United States delegation due in North Korea over food aid

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110524000795

     A United States fact-finding team departed for North Korea with some of its members helping over a week for detailed inspection of the food conditions according to the official. The team is expected to stay in North Korea for about eight days to research their food shortages in regions starting outside from Pyongang. After their examination, the United States is expected to share their information with South Korea. The spokesman of the Foreign Ministry stated that the exact amount of the food must be estimated in order to provide North Korea a guaranteed food distribution. Soon, the U.S. delegation is likely to meet with Pyongang officials to discuss the issue of monitoring the North's food distribution process.
I believe that the United States support in providing food aid is very efficient to the North Koreans; however, North Korea will not be helpful with their nuclear program talks regardless of how many times they get supports from other countries.

North Korea leader visits industrial complex in China

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110523001003

North Korean leader, Kim Jong il visited an economic development zone and a discount store in the eastern city of Yangzhou on Monday, which it is a trip for North Korea to study China's economic reform. Kim had a dinner with former Chinese president Jiang Zemin and the meeting may show the effort of extending Kim family's dynasty into a third generation; Kim il Sung, Kim Jong il, and Kim eun Jung. I believe  that this meeting was a very essential talk between two countries, because, this shows how North Korea is planning to progress their economy as they get assists from China and they are trying to maintain the Kim family's regime. North Korea realizes how poor their economic growth is which since 1992, there was no progress in North Korea's GDP rate.

North Korea's nuclear program.

http://topics.nytimes.com/top/news/international/countriesandterritories/northkorea/nuclear_program/index.html%20scp=3&sq=North%20Korea&st=cse
In October 2006, North Korea became the world's eighth atomic power, conducting an underground nuclear weapons test. Although the country's nuclear program and its development of  its systems has outraged world opinion, it is still not clear whether the country holds the ability to deliver a working nuclear weapon. The dictatorship's dream of a nuclear arsenal dates back half a century, the years just after the Korean War. Kim Il-sung, North Korea's founder, was aware that General Douglas MacArthur had requested nuclear weapons to use against his country during the conflict, and showed that he pressed his cold war allies,first Russia, then China for nuclear technology. But it took decades to put together the equipment, and it appears that only recently did the North make a political decision to speed forward.
I believe that North's nuclear weapon must be eliminated in order to develop as a country through having a communication with other major countries like United States.

North Korean Prison Camps Massive and Growing

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/05/world/asia/05korea.html?scp=4&sq=North%20Korea&st=cse

     New satelite images and firsthand accounts from former prisoners and jailers in North have confirmed its huge scale and poor conditions of the secretive system based on the report released by the human rights group Amnesty International. North Korea states that they were frequently tortured and were forced to watch the executions of their fellow prisoners: however, the network of prisons is estimated as 200,000 inmates. Interestingly, the authorities have denied to admit the existence of its massive political prison camps.
I believe that this shows how there are lots of political prisoners wanting to escape its horrible government, mostly worked under the Kim's power, which they can possibly be people who are against the communism.
Also, by hiding its existence of the massive prison, they are also hiding how politicaly corrupted they are, which can affect their citizen's mind by proving this massive camps.

Rights body urges North Korea defectors to report abuse

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110512000780

     The state human rights cheif in South Korea sent a letter to some 1500 North Korean defectors, which urged them to report cases of human rights abuse that they had to suffer or witnessed in their country. Hyun Byung chul of the National Human Rights commission also states the regret over the lack if systematic measures to appeal their egony and frustration at their poor human rights conditions. Interestingly, the letter was also ment to inform North Korean defectors that the watchdog opened a center to register a few recorded cases of North Korea's humanr rights violation.
I believe that the institutions are planned to improve the human rights after receiving reports of human rights violation under its dictatorial North Korean regime, which overall they are working to raise up the value of  North Korean's human rights.

North Korea human rights training

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110511000890

     A training day for people wishing to campaign for North Korea human rights will be held soon. The justice for North Korea volunterr orientation program is planning to launch a Korean language workshop in South Korea, seoul. The orientation will be running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will have to pay 20,000 won( $20). I believe that this will somehow assist South Korean's mind to pity North Korean citizens but not hate him as a people from same continent. Also, people attending this campaign will be able to understand their thoughts and what situation North Koreans are in.

( The poster of the campaign that will be held on Saturday, May 14th)

Lee says North's nukes an obstacle to unification

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110509000474

      South Korea's president, Lee Myung Bak said sunday that Korea must seek unification with North Korea at any time and he stresses the need to end Pyonyang's nuclear programs. He states that any sacrifice will bring unification as to boost the Korean people, which eliminating the nuclear system will allows the Koreans to interact with eachother. "The existence of nuclear weapons on the Korean Peninsula would delay unification. If we are unified with nuclear weapons in possession, neighboring countries won't easily accept it," Lee said.
I believe that the president Lee has stated a false opinion. It will take Koreans to be one another in about 50 years, because no one talks about any sort of unification among South Korean citizens that seriously and no one does any physical protest like the remark in Berlin.

