North Korean state media reported that South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol was “dragged” to his impeachment trial in a “haggard” state this week, characterizing him as the “ringleader of rebellion” in its strongest commentary on the ROK’s political crisis so far.

Pyongyang denounced Japan’s inauguration of an independent mission to NATO, accusing Tokyo of “escalating the military tension in the region.” Japan reportedly decided to establish the mission to reinforce cooperation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

At least 1,340 young North Koreans have “volunteered” to serve at challenging workplaces this month, as the