic Goal is to Promote Conflict Between the US and Korea and Between Korea and Japan”
The headline makes a key point and Syd Seiler reinforces it here in this excerpt. We need to understand not only north Korea's objectives and strategy but China's too.
Former analyst Seiler) That is a very concerning point. I don’t think China sees Korea as the weakest link, but it certainly sees it as the closest target. China’s pressure on Korea has been strong and weak at different times, but it has never completely disappeared. But it is clear that China sees it as being in its own interest to weaken the Korea-US relationship militarily. It sees it as being in its own interest to weaken Korea economically through economic coercion and pressure, as it did with the THAAD deployment. China has been trying to influence and pressure Korea for a long time to its own advantage. There is no reason why this will stop or slow down. It is clear that as Japan grows, they will try to isolate Japan in the region and separate Korea and Japan. This will be a constant goal of China. So we need to cooperate more in the future. Again, the challenge when looking at Korea’s potential policy direction in the future is that if the opposition party takes power, they will have to piece together a foreign policy that is very different from when they were in power in the past. This is not the same time as 2018-2019. This is not a “diplomatic honeymoon” period with North Korea before COVID. North Korea has changed and become much more dangerous. China has changed and become much more dangerous. Again, I am confident that whoever ends up in power in South Korea will do what is in South Korea’s best interest. And even if there is a new leadership in South Korea, it will be inevitable that the US and Japan will strengthen the value of trilateral cooperation in response to the threats from North Korea and China.
The 25 minute video is very much worth watching at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZlMQEBE2i4
This article is a Google translation of a VOA report.
[Washington Talk] “Korea, China’s Closest Target∙∙∙Strategic Goal is to Promote Conflict Between the US and Korea and Between Korea and Japan”
2025.2.16
https://www.voakorea.com/a/7977149.html
Ham Ji-ha
On December 31st last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping's New Year's speech was broadcast on a large screen on a Beijing street.
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Former US officials diagnosed that China believes that weakening US-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation is beneficial to China, and thus, it is constantly aiming to divide US-ROK and ROK-Japan relations. They also said that China will target South Korea as its closest target. The Trump second-term administration also emphasized that US-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation is essential to deal with the growing threats from North Korea and China, and that South Korea must firmly protect its interests against China’s economic and diplomatic pressure. Reporter Ham Ji-ha summarized the interview between former Deputy National Security Advisor James Jeffrey and former National Intelligence Service Director for North Korea Affairs Sidney Seiler, who appeared on VOA’s “Washington Talk” on the 15th.
Moderator) The joint statement of the US-Japan summit confirmed the importance of US-ROK-Japan trilateral cooperation in responding to North Korea and maintaining peace in the region. However, President Trump has not explicitly stated that he will respect or continue the strengthened trilateral cooperation under the Biden administration. Do you think that President Trump showed his will to continue trilateral cooperation in the recent summit? Have you seen any signals that President Trump considers South Korea an important partner in pressuring China?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff James Jeffrey) There is no doubt. If it is in the joint statement, everyone, including President Trump, signed it. That is the first. Second, President Trump does not need to mention things that clearly align with his interests, the interests of the United States, and the interests of both Japan and Korea. President Trump wants partners and allies to take the lead. Whether it is East Asia, Europe, or the Middle East. He will certainly expect to continue good relations with Japan and Korea in the second administration.
Host) There was an assessment that the Korean government's "balanced diplomacy" between the US and China during the first term of Trump's administration made close cooperation between the US and Korea difficult. Do you think that the future trilateral cooperation between the US, Korea, and Japan and the US-Korea alliance will depend on the future direction of the Korean government and the political situation in Korea? Will political instability in Korea be a factor that makes the US and Japan approach cooperation with Korea more cautiously?
Former analyst Sydney Seiler) As democracies, the US and South Korea have done well in their bilateral relationship. And now they have a trilateral relationship. That's because of the political changes in both countries. In terms of the uncertainty in Korea right now, if the impeachment is confirmed, there is a possibility that there will be an election in some form, and the ruling party or the opposition party will become the president. Of course, the US and South Korea should sit down and look at their common core interests, especially on North Korea and China. And they should look at what role the trilateral relationship plays in dealing with those two issues. I'm sure there will be a transition period, but I think we can work together to coordinate our threat perceptions and find solutions. Part of that cooperation is maintaining the US-South Korea-Japan trilateral cooperation. Regardless of who wins the next presidential election, conservative or progressive.