North Korea exported nuclear materials to Libya

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110508000293

    In 2004, nuclear materials were found in Libya, which were highly likely to have been produced by North Korea according to the Uinted States funded broadcaster Voic of America interview with a former senior offical of the U.N nuclear watch dog . The formere deputy director of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Uranium hexaflurooride, also known as UFA was discovered in Libya, which was highly positive the it was made by the communist state.
This shows how North Korea have been dealing with many countries in order to profit their country and to decrease their poverty over time. However, this shows how North Korea was advanced in creating an Nuclear weapon but also that they are living of those trades that are not allowed or legal.

North Korea accuses Seoul of blocking talks.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110506000866

     North Korea accused South Korea of intentionally avoiding inter korean dialogue and claiming that seoul was blocking its allies from talking and providing assistance to the North. One unidentified spokesman has stated that this was because of the South Korea's will to unify the two seperated Koreas by force, which might involving military fights. Also, he has announced, under the situation where there is deep-rooted distrust between the North and the South and huge armed forces are confronting each other, which might possibly create any attempt on the part of a side to swallow the other side up would inevitably spark a war. Overall, the spokesman announced that the way to unify the divided Koreas are through proposal for unification by federal formula. However, South Korea has stated several times that the inter Korean relations will continue after North shows sincere commitment to apologize the two severe attacks from last year and its denuclearization. I believe that it will take more than 50 years in order to fully bring peace in both countries and be one.

U.N. agency could press North Korea to stop hacking Seoul

http://www.koreaherald.com/business/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110505000096

     A United Nations agency responsible for taking care of information and communication technologies could force North Korea to stop its continous cyber attacks on South Korea. Earlier this week, South has stated that North has attacked the computer network system, which were main;y South Korean's government web sites. Also, the Foreign Ministry strongly believes that latest North Korean hacking was in violation of international law.
I believe that North Korea is technologically improving as they are accepting more foreign influences, which also shows North Korea's development in parts like this. This also states that they are still in the war as North have hacked that government associated sites in order to gather importan inforamtion as an enemy.

United states to add conditions for North Korea terrorism delisting

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20071202000006

     The United States has made a decision to impose a few different conditions for remvoing North Korea from Washington's list of state sponsors of terrorism according to the Japanese news paper. One of the conditions were to reveal the amount of plutonium it has extracted, which they are close to six-way talks designed to disable North Korea's nuclear program. These new conditions are including United States requirement, which North Korea completes to close its nuclear facilities. Interestingly, North has not yet admitted the declaration of their nuclear programs with one month remaining before the deadline; however, they was not likely to accept it. This shows that North are slowly allowing more talks with other countries, which they are stepping towards other foreign influences and giving up its possesion of nuclear weapons. I believe that North will not easilt give up its hold of nuclear powers; however, their poor conditions will end up leading North Korea to agree with these delcaration.

North Korea rated worst in press freedom

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110503000589

      North Korea was rated the worst in terms of press freedom based on the report by Freedom House, which among the 196 countries that were studied last year. North ranking was the lowest, while South was running the 70th place according to the research.In addition, Press freedom is the freedom of communication and expression through vehicles including various electronic media and published materials. This shows how poor North Korea's communication is compare to the other countries that are consistently developing over years through internets and massive communications. North Korea needs to improve this press freedom through allowing more other countries technology and ideas, which North Korea's government has been denying for many years. I believe that this is the main cause of triggering the country to be one of the poorest but also slowest improving nation.

United States tighten monitoring of food distribution in North Korea

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110503000682

     The World Food Program will increase its personal residing in North Korea to intensify monitioring the food distribution according to the United States funded radio station. This plan has been launched as the U.N agency prepare to assist an emergency operation in order to help 3.5 million North Koreans from food shortage by providing 310,000 tons of food. North has agreed to let the WFP to monitor its food situations in some places every month and the aid operation in the authoritarian has stated the they will perform the highest standards of monitoring the food aid to ensure where it is needed.
I believe that this is an very efficient agreement for both countries, which United States will have more high security system and North will get more stable food support. Also, North will improve the communication between other major countires in the world, which will benefit in many ways, such as, technology wise.

North Korea proposes cooperation on East sea naming dispute

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110429000933

     North Korea proposed joint inter-korean cooperation, which involves dealing with the naming dispute over the East Sea. South Korean organization has recieved a notification on wednesday that historians of the two Koreas join hands in deciding the name of the East Sea according to the Korean government official. South Korea and Japan have been debationg over how to name the sea between the two countries, which South Korea refers to as the "East sea,"; however, Japan calls it the "Sea of Japan." The efforts to promote the name of the sea as the "East sea" have been renamed recently after Japan authorized last month. This shows how North Korea are trying their effort to improve inter-Korean relationship, which has worsen since 2008. I believe North Korea joins this dispute  in order to get stable help from their closest country, South Korea, and to get a consistent food aid. Also, it shows North Korea are willing to advance their country but also communicate with other countries.

