Is South Korea’s economic miracle over? via Financial Times on.ft.com/3vTUw30

NK News' Ifang Bremer embedded with a defector deep-sea fishing crew to see what it's like fishing immediately adjacent to North Korean waters. Fascinating account of the risks and rewards: nknews.org/2024/05/danger…

South Korea's military confirmed on Wednesday that North Korea had sent over more than 150 balloons, presumed to be carrying feces, to the South on Tuesday night. buff.ly/3WZDfjJ

I understand why it is hard, but still: How about simply ignoring, including in the media, what is obviously intended as an attention-grabbing political provocation, instead of giving Pyongyang exactly what it wanted?

Coming full circle: the new strategic agreement between Russia and North Korea is a modernized version of the 1961 treaty. Which was cancelled by Russia in 1996 in the naive hope to please the West, and replaced by a much weaker version in 2000 - under a certain Mr. Putin.

This meme is going around on ROK social media: “ROK is now a country with five beautiful seasons. Spring (March-April) Summer (May-June) Shibalnom (July-Aug) Fall (Sep-Nov) Winter (Dec-Feb)”

Just stumbled across this interesting set of data from SIPRI. Massive growth rates for some, especially France. Also suggesting that much of Poland's dramatic increase (+1138%) is due to imports from South Korea, which sends 27% of its arms there.

Looks like South Korea is going to be the world's largest exporter of tanks and artillery.

Former White House official accused of acting as South Korea agent reuters.com/world/us/ex-wh…

Alexis de Tocqueville, in his study of the American democracy, had this to say about China - in 1835 (yes, 190 years ago).

Good article. Imho the main problem with a K-FARA, like with any other law, is its consistent implementation. A superpower like the US can afford to confront allies, trading partners or powerful adversaries. But can middle powers, too, and pay the price? koreapro.org/2024/07/after-…

ANALYSIS: After Terry case & ROK black agent list leak, lawmakers are attempting again to update the country’s spy law, Article 98 Criminal Act — enacted 1953 & never amended since despite the changed nature of how espionage-y things are conducted today. koreapro.org/2024/08/south-…

In case you missed it, Germany joined the UNC a few days ago.