John Delury

South Korea’s new president could transform the Korean Peninsula

How Lee Jae-myung Can Push Trump and Kim Back to Real Diplomacy

The debilitating political vacuum that has reigned in Seoul since South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol’s impeachment on December 14 has finally ended. On June 3, Lee Jae-myung won South Korea’s presidential election by a decisive margin. Lee, a liberal who narrowly lost the country’s last election to Yoon, has promised to fix both his society’s broken politics and its mounting economic problems with a domestic agenda that includes improving conditions for workers, shoring up the public sector, and boosting growth in strategic areas such as AI and defense.

Who’s afraid of America first?

To many countries in Europe, the return of Donald Trump to the White House is seen as a momentous, almost apocalyptic, shift that is likely to disrupt alliances and upend economic relations. Meanwhile, American adversaries such as China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia anticipate that the incoming administration will mark an opportunity to advance their anti-Western agendas. Yet there is another region of the world, one that includes many U.S. allies, partners, and friends, that views Trump’s return more calmly.

North Korea vows toughest anti-US policy before Trump takes office

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a key policy-setting meeting of the country's ruling party a week ago ahead of the new year, state media KCNA reported on Sunday.

Iran football team named for N. Korea and Kyrgyzstan matches

TEHRAN – Amir Ghalenoei has invited 28 players to Iran national team for two matches against North Korea and Kyrgyzstan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Tehran, Pyongyang talk West Asia, Korean Peninsula tensions

TEHRAN – Iran's interim charge d'affaires in Pyongyang has engaged in discussions with senior North Korean officials regarding recent events on the Korean Peninsula, as well as the ongoing violence perpetrated by the Israeli regime in Gaza and Lebanon.

Pezeshkian congratulates DPRK on 76th founding anniversary

TEHRAN – Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has extended his congratulations to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on the occasion of its 76th founding anniversary.

Pyongyang: Seoul using tensions as political distraction

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol of generating tensions on the Korean peninsula to divert attention from problems at home, state media said on Monday.

Putin warns South Korea against arming Ukraine

Vladimir Putin has warned South Korea it would be making "a big mistake" if it arms Ukraine in the war against Russia.

Russia and North Korea sign partnership deal

Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un signed an agreement Wednesday that pledges mutual aid if either country faces “aggression,” a strategic pact that comes as both face escalating standoffs with the West.

North Korean soldiers cross border, South Korea fires warning shots

South Korean soldiers on Tuesday fired warning shots to repel North Korean soldiers who temporarily crossed the rivals' land border for the second time this month, South Korea's military said.

Putin visiting N Korea

Russian President Vladimir Putin is making a two-day official visit to North Korea.

N. Korea condemns US ATACMS missile shipment to Ukraine

North Korea condemned the United States on Monday for sending longer-range tactical missiles to Ukraine for use in its fight against Russia, saying Washington cannot turn the tide of the war with such a "mean" policy.

N. Korea to build ‘overwhelming’ military power

Kim Jong Un's sister promised to build what she called "overwhelming and the most powerful military power" to protect North Korea and peace in the region.

North Korea develops new rocket launcher controller

North Korea has successfully developed a new ballistic control system for a multiple rocket launcher along with controllable shells, state media KCNA reported on Monday.

Iranian nationals to obtain simplified e-visas to enter Russia

TEHRAN – Passport holders from Iran and some other countries will be offered electronic visas to enter the Russian Federation under President Vladimir Putin’s new orders.