North Korea, Kim Jong il proposes summit with South Korea

     http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110428001096

     North Korea n leader, Kim Jong il, announced holding a meeting with South Korean President Lee Myung bak and former United States president Jimmy carter according to Seoul. Kim has stated that he is prepared for a summit meeting with South President to discuss any subject directly between the two heads of state. Interestingly, South Korea has repeatedly proposed that North Korea should speak directly to Seoul in order to open the summit between two countries. In response, Kim Jong il sent words that he and his citizens are willing to negotiate with South Korea or United States or on any subject at any time and with out any preconditions, Carter said. North Korea and South Koreas' relationship has became worsen after President Lee took office in 2008, which he has pushed a policy linking aid to denuclearization efforts by North. I believe that North are beginning to show their efforts as they have announced joining the talks with two different countries. This shows how North are facing a hard time as they are majorly suffering from food shortage.

North Korea ship violates sea border

      http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110427001046

      A North Korean vessel considered to be a military ship, violated the western inter-Korean sea border; however, after firing a warning shot, the patrol ship retreated back to its water on tuesday. According to JCS official at about 9 pm an unidentified North KOrean ship invaded across the border, so South Korea warned the ship three timesby firing eight warning shots. He also states that the ship remained in the South waters until 9:47p.m. even after the warning which were fired at 9:43p.m. This year North Korean fishing boats have violated the border several times; however, there was no word on the NLL violation from the communist state yet as the official announces. North Korea needs to be more secure about crossing the border line and to inform the people not to get close to the line as the two countries are still in a war. This shows how North Korea defectors are increasing over a year as people are suffering from food shortage. I believe that these are one of the causes of North Korea's poor security system but also reflects their poverty these days.

EU prohibits North Korea’s aged planes for six years

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110426000709

       In Europe, North Korean airliners have been banned from operating in European countries for six years in a row as part of the European Union's prohibition on 21 states that have failed to pass the safety standards based on the U.S. owned private report. Air Koryo, North Korea's major air flight, can only fly two airliners which they purchased from Russia in 2009. Also, dozens of others operated by Air koryo have considered by EU to be too old for safe operation compare to other airlines. An EU official states that the ban on North Korea can be lifted as soon as the country operates newer planes that allows the safety standards.
 This shows how North Korea is under a poor condition of both economic and political situation. I believe that North Korea seriously needs to advance their technology through communicating with other countries allowing more talks about nuclear weapons to improve the country itself. North must give up its  possession on Nuclear power and start allowing more foreign influences instead of banning all.

Regional powers escalate North Korea nuke discussions.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110425000797

     A diplomatic events will take place on the Korean peninsula as countries are gathering efforts to persuade unpredictable North Korea about the nuclear weapons. According to the analysts, senior officials from Washington, Seoul, Beijing and Pyongang are looking forward to influence the dialogue partners' toward a negotiation including the food shortage. However, Seoul and Washington appear willing to resume talks when North Korea represent proof of its denuclearization and apologizes for the attacks. Also, U.S and South Korea are continuing their efforts to have the U.N security condemn Pyongang's uranium activities.
North Korea is gathering lots of attentions again as they are hardly suffering from food shortage. Many countries give support in order to disscuss North's denulcearization; however,  the government does not want to give up its position on the nuclear weapons. I believe that North Korea depends on nuclear weapon, because that is the only way to defend themselves against the other countries threats.

Carter to fly to Seoul after trip to North Korea

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110421000753

     Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter plans to fly directly to Seoul after visiting North Korea. He looks forward to travel to Pyongyang next week to discuss about North Korea's denuclearization, which can be also seen as a peace treaty and providing aid to the communist nation.  He will be accompanied by three other former heads of state : former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, former Irish President Mary Robinson and former Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland. Media has announced that Carter will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong il during his trip. This is another step forward against the nuclear weapons after Carter's discussion with the former North Korean leader Kim il sung in 1994 during the first North Korean nuclear crisis. I believe this shows how lots of nations are putting thier effort into denuclearization as they are providing aids and foods; however, North Korea will be not persuaded, but will take advantage of these recent supports from different countries to recover its own nation and will maintain the regime of Kim family.

U.S. military closely monitors North Korea moves

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110420000940

      The commander of the Eighth United States Army announced that there are no unusual movements detected recently as they monitor the allied troops. He also states that the military observe forces in North Korea very closely with the South Korean military force, and their sharing information and relationship has gotten stronger today than they have ever been. As North Korea has attacked South Korea a few times, U.S. troops are preparing to relocate some places to defend South Korea. Johnson, a commander of the U.S. Army, stated that these progress has started since the Korean War, which mad South Korea and United States relationship stronger. This article shows how North Korea's several attacks have caused South Korea to seriously react by cutting off the aid support and by strengthen the relatuonship between America. I believe that now South Korea is proving North that these are the causes of attacking them through these efforts.

North Korea imported truckloads of gifts for elite

     http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110420000561

         According to a South Korean internet newspaper, there were a long convoy of lorries carrying as a gift for North Korea's elite and entering the communist state on thier major holiday. Anti- Pyongang activists said that there were more than 200 trucks crossing the Yalu river from China. The major holiday in North Korea, which is the birth of its founder Kim il Sung leads the country to present a party and military elites with gifts such as televisions, watches and home apliances to foster loyalty to their current leader, Kim-Jong il. Based on it information, all goods that are heading for North Korea are stored at the warehouse in the northeastern Chinese city. A while ago, despite North Korea's food shortage, North has spent millions of dollars to buy gifts for two kim's birthday. I believe that North are again trying to celebrate their leader's birthday by importing goods from China and other places; however, they are not trying their best to lessen the rate of food shortage, which is a very important issue in North Korea.