Moderator) Prime Minister Ishiba said in a press conference after the summit that Japan will decide whether to increase its defense budget. Prime Minister Ishiba also said that President Trump did not ask for an increase in defense spending. However, President Trump said in the press conference that he expects Japan to increase its defense budget further. Do you think there is a difference of opinion between President Trump and Prime Minister Ishiba on this issue? Do you think President Trump views Japan and South Korea in the same way on the issue of defense cost sharing?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff Jeffrey) First of all, President Trump has a very strong will on the issue of defense cost sharing. I’m sure there have been discussions in some way, either privately or in small meetings, about increasing Japan’s defense spending. We know that Japan is increasing its defense spending. And that’s very welcome in the United States. Sometimes foreign leaders are reluctant to admit that they are being pressured by the US president. So I think it was appropriate for Prime Minister Ishiba to say, “Our decision.” But we all know what the decision was. It was announced. And President Trump acknowledged it, but he didn’t take credit for it. So I think it was handled well. I don’t think the Trump administration views Korea and Japan differently. Both Korea and Japan are partners and allies of the United States. Of course, as we’ve discussed before, Korea needs to focus more on the North Korea issue, and China is Korea’s largest trading partner. Japan, on the other hand, has a huge concern about North Korea, but its biggest concern is China’s expansion in East Asia, just like the US. So there’s a slight difference in priorities. But it’s not a major difference.
Moderator) In the joint statement, the United States reaffirmed its nuclear umbrella for Japan. Some are questioning President Trump’s promise to provide nuclear deterrence to its allies. Will President Trump apply the same principle to South Korea?
Jeffrey, former deputy chief of staff) Absolutely. First of all, it is in the interest of the United States to do so. Secondly, as a former military member, I know that any president is more aware of where our troops are stationed. It is Korea, not Japan. Because they are closer to the front lines. No president would weaken the nuclear deterrent. Not only to protect our partners, but because of the fact that our troops are stationed there. That is one of the reasons we keep our troops there.
Moderator) What is the significance of the joint statement including a firm commitment to complete denuclearization of North Korea? Is it simply a diplomatic expression, or a practical policy goal?
Former Analyst Seiler) I think this is an important recognition that true peace on the Korean Peninsula can only be achieved through the denuclearization of North Korea. We cannot just ignore it or accept North Korea’s possession of nuclear weapons and move on. Denuclearization of North Korea remains the top diplomatic goal. The United States, Japan, South Korea, and many countries around the world will not give up the goal of complete and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea. There are a few things we need to remember. First, the demand for complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization itself, that is, the phrase itself, is not inherently provocative to North Korea. If we stick to denuclearization, it does not close the door to dialogue. Rather, it clearly defines what we all know is the most important issue on the Korean Peninsula. So moving forward, I do not see the demand for denuclearization as being based on a fantasy of an unachievable goal. We must continue to pursue denuclearization. And we must be firm on that point. Then North Korea will understand that denuclearization must be the top priority in any future talks with the United States.
(Former Deputy National Security Adviser Jeffrey) But I think this is very important because on other issues, like Ukraine joining NATO or the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, President Trump has been willing to reverse his long-standing stance if he finds it unrealistic. But on the issue of North Korea denuclearization, which has been around for a long time and frankly may not be realistic, President Trump has reaffirmed it strongly. It shows that he is very concerned about this issue. And it means that he is not going to make any major changes right now. That is significant.
Host) I would like to ask you about this. You are a Middle East expert. President Trump said he would turn Gaza into a Riviera resort. After taking office, President Trump talked about developing condos along the North Korean coast. How serious is this? What are the implications for policymakers in Korea?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff Jeffrey) You can never assume that President Trump is not serious. He wants to do this. His point is broader. What has worked, what we have done so far, and what is the situation now? The situation of the people in Gaza and North Korea is very bad. We cannot just accept that and turn a blind eye. Instead, we must show everyone that there is an alternative. The United States and the international community are ready to help other countries and peoples join us in this wonderful and prosperous life, as we have done in many places from Sweden to Singapore. And I think that is the core message that President Trump is trying to convey.
