Stories from Pyongyang · North Korea

A Seoul-based NGO reported that executions in North Korea rose sharply following the 2020 border closure intended to stop the spread of coronavirus. The source noted that the situation resembles a war with no winners. Rena O called on the King to acknowledge victims as survivors during his speech to Congress on Tuesday. The Transitional Justice Working Group reported that most killings were public executions by shooting. Some executions served as punishments for distributing South Korean movies and TV shows. The NGO has been tracking rights violations inside the country. The report notes the rise in capital punishment following these border restrictions. The report was discussed in a BBC interview. The report indicates a increase in capital punishment since the country's isolation period began. The surge is linked to strict pandemic control measures and media crackdowns.

State media in North Korea reported the unveiling of a new memorial dedicated to North Koreans killed during the Ukraine War. The ceremony, held in Pyongyang on Sunday, was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian Defence Minister Andrei Bielosov. North Korean media has reported the unveiling of a memorial named the 'Overseas Military Operation Combat Martyrs Memorial Hall'. North Korea has unveiled a memorial named the Russian Peacekeepers Combat Glory Memorial. The foundation for a Memorial Museum for soldiers who died in the war against Ukraine was laid in Pyongyang in October of last year. Kim Jong Un and other high-ranking officials from the DPRK were present. The museum is described as a 'mighty bastion'.

Russian State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin, Defense Minister Andrey Belousov, and Kim Chinny opened a museum exhibition in Pyongyang. The exhibition features trophy military equipment from foreign special operations. The officials participated in a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony to inaugurate the display.

The head of the Russian military is currently in Pyongyang to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The meeting focuses on a long-term military cooperation agreement between Russia and North Korea. North Korea has provided thousands of soldiers and missiles to Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine.

The United Nations has issued a warning regarding North Korea's accelerating nuclear weapons development. The update describes a growing arms race that poses a significant threat to regional and global security. This follows recent escalations in the peninsula's military posture. North Korea plans to produce up to 20 nuclear warheads per year, according to a Bloomberg report. The nation currently possesses approximately 50 warheads. Analysts suggest the total could reach nearly 300 by 2035. This expansion could allow North Korea to match France's nuclear potential and surpass several other nations. The production process is expected to take about five weeks per stage, which may cause delays.

North Korean hacking groups are reportedly utilizing artificial intelligence to automate various stages of cyberattacks, including 'vibecoding' malware and generating fraudulent company websites. These AI-driven tactics have been used to facilitate thefts amounting to millions of dollars. The use of generative AI significantly lowers the barrier for sophisticated social engineering and malware development. Authorities have launched a second investigation in less than one week into missing international payments. More than $600,000 was reportedly stolen by hackers in the latest incident. The investigation is ongoing to determine the scope of the theft.