Lee discusses FTA, North Korea with U.S. senators

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110419000818

President Lee Myung-bak heads for a lunch with U.S. Republican senators including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (second from right) and Rep. Chung Mong-joon (right) of the ruling Grand National Party, chief of the Korea-U.S. Inter-Parliamentary Council, Tuesday at Cheong Wa Dae. (Yonhap News) Lee(President of South Korea) exchanged views with the U.S. senators on the war going countries security ties while pending free trade agreement as well as recent developments with the Korean Peninsula. He stated that it was most important for the two allies to join efforts in dealing with issues related to North Korea. Seoul has maintained its position that they will not return to the six-nation nuclear talks unless the North admits and apologizes for the attacks on the naval ship Cheonan and Yeonpyeong Island last year. I believe that North Korea's attack is gathering more attention as North is on their downfall invloving their food shortage and ask for an aid. North must apologize South Korea in order to get a stable support.

Seoul insists on North Korea apology before dialogue

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110418000733

       South Korea has announced that North Korea will have a hard time making progress in its peace treaty talks with their war going country unless North first apologizes for the two deadly attacks. Recently, there was an international efforts to achieve North Korea's denuclearization between two divided Koreas on last March. Pyongang hopes to invite the reopen dialogue with Seoul as well as five partners in the talk; however, South Korea has denied getting involved in the talk due to North Korea's continous denial in attacking the ship and killing 50 Korean citizens. South has agredd to hold such a meeting, changing from their previous stance not to do North any favors until they apologize properly. Again, South stated,  “take a responsible attitude” toward its attacks as well as denuclearization,” said by Unification Ministry. I agree with South Korea's attitude towards its attack; however, the bombarding has happened last year, but South Korea's definite reaction has occurred after about an year. I believe that South must be more serious about the relationship between North Korea.

South Korean school to teach North Korea power transfer

       http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110413000673

 Recently, South Korea has included a section about North Korea's annually released guidelines for unification education, which the students need to develop their critical views on the war going countires South and North Korea. North Korea and South Korea's war is still continuing but in a rest, which there are always a possibility of starting a war; however, North Korea has attacked South a several times in early and late 2010. Both Korea has mentioned about the two attacks, but North Korea has not accepted their fault, which allowed South Korea to give a lot of attentions on North. Also, North Korea shows the ongoing move by its regime to have Kim Jong il's son, Kim Jong un as the next leader and how three dictating generation, Kim il sung, Kim Jong il, and Kim jong un, succession is very important in history of modern politics. Importantly, unnmaed official has stated that the unification costs should be seen as an investment for the future, until then two koreas remain separated. I believe in order to unify both war going countries South Korea would have to shoulder the costs of improving the communist North's poor living conditions.

North Korea not to abandon nukes as defense tool for aid.

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110413000576


     North Korea has abandon to give up its possession on nuclear weapon in order to keep defense against their international threats. Also, they have decided to hold their nuclear power to attrack attentions and economic aids. According to the commander of  U.S. forces in Korea, North Korea will not give up its nuclear capability and they have maintained their independence as they are relying on Chinese support.  Over a few years, North Korea's missiles and nuclear weapons have been threatening U.S. and other major power holding countries. Recently, North Korea has committed a series of provocations: sinking a South Korean warship and bombaring a border island. North Korea has been hardly continuing their independence due to a severe food shortage, I believe North will soon have to give their possession in nuclear weapons in order to get a consistant support as a part of a contract.

North Korea's food aid

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110411000804

Since the early 90's, South Korea was a major support of food aiding North Korea over many years in order to show progress in unification between two war going countries. However, South Koreas aiding has gradually decreased as they faced 2008. North Korea has announced that they need some 1.29 million tons of extra food this year. When South Korea was bombarded by North Korea, they have totally cut off the support as they did not get any apologies. Soon, North Korea's major support has been entirely shut off leading North to a devastating poverty issue. The U.N. agency claims almost a quarter of the North’s population of 24 million is in dire need of food, so, last month, the World Food Program called on the international community for 434,000 tons of food assistance to support the most starving people: children and pregnant women. I believe that North Korea needs more assist in order to stop their severe food shortage, which by allowing more international communication instead of closing any foreign influence. If they do not solve this problem this year, North Korea's government and Kim family's legitimate power will decrease.

North Korea will never admit ship sinking

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110406000804

North Korea remains their thoughts that they will never apologize for the deadly sinking of South Korean warship, chunanham. Based on an academic, who has visited the communist nation, has reported: "North Korea cannot apologize for what it has not done and this position will not change even after 100 years or 1,000 years pass." However, South Korea has stated to the North a few times to admit this happening with the loss of 46 young healthy navy's who were in the ship that day. Still, The North angrily denies responsibility for the ship’s sinking near the West Sea border. I believe this article will enrage the South Koreans, especially the parents of 46 soldiers, eventhough a year has passed after North's attack. South has supported the North in many ways over a long time; however, there attacks have surprised the South Korean citizens, allowing to close the aids that they have been providing. North Korea has no idea that South is there major source of maintaing their governmet and economy, which is proven by many incidents. North must apologize the things that they have done instead of demanding over 1,000 years.