Former analyst Seiler) I find it interesting, too. Around 2011-2012, we had secret talks with North Korea that led to the “2.29 Agreement.” I was at the White House at the time, and there were a lot of companies interested in investing in North Korea waiting for the “green light” from the White House. So the idea that we could develop Wonsan or other areas along the East Coast is something that President Trump understands, because he had talked to Kim Jong-un about it during his first term, and he had been flatly or at least generally rejected. And the North Koreans have repeatedly said, “If you think our weapons are for sale and are a bargaining chip and that we’re going to give them up in exchange for some other economic incentive, then you don’t understand why we have them.” So President Trump is very aware of that difficulty. As you said, this is serious. We shouldn’t ridicule these proposals. We shouldn’t think they’re unrealistic. If talks do resume, these proposals are likely to come up on the table with North Korea. But we don’t know yet whether Kim Jong-un will be interested. So the president's goal is to lead Kim Jong-un down that path.
Host) President Trump has shaken up many countries by announcing a series of new measures. However, the atmosphere with Prime Minister Ishiba was friendly and there was no particular tension. Considering the complex security environment in East Asia, do you think President Trump regards Japan as Asia's most reliable ally to counter China? If Korea regains political stability, will it be able to enjoy the deep trust and cooperation that Japan currently enjoys?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff Jeffrey) The short answer is yes, and the long answer is that President Trump doesn't care who is more trustworthy or reliable. He'll look at each country's actions and make a judgment call. The only reason he did it first with Japan is because it's very important for him as a new president to put East Asian countries at the top of his agenda. That sends a signal in itself. Japan is our strongest and largest military and economic partner in the Far East, frankly. That's why he chose Japan first, and it's symbolic for other countries, from New Zealand to South Korea.
Host) Do you see a trend? Defense Secretary Hegseth also said that the U.S. is focusing on China. Do you see a return to Asia?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff Jeffrey) The “pivot to Asia” has never gone away since President Obama. We saw this in the recent speeches by the Secretary of Defense and Vice President JD Vance in Europe. But the Trump administration really wants to find a way to deal with China, negotiate, and move forward. I think what they’re trying to do with this military pivot is to say, “Europe is on its own. We need to move our forces east.” The signal they’re sending to China is, “You don’t really have a military option. So make no mistake.” But this is just a fallback. What the United States really wants is to negotiate with China and have common economic, political, and other relationships within a new dynamic. That’s a good signal.
Host) Prime Minister Ishiba has promised to invest $1 trillion in the United States and purchase American LNG. But considering Japan’s $68 billion trade surplus with the United States and Japan’s past investments, can these promises really be seen as new concessions to the United States? Or are they just plans already in progress? What are the implications for Korea?
(Former analyst Seiler) This meeting format will serve as a model for future negotiations with allies and partners. For example, questions will be asked, “How much is your trade deficit?” “How much are you spending on defense?” “What are you doing to defend your country?” “What are you doing for the United States?” “What are you doing to address the trade deficit?” In each case, the leaders of each country will have to come to the table and say, “We’ve taken these actions,” “We’re doing these things to address the trade deficit,” “We’re investing in the United States.” But President Trump can continue to make demands at the level of, “Okay, but what have you done for us recently?” In this way, President Trump will negotiate with a very firm and strong will. And he will listen to what the other leaders bring to the table. There is also something for Korea to learn from this. Korea has had some time to spare because it doesn’t have a formal president. But I think Korea has a solid foundation in some areas. Significant investment in the United States and the creation of many jobs. But we cannot ignore the $500 billion trade deficit. President Trump may say, "We need to increase defense spending." There will also be discussions on defense cost sharing. But these are all things that our two countries can solve together.
Host) If Korea's political turmoil continues and Korea is passive in its response to China, will that affect policy coordination with the United States? Some say that during the first Trump administration, Korea's "balanced diplomacy" between the United States and China and the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye led the United States to strengthen cooperation with Japan while leaving Korea aside. Do you think the same situation will repeat itself this time?
