Lee Jae-myung’s cabinet appointments reflect a desire for renewed dialogue with North Korea, but with Pyongyang emboldened by Russia and disinterested in reunification, diplomacy faces steep geopolitical headwinds.

Kim paid public tribute to North Korean soldiers killed in Russia’s war against Ukraine, part of an effort to cement the two countries’ strategic defense pact.

Kyiv has assessed Russia will help Pyongyang set up Shahed drone factories on North Korean soil, posing new challenges for Seoul.