Seoul to foster N.K. defectors as unification force

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110405000764

South Korea are planning to create a program on training young North Korean defectors to be very helpful workers for unification between two war going countires, South and North Korea. A civic group has announced that will be fourth months program supported by the government and teach about 1,000 young North Koreans: college seniors or graduates. After the World War ll, Korea was divided into North and South, which after Korean war(1950-1953). The war ended in a truce instead of a peace treaty, which technicaly two countires are still in a fight. In their early 20's or 30's, North Koreans move to South and its number has increased over few years due to North's food shortage. I believe if North Korea's food shortage continues over long time, then it leads to a possbility of signing a peace treaty as their lack of supply creates a corruption in their government; however, as Kim Jong il is alive, his military force will  control their citizens protest.

North Korea desperate for outside food aid

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110403000248

While North Korea is facing an international, the government is escalating efforts to get a stabe food assistance for their starving citizens. The communist North Korea relies mostly their food supplies from outisde country and has been facing a food shortages recently after 2008. North Korea is demanding the attacks against South Korea, which major of their support has been closed as South Korea waited to apologize their attacks for a year. However, South Korea has enabled sending food supplies to North recently due to their severe suffer. The official said, “We often discuss food issues with the North, but they seem much more desperate recently,” This proves how North is having a hard time because of the food shortage thesedays and they have been asking food supplies over the countries. France has donated $210,000 to the charity group to supply the North. I believe because of North's isloation, they will soon have to be positive about debating over nuclear powers, which they have been threatening the world a few years. If they do not get positive, I believe citizens will die first, which they will no longer can maintain their government.

South Korea, China make little progress on North Korea uranium issue

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110329000990

South Korea and China foreign minister made a development in dealing with North Korea's uranium-based nuclear program according to the U.N security council. China is against this movement with South Korea and stated that this should be dealt at six-party talks, which South Korea will be not involved. However, South Korea has announced that it is inevitable for the global security body to take up the matter. Despite the differences over the nuclear standoff, the two countires have agreed to not affect the relationship over the North Korean nuclear issue. North Korea's uranium based nuclear program can lead into a devestating disaster, which eariler happened in Japan, once earthquake hits near the nuclear plant, then it will create a massive radiation compare to other nuclear plants because of  its great explosion in the chemcial, Uranium.
This shows how North Korea's nuclear program is still debated outside the world and that even can possibly cause a fight over two countires over this problem. I believe that North  Korea's uranium issue should not create a conflict bewtween China and South Korea and should debate about this issue.

Dictator Kim becomes popular drink’s model

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110401000596

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnJaBJS5ruE&feature=player_embedded

A new sprite advertisement which shows a dictator, Kim-Jong-il, modeled a North Korean leader among chinese websites. This video is produced in Israel and shows Kim-Jong-il drinking the soda as his armies are marching. Then, a soldier brings a sprite. After drinking it, the leader shouts, "can you feel it?" Suddenly, the soldiers start to dance  and the military march switches into a party. As shown above, North Korea and its government are citicized in many different ways such as videos, articles, and other sources that people are familiar with. I believe that through the media, many people will start to criticize more about North Korea as their isolation continues. This also shows that eventhough Kim-Jong Ill is treated as a sacred figure in North Korea, he is treated as a funny icon outside the world.

South Korea resumes civilian humanitarian aid to N. Korea

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110331000405

South Korea has allowed civilian groups to resume providing humanitarian aid to North Korea after last November when North has attacked South several times. The unification ministry has approved to send the three relief aid groups to send help to the North in order to lower the amount of people who are now suffering from food shortages in the communist country. After North Korea's attack which led to the sinking of chunanham, a military ship, triggered korean government to stop the aid support in North Korea; however, after about an year and few days, South Korea has decided to start sending the food again. I believe this shows a progress in better relationship between two Korea, which as time passes, it will be much better like early 2000.

Kim Jong-il dreamed of stoning

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110327000236

Kim-jong-il, a leader of North Korea, had nightmares in which people threw stones at him, said  Chung Mong-joon of the ruling Grand National Party. This shows how Kim was aware of growing dissatisfied among his people, who have suffered in proverty over a long period. Kim-Jong-Il described his dream that he was hit by stones thrown first by Americans, second by South Koreans and then by North Koreans.
Also, he stated that he is aware of his citizens and knew they did not like him; however, many people cam out and welcome him when he showed up. I believe that the leader of North Korea is starting to fear his own people, which they are tired of starving and that they can protest against him. He has already placed military forces to prevent the protest as soon as it happens, which also shows that Kim-Jong- il is scared of people's corruption. Instead of spending millions of dollars for his birthday present, he needs to provide much more food in order to satisfy his country.

