Will new top US diplomat have time to prep for a North Korea summit?
An expert who’s helped several presidents and secretaries of state get ready for summits tells VOA that a lot goes into preparing the US position in advance of any major meeting.
Why finishing dead last is a sign of North Korean progress
The participation of disabled athletes in the Winter Games is an indication of progress for a country accused of discrimination and abuse of physically handicapped people.
Ex-North Korea cheerleader recalls life in Kim Jong Un’s ‘army of beauties’
Members of North Korea’s cheerleader squad are required to be young, attractive, tall — and loyal to the state — with ever-present security to make sure the young women don’t try to defect.
Kim Jong Un’s dad tried ‘basketball diplomacy’
Kim Jong Un seems to be following his father’s playbook by sending North Korean athletes and his only sister to the Olympics in South Korea.
Why this joint North-South Korea ski training exercise might violate international sanctions
Inter-Korean Olympics cooperation walks a fine line when it comes to avoiding violating international sanctions against Pyongyang — restrictions intended to tighten the flow of cash into North Korea and pressure it to renounce nuclear weapons and missiles programs.
Why North Korean athletes won’t be in Nike uniforms at the Olympics
To avoid violating sanctions against Pyongyang, North Korean athletes will have to skip pricey uniforms and gifts from Olympic sponsors.
Defectors wary of North Korea’s ‘army of beauties’ at the Olympics
The North Korean delegation will include an all-female cheerleading squad — women chosen for their looks and loyalty to the state — that is viewed as an effective propaganda tool.
Facilitating North Korea’s Olympic participation ignites debate in democratic South Korea
Accommodations made by South Korean President Moon Jae-in include fielding a joint woman’s ice hockey team and marching together in the opening ceremony of the Olympics under a ‘unification flag.’
Some cry foul as North Koreans are added to South Korea’s Olympic team
North Korean players will join the South’s women’s hockey team, which has already qualified for the games, but is that fair to the players who earned their positions?
US urges Africa to break up with North Korea
Many African nations maintain ties with North Korea but the US wants to cut off Pyongyang’s sources of income — especially on the African continent.
