Stories from Pyongyang · North Korea

The BlueNoroff subgroup, part of North Korea's Lazarus group, has deployed a sophisticated fileless PowerShell attack targeting Zoom users. The malware is designed to compromise cryptocurrency assets within minutes of infection.

The North Korean regime faces increasing challenges in resisting demands from future generations, according to defector Timothy Cho. Cho noted that the influence of West Germany's prosperity, culture, and free expression contributed to the collapse of the previous system.

North Korea has seen an increase in executions alongside a COVID-19 outbreak, according to reports. Human rights violations have reportedly worsened alongside these border closures. A Seoul-based non-governmental organization reports that executions in North Korea rose sharply following the 2020 border closures. The source cited is an international representative of the Iran Teachers Association, Shiva Melira. The report notes the rise in executions occurred following the pandemic-related border restrictions. Offences resulting in the death penalty include criticizing leader Kim Jong-un or the ruling party. Consuming foreign cultural content, such as South Korean television dramas, is also cited as a cause for execution. The report indicates these trends emerged as the country isolated itself during the pandemic.

Bloomberg reports that North Korea's nuclear arsenal has surpassed the capabilities of United States missile defense systems.

North Korean forces showcased Leopard 2 tanks and various Western military assets reportedly seized in Russia. The display highlights the transfer of captured hardware to North Korean military inventories.

A Seoul-based NGO reported that executions in North Korea rose sharply after the country closed its borders in 2020 to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Most killings were identified as public executions by shooting. Punishments included the death penalty for criticizing leader Kim Jong-un, the ruling party, or distributing South Korean media such as movies and TV shows. Pyongyang views these activities as a threat. Distribution of South Korean movies and television shows also resulted in the death penalty.

Kim Jong Un designated North Korean soldiers who committed suicide to avoid capture during the war in Ukraine as heroes. The statement was reported via Pravda. This declaration from North Korea confirms the information for the first time. The report was made by CBN São Paulo AAC. The source noted the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

At least 153 people were executed or sentenced to death by Pyongyang. The source confirms ongoing high levels of executions and sentencing in 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'.