Koreas agree to continue study on volcanic threat

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110329000840

North Korea and South Korea had a meeting to advance the study of volcano erruption from Mountain Baekdu. During the meeting, Geologists in both Korea also discussed about radioactive damamge from Japan's nuclear crisis; however, they seem the major reason of the threats are massive earthquakes that happened in Japan recently. The North Korean delegation has announced that they had underground water fluctuating by 60 centimeters and muddy spring water after the Japanese quake. Mount Baekdu, a dormant volcano, has been threatening South and North Korea, which can create a massive effect as it errupts. I believe that this was an essential meeting, which they can discuss and prevent this massive disaster that migh possibly happen. Japan currently had a huge effect on the natural disaster, which disrrupted a lot of people over the world, so I think that both Korea are afraid about erruption which led them to the meeting.

NorthKorea lashes out at Seoul-Washington alliance

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20080317000031

North Korea is criticizing the movement between South Korea and United States, which they are making their military alliance stronger due to North Korea's consistent threats. The U.S. military captain`s participation for South Korea considered creating the missile defense system against the North`s missile. Japan has announced that United States is working hard to lead South Korea into the building of missile shied, which can protect people in Seoul and have better military defense.Also, Bell, a commander of U.S hostility, has encouraged South Korea to purchase "Aegis-equipped cruisers" to protect South Korean ports from missiles. This shows that South Korea is finally getting their military defense set up so they can defend North Korea's attack. United States and other countries are strongly supporting South Korea, whcih proves how serious the problems between South and North Korea became. I believe that it is now time for South Korea to fight back and not get threatened by their nuclear weapons.

Defector groups continue to send anti-North leaflets despite threats

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110302000851

Defector groups from North Korea to South Korea is continuing across the border, ignoring the harsh threats, which they are directly "fired" when the North Koreans are found near the warfare sites. According to North Korean defector, this threat has been continued over 4 years and South Korea has accepted all the North Korean defectors.Eventhough the threats became intense, defectors kept consistently sending the anti-North leaflets and is about over 3 million, which leads North Koreans to come to the South side persuading more defectors to join the South Korea. This shows how much North Korea has been losing their trust among people and the supporting power for thier leader, Kim jong il. I believe if this movement among North Koreans grow bigger, then it can possibly lead to an inter corruption, which North Korea itslef will fall due to their people, and North Korea government's loss of power.

South Korea accelerates stealth fighter program

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110302000858

South Korea is moving to purchase a high-end fleet of stealth(fighter jets) to counter North Korea’s consistent threats. Also, in order to keep pace with neighboring countries securing with their radar-evading combat aircraft. They are planning to buy about  60 next generation combats aiming to operate in 2016.
The government is expecting to develope their military strategy and will choose which jet to buy to prepare the attack from North Korea. Due to other countries succesful flight projects, Seoul had decided to accelerate the efforts on purchasing and testing the stealth. Military officials in South Korea and experts largely agree that fighter jets should be introduced early as North Korea’s attack continue to destabilize the security environment on the Korean Peninsula.
I believe that South Korea has made a right decision on planning to purchase the fighter jets, which they will have a great military force that can counter attack North Korea. However, it might create a problem between two countries, which seems like the realtionship between two countries will be intensified.

N. Korea asked Western diplomat for rice assistance

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110302000142

According to South Korean governement source, North Korea has recently asked a visiting Western diplomat for rice assistance. One of the European union member countries visited North Korea in mid- Feburary and was asked for food support. North Korea has consistently widened its global outreach for food assistance; however, they have failed getting the food supplies several times due to misguided economic policies. Based on the research,  in the mid-1990s, about 2 million people died from starvation in North Korea, which is a very shocking news. Also the aid that was supported by South Korea has dried up, which leads to increase the North Korean citizens to defect.
This proves how much North Korea is suffering from blocking the connections between many countries including South Korea. Death of 2million people in North Korea is very shocking; however, their leader, Kim Jong Il does not pay attention to his citizens and spent over 1 million for his birthday present. North Korea needs to seriously ask for food supplies from South Korea and must apologize their attack internationally.

North Korea threats

http://www.koreaherald.com/opinion/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110228000446

North Korea has released warnings against the South Korea over the weekend. The North Korean military announced this news by using extreme words: "turning Seoul into a sea fire." They have threatened South Korea with their nuclear missile powers. Shockingly, North has consistently announced the defensive movement as a preparation for another war on the Korean Peninsula, and it has repeated again.
Once in 1960, and a second threat in 2004, which this year, 2011, counts as their third time. North Korea has announced that they will blow up imjingank, a river near seoul. South  should keep its armed forces on full alert against renewed military threats from the North, while being ready to calm down Pyongyang with a peaceful approach. This threats have been scaring the South Korea citiziens due to North Korea's powerful nuclear weapon that has been fully armed over many years. I believe that both South and North soon needs to have meeting over severe threats in order to calm down peoples' worries, which definetely can lead both countries in war.

