SEOUL -- A former sergeant in the North Korean military says that few of Pyongyang's soldiers have been captured fighting against Ukraine because they're told their families will be executed if they are caught alive.

South Korea and the United States agreed Thursday to closely coordinate on the formulation and implementation of North Korea policy while reaffirming the shared goal of the "complete" denuclearization of North Korea,

Seoul's National Intelligence Service confirmed that the Ukrainian military had captured two of around 10,000 North Korean soldiers they estimate have been sent by Kim Jong Un to fight for Russia

But analysts suggest Washington may be open to resuming talks with North Korea, with Moscow potentially playing the role of mediator.

A China-based tour agency has begun taking bookings for an international marathon in Pyongyang next month, marking the latest sign of North Korea reopening to foreign tourists. Koryo Tours, which specializes in North Korean tours,

The psychological warfare to urge North Korean soldiers to surrender in battle has had little effect, according to Ukrainian intelligence.

South Korea’s spy agency said Wednesday that North Korea appears to have sent additional troops to Russia, after its soldiers deployed on the Russian-Ukraine fronts suffered heavy casualties.

More than 10,000 soldiers from the reclusive state were sent to Russia in 2024. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Under South Korea’s constitution, all Koreans, including those who live in the North, are considered citizens. Read more at straitstimes.com.