Former analyst Siler) There is always this perception or description in the media and political circles. It is the argument that the current chaos or the foreign policy of the other party is jeopardizing Korea's national interests. There is always the concern that the United States will become closer to Japan and alienate Korea, or even that if we talk to North Korea, there will be a 'Korea passing'. I have seen this concern for many years. But it misses the point. Our close relationship has been established for 70 years. So I am not too worried that Korea's domestic political chaos will be a major obstacle to our cooperation. We will know the final ruling of the Constitutional Court in a few weeks. If the Constitutional Court makes a decision, President Yoon Seok-yeol may be reinstated, or there may be a presidential election in 60 days. Then we will know who will lead Korea in the future. Speculation about how well the foreign policies of various parties and power groups will harmonize with the United States is just speculation. It may be helpful to think about these things. There will be concerns about China and North Korea. But I want to have confidence in the course of events going forward.
Host) If the US-Japan cooperation continues to strengthen, will China view Korea as a 'weak link' in the trilateral cooperation and put pressure on Korea? If Korea takes a passive stance in responding to China, won't China try to take advantage of this?
Former analyst Seiler) That is a very concerning point. I don’t think China sees Korea as the weakest link, but it certainly sees it as the closest target. China’s pressure on Korea has been strong and weak at different times, but it has never completely disappeared. But it is clear that China sees it as being in its own interest to weaken the Korea-US relationship militarily. It sees it as being in its own interest to weaken Korea economically through economic coercion and pressure, as it did with the THAAD deployment. China has been trying to influence and pressure Korea for a long time to its own advantage. There is no reason why this will stop or slow down. It is clear that as Japan grows, they will try to isolate Japan in the region and separate Korea and Japan. This will be a constant goal of China. So we need to cooperate more in the future. Again, the challenge when looking at Korea’s potential policy direction in the future is that if the opposition party takes power, they will have to piece together a foreign policy that is very different from when they were in power in the past. This is not the same time as 2018-2019. This is not a “diplomatic honeymoon” period with North Korea before COVID. North Korea has changed and become much more dangerous. China has changed and become much more dangerous. Again, I am confident that whoever ends up in power in South Korea will do what is in South Korea’s best interest. And even if there is a new leadership in South Korea, it will be inevitable that the US and Japan will strengthen the value of trilateral cooperation in response to the threats from North Korea and China.
(Former Deputy Assistant Jeffrey) I agree, South Korea has a very strong military against North Korea, which takes the burden off us. Only 2% of our total force is deployed to defend South Korea, and Japan is focused on containing China. So at least indirectly, South Korea's military contribution increases the overall security and the ability of the US and Japan to mobilize forces against China. Everyone recognizes that.
Host) You mentioned China's retaliation against the THAAD deployment. Do you think that experience makes Korea better prepared for similar retaliation from China? Based on that experience, will the United States be more willing to help Korea?
Former analyst Seiler) That's a good question. China is aggressive and threatening. I remember the situation when tensions were high over the THAAD issue, because I was in the White House and then as a special envoy. At first, China understood our argument to some extent. We had to take these measures because of the growing threat of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles, and they were not directed at China, but at North Korea. At first, they nodded, but when questions began to be raised, especially in Korea, that 'this action might offend China,' China began to express these concerns. When we showed some wavering in our support for the deployment of the THAAD battery, China smelled blood and sensed an opportunity. And China put pressure on Korea in all directions. And at the time, it was difficult to protect Lotte, which was suffering billions of dollars in losses. But if Korea is going to stand up to China in the future, it needs to have a strong will. It needs to have the confidence that it can speak up as a country that protects its interests in the face of the pressure and threats that China will inevitably face. And it can stand up to China together with the United States and Japan.
Host) President Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports. He has also eliminated the exemptions and quotas that Korea previously enjoyed. How should Korea readjust its trade policy and diplomatic approach toward the United States? What are the implications of Australia’s request for an exemption from President Trump?
(Former Deputy Chief of Staff Jeffrey) First, Korea should try the same approach as Australia. Second, this issue should be a central agenda item in the discussions between the two leaders. I am sure it will be. But the discussions should be held behind closed doors. President Trump cannot be seen publicly conceding to one country while being tough on others. But I am not overly concerned that there will be a trade war with Korea.
So far, you've heard from former Deputy National Security Advisor James Jeffrey and former National Intelligence Analyst for North Korea Sydney Seiler.
※ The above interview video can be viewed on the VOA Korean website and on 'Washington Talk' on YouTube and Facebook.
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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