North Korea and South Korea's relation

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110225000765

South and North Korea do not want to achieve unification by keeping up efforts to continue inter-Korean dialogue. North Korea has definitely attacked South's property, but they denied their attack from 2010 and earlier this year. South Korean prim minister, Kim Hwang-sik states  “The (South Korean) government does not regard North Korea as a target of absorption." He also announced that they will put effort in persuading North Korea to change. South Korea has helped North Korea supplying foods and doing favors for their nuclear weapon until North has killed many sailors and two civilians. Because of failing the defensive military talks between two korea, the government has said that talks should only be held when an actual progress in North can be expected. North Korea attacked South Korea twice, which seriously injured the relationship between North and South Korea: however, N. Korea denies this and did not apologize to South Korea.
I believe it should not be South Korea that needs more effort to alter the relationship better, but North Korea does.North Korea should have thought about how much their fellow country has helped them and must try maintaing a good relationship eachother.

US groups report alarming malnutrition in North Korea

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110224000530

Serious food shortage has driven some North Korean children to eat wild grasses and herbs, which causes alarming malnutrition. Recently, United States based aid groups have visited North Korea and reported this news. According to the agents, heavy rains and flooding in summer reduced vegetable crops by more than 50 percent in some areas, and a cold winter has frozen up to 50 percent of wheat and barley last year. Becuase of the poor enviornmental condition, North Korea has reported that the food stocks will be dropped by middle of June. Due to these food shortage, local hospitals have stated that there are lots of low birth-weight babies are born, reduced ability of mothers to breast feed, and increased recovery time from illness. There must be a quick recovery in North Korea, which the government needs to help as much as they can in order to maintain their country, if the rate of people ,suffering from food shortage increases then they will be a serious protest that can not be recovered.

Former N.K. soldiers testify about worsening food and rights conditions

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110222000530

 Formal North Korean soldiers has stated that North Korea has abused their human rights and increasingly developed their food shortage, according to testimonies made by the defectors to South Korea. "I was 155 centimeters high and weighed 42 kilograms when I entered the military, but my weight was reduced to 31 kilograms in two years" said by one of the defectors. Also another formal North Korean soldiers has announced that "My hair almost fell out after turning yellow and I was bony"  Based on North Korea's former military captain, their food shortage has led the soldiers to steal food from civilians, and he also mentioned, the best place to live is where there is no military unit. Surprisingly, North Korean soldiers sexually harass female soldiers according to Choi Hee-kyung, a female defector.
This article(Yonhap News) shows how much North Korean soldiers are suffering from food shortage and sexually harassment, while Kim Jong-il spends about $10 million a year for his health. This proves how much corrupted North Korea's government is and how they do not even care about their citizens including soldiers.

North Korean special unit adds light infantry troops

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110222000891

North Korea has boasted the number of special forces soldiers according to the South Korea's defense whitepaper. There special troops have increased over 5 years since 2006, which shows how much North Korea has been preparing for another war that is now still going on. South Korea and North Korea are still in a war and they are in a rest without signing any peace treaty. The North’s special warfare forces consist of some 140,000 light infantry troops and 60,000 special operation troops, this shows how much they are focused in developing their light infantry troops. According to North Korea's military sources, they are prepared in attacking frontline and non-frontline areas to destroy priority targets, assassinate key targets and cause confusion in South Korea for future war. Shocking, Light infantry soldiers march 20 kilometers for 10 hours, wearing a 35-kilogram military bag. Also, During their mountain-climbing sessions, they hone attacking, ambushing and camping.
North Korea has been putting more than half of their money on developing their military forces against South Korea and their alliance. I believe there will be a massive disaster occur anytime between two of those countries, and will include United States, Russia, China and other countries, that will bring a global war.

U.S. maritime alliance with S. Korea

http://www.koreaherald.com/national/Detail.jsp?newsMLId=20110221001022


U.S Navy deployed has announced that the maritime alliance with South Korea has become intense.
Van Buskirk commands the U.S Navy that is based in Yokosuka, Japan, to position near South Korea and Japan in order to defend the deadly attacks from North Korea. In 2010, North Korea has sunk the naval ship of South Korea; however, North Korea denies the accusation of attacking South Korean property. South Korean and U.S. troops are set to begin a new set of military drills later this February to improve their ability to deter North Korean aggression, because the two Koreas are still technically at war after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, rather than signing a peace treaty.

North Korea's second missile

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/17/north.korea.launch.site/index.html?iref=allsearch

U.S. official reported that North Korea has completed launching their second missile in their country. Acorrding to the satellite image, North Korea released showing a tower, a movable launch pad and swing arms, according to an analysis by Globalsecurity.org. However, they are curious to know if Tong-Chang-dong, a place where there is a movement of launching a missile, has a powerful electricity to support launching a missile. In order to prevent this matter, U.S will call on North Korea to fulfill their international problems.

Kim Jong Il's birthday present

http://www.edaily.co.kr/news/NewsRead.edy?SCD=DA37&newsid=02505926596151176&DCD=A01506&OutLnkChk=Y

Acorrding to North Korea, they spent about 10million dollar for their leader's birthday present. Shocking, North Koreans are starving due to their shortage of food; however, under Kim Jong Il's order, his workers went to china and spent a lot of money for buying his present. There are shark tales and other expensive food that are included in the gift. Also, cars are shipped to North Korea and other highly cost electric devices that are prepared for Kim Jong Il's 70th birthday. In my opinion, this shows how North Korean's government is careless about their citizens and their country, but only their great leader. Half of the North Korean people are suffering with having their daily meal, but their leader, Kim Jong Il and his people, are putting 10million dollar for one's birthday present. I believe this country is heading toward a serious down fall.

