A North Korean girl who no longer exists
A Journey of Change: Han Song-mi, who escaped under a hail of bullets 15 years ago as an uneducated laborer, recently celebrated her college graduation in South Korea.
Expanding Horizons: Once only aware of six countries while living in rural poverty, Han is now an international speaker and author of the memoir Greenlight to Freedom.
Mentorship for Others: After overcoming deep depression and the "competitive shock" of South Korean society, she now serves as a mentor for new refugees arriving in Seoul.
North Korea could 'get along' with US, says Kim Jong Un
Nuclear Precondition: Kim stated the US and North Korea can "get along" only if Washington accepts the North as a permanent nuclear-armed power.
Strategic Choice: Speaking at the 9th Party Congress, he told the US to choose between "peaceful coexistence" or "permanent confrontation," citing the US "hostile policy" as the sole barrier.
Diplomatic Door: Analysts view the rare direct message as a calculated opening for talks with the US, even as Kim continues to harden his rhetoric against other allies.
Unification Ministry Adopts New Term ‘North Korean-born Citizens’
Dignity in Identity: South Korea has officially replaced the English term "defector" with "North Korean-born citizen" to emphasize their legal rights as fellow nationals rather than perpetual outsiders.
Constitutional Shift: The change reflects a policy move to treat those arriving from the North as citizens returning to their home country, aiming to reduce social discrimination in the South.
Mixed Reactions: While the government views this as a step toward better integration, some activists worry it may diminish the historical significance of the "escape" itself and the struggle for freedom.
New Yalu River Bridge viewed through Google Earth
China is rebuilding its grip on North Korea
Countering Russia: Beijing is aggressively reviving economic and infrastructure ties to reassert its influence after Pyongyang's recent military pivot toward Moscow.
Border Reopening: New activity at the New Yalu River Bridge and customs facilities suggests a major push to fully restore cross-border trade and tourism.
Economic Leverage: China is increasing imports of North Korean labor-intensive goods and strategic metals, essentially propping up Kim’s regime while keeping it under Beijing's thumb.