Tank hidden under Pyongyang, North Korea

http://news.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2011/02/16/2011021600079.html

picture from chosun.com
North Korean defense military has hidden a tank under a city, Pyongyang. On 15th, a North Korean defector informs South Korea that about 50 tanks are placed in different location near Kim-Jong-Il's shelter.
These tanks only move during the night time once a year in order to conrtol any riot or protest immidiately.
I believe that this kind of movement that is occuring in North Korea shows how corrupted their government is and that people in North Korea are also scared of their country, which will might lead to an inner corruption in North Korea. I hope North Korea and South Korea will no longer have to investigate eachother in far future.

A weird noise in kyong-ki-do, South Korea

http://news.sbs.co.kr/section_news/news_read.jsp?news_id=N1000859434


Near a mountain called chun-ma, in Kyong-ki-do, a loud noise has been continued over a month in a small village. People have made guesses that it is North Korea drilling their way toward South Korea for a nother attack; however, the noise can not be defined and where it comes from. Some say that the North korean military are practicing their fire works. The experts in South Korea try to find the reason why the noise has been continuing over a month. Also, they assume it is a drop of a huge ice since the weather is warming up.
This news shows how South Korea and North Korea's relationship got worse over 2010 and 2011,which people are scared of North Korea's past attacks.

Intensive contact with North Korea

http://rt.com/politics/russia-north-korea-moscow/

Moscow wants more close contact with their communist fellow country North Korea for the purpose of maintaing a peace in Southeast Asia. Russia Deputy prime minister said, "we have every reason to assert that the basic principles of the Russian-Korean interstate Treaty of Friendship, Good-Neighborly Relations and Co-operation, and the agreements reached between the Russian and North Korean leaders, meet the interests of our peoples,”  Russia's new statement on devotion to keep a peace in Southeast asia is highlighted eversince North Korea broke military talk with South Korea.
I hope Russia and involving other countries will help maintaing a peace in Southeast Asia so that a war that might lead to a massive effect over the world will not happen.

Korea talks collapse (military talk)

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/world/2011/02/09/hancocks.koreas.talks.cnn?iref=allsearch


North Korea and South Korea had military talks for two days and the second day which is this wednesday, according to tbe South Korean defense ministery, the talks have failed. North Korea ended up walking out of the talks, due to their disagreement in the agenda, which South Korea wanted to discuss about the Yeonpyeong island shelling which killed 4 people and the sinking of the chun-an worship, but on the other hand, North Korea wanted to talk about military actions.South Korea blames the attack; however, once again North Korea denies to that attack. I believe eventhough there was a success in having a military talks, North Korea would have easily break any negotiation they make with South Korea, just like North Korea has attacked South Korea a few times.

South Korea Questions Boat Passengers From North

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/08/world/asia/08korea.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=north%20korea&st=cse

The wooden boat with 20 women and 11 men came across the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea at 11 a.m. Saturday, military officials said in South Korea. 31 North Koreans who were riding fishing boats got captured by the South Korean Navy in order to investigate their main purpose of crossing a border line.
North Koreans said that there reason is not to stay in South Korea; however, South Korean defense official holds the North Koreans to define a real purpose of this. In my opinion, it is a right behavior for South Korea to investigate further since North Korea has attacked South Korea a few times, so South Korea should keep their Navy in alart.

Questioned Kim-Jung-il's son.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/08/world/asia/08kim.html?_r=1&scp=10&sq=north%20korea&st=cse


Professors in Seoul starts to question Kim-Jung-un, one of Kim-Jung-il's son, if he is suitable for succeeding to be a next leader of North Korea. Recently, one of the 20 generals in North Korea, Kim Jung un, made a four star general in september without having any field experience in the military, and also, the leader of North Korea gave his son two powerful posts in ruling workers' party. Due to Kim-Jung-il's health problem, many experts think that Kim-Jung-un appeared without any preparation for joining as a general of North Korea. I also believe that Kim-Jung-un's place must be questioned and that North Korea needs to give a proper preparation for a next vital leader.

Moscow calls on Koreas to move from “muscle flexing” to dialogue

http://rt.com/news/moscow-koreas-move-dialogue/

Russia's deputy foreign minister, Aleksey Borodavkin, says “North Korea and South Korea should start talks to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula,” He has stated his opinion on South Korea and North Korea's strong military tension that is still remainig eversince South Korea has declared Peyongyang as an official enemy.

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/asiapcf/02/01/koreas.talks/index.html?iref=allsearch

         North Korea has shut off the contact with South Korea from May 26th due to South Korea's marching naval ships. North Korea has attacked South Korea's naval ship and killed 46 sailors. Recently, North Korea has attacked YeonPyeong island and killed two mariners and two civilians. South Korea blames North Korea for the attack; however, North Korea denies the attacks that they have done. Both South and North Korea are alarmed in military attacks.