Crisis Chronology | North Korea

NORTH KOREA

01/17/2024

Kim says that South Korea is the North’s “primary foe” and that he will no longer pursue reconciliation with the South.

09/05/2023

Putin said to be arranging a meeting with Kim Jong Un to negotiate weapons sales.

08/10/2023

Kim fires top general, Chief of the General Staff, and tells army to prepare for war. Other top officers were also dismissed. The motivation seems to be mostly internal, preventing anyone from gaining power and showing citizens that Kim is a leader.

05/21/2023

Germany and South Korea sign defense cooperation agreement as buffer against North Korea.

02/28/2023

Kim calls for a “radical change” in agricultural production amid concerns over reported food shortages.

01/26/2023

China, Japan, and the Korean peninsula experience heavy snowfall and the coldest temperatures in a decade.

01/25/2023

Government imposes a five-day lockdown in Pyongyang due to a “respiratory infection.” This is likely to be COVID-19.

12/26/2022

After North Korean drones enter South Korean airspace, South Korea sends jets to intercept them.

11/17/2022

North Korea fires an ICBM capable of reaching the entire US.

11/03/2022

North Korea launches ICBM in the direction of Japan, although the missile seems to have malfunctioned at some point.

11/02/2022

North Korea fires 23 short-range missiles, one of which falls off the coast of South Korea.

11/02/2022

US accuses North Korea of hiding shipments of weapons to Russia for the war in Ukraine.

10/24/2022

North and South Korea exchange warning shots after a North Korean merchant ship strays over what South Korea considers the sea boundary between the two countries. The boundary has long been a source of contention.

10/07/2022

North Korea launches two more missiles that land in the Sea of Japan.

10/06/2022

North Korea fires another missile toward South Korea after US sends an aircraft carrier into the area. North Korea has now launched seven missiles in the last ten days. In a training exercise, South Korean and US jets drop bombs on uninhabited island in the Yellow Sea.

10/04/2022

North Korea fires ballistic missile that passes over Japan, where government recommends that people take shelter.

09/29/2022

Five ballistic missiles are launched over three days during and after the visit to South Korea by US Vice President Kamila Harris.

05/17/2022

With nearly 1.5 million cases of COVID-19 and no vaccines available, government deploys the military to help distribute medicine and help with tracking. 5/12/22. Government reports the country’s first COVID-19 case. It has no vaccines.

03/24/2022

Intercontinental ballistic missile possibly capable of reaching the US is tested.

03/08/2022

Intelligence reports that there is renewed activity at the nuclear testing site Punggye-ri after four years of closure.

01/31/2022

Continuing missile tests.

01/24/2022

Two more missiles are fired, landing in the Sea of Japan.

01/12/2022

US imposes sanctions on North Korean officials in response to missile tests.

01/10/2022

North Korea tests two hypersonic missiles in this week.

01/04/2022

North Korea fires ballistic missile.

12/10/2021

US imposes wide-scale sanctions on individuals and entities related to Bangladesh, China, North Korea, and Myanmar for human rights violations.

11/04/2021

Uranium mining appears to have increased substantially.

10/19/2021

Government confirms it conducted a ballistic missile launch from a submarine.

10/04/2021

North and South Korea restore hotline.

09/30/2021

North Korea asks that hotline with the South be reactivated.

09/30/2021

North Korean state media reports that Kim Yo Jong has been promoted to the State Affairs Commission, the country’s top policy-making body.

09/29/2021

Government announces a test of a hypersonic missile, although outside experts are not sure it reached hypersonic speed.

09/15/2021

After North Korean missile test, South Korea also tests submarine-based ballistic missile.

08/29/2021

IAEA reports that North Korean nuclear reactor in Yongbyon has apparently been restarted.

08/10/2021

China and North Korea complain about US-South Korea military exercises.

06/29/2021

Kim fires several officials who failed to enforce COVID-19 restrictions, warning of a “great crisis.”

06/15/2021

Kim warns of food shortages that he accrues to last year’s typhoon and floods.

03/22/2021

North Korea conducts short-range missile tests in protest over joint US-South Korea military exercises.

09/25/2020

Kim Jong Un apologizes to South Korea.

09/24/2020

South Korea accuses North Korean troops of killing South Korean government employee. The government says he may have been trying to defect to the North.

09/13/2020

Government relaxes some of the restrictions in Seoul.

08/25/2020

Kim Yo Jung has been made head of the Organization and Guidance Department (OGD) of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party (WPK), the party body that deals with ideological indoctrination, party organization and political appointments. South Korea reports that Kim Jong Un is still in charge of North Korea.

08/24/2020

There are reports that Kim Jong Un is in a coma and that his sister Kim Yo Jung is in charge.

08/04/2020

UN reports that North Korea may have developed nuclear weapons small enough to install on a ballistic missile.

08/04/2020

UN reports that North Korea may have developed nuclear weapons small enough to install on a ballistic missile.

06/19/2020

South Korean unification minister resigns. Kim Jong-un’s sister, Kim Yo-jung is the most prominent voice in the government leading the attacks on South Korea. She is thought to be about 32 years old, four years older than Kim Jong-un and although her official positions are of little importance, she is gaining increasing power in the government.

06/17/2020

North Korea rejects South Korea’s offer of negotiation and says it will restart military exercises on the border with the South.

06/16/2020

North Korea bombs liaison office with South Korea located in Kaesong in the North.

06/10/2020

South Korea announces legal action against two groups accused of sending propaganda to North Korea.

06/09/2020

North Korea cuts all communication with South Korea to protest anti-government propaganda sent by balloon into North Korean territory.

05/29/2020

US issues criminal indictments against 28 North Koreans and 5 Chinese, alleging they laundered money to evade US sanctions on buying goods for the North Korean nuclear program.

05/29/2020

US issues criminal indictments against 28 North Koreans and 5 Chinese, alleging they laundered money to evade US sanctions on buying goods for the North Korean nuclear program.

05/24/2020

Kim calls for stronger nuclear deterrent.

05/06/2020

South Korea now suggests that Kim did not have surgery but reduced his public appearances due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/03/2020

Kim Jong Un almost certainly to be in good health.

04/26/2020

Varying reports about Kim’s status.

04/26/2020

Varying reports about Kim’s status.

04/26/2020

Varying reports about Kim’s status.

04/21/2020

There are reports that Kim had a cardiovascular procedure on 4/12, but his current status is in dispute.

04/13/2020

Tests of short-range missiles.

04/05/2020

Kim replaces nearly a third of the members of the State Affairs Commission at a meeting of the Supreme People’s Assembly. Kim insists that there are no cases of COVID-19 in the country although they are testing for it and he declares that the state will intensify its efforts to prevent any spread.

03/30/2020

Two missiles are fired into the ocean, fourth in a recent series of tests.

03/09/2020

New artillery tests.

03/01/2020

Two short-range missiles fired. First tests in many months. Kim throws out two party executives and tries to avoid COVID-19 outbreak.

01/01/2020

Kim says that the North will develop a new strategic weapon and its previous promises are no longer in effect.

12/16/2019

Russia and China propose lifting some UN sanctions on North Korea, but US demurs. The proposal may still go before the Security Council, but a US veto would stop it.

12/12/2019

North Korea tests new missile.

12/12/2019

North Korea tests new missile.

12/08/2019

Pres Trump of US warns Kim that North Korea may lose its “special relationship with the US if he acts in a “hostile manner.”

12/07/2019

Government says it has tested a “significant” new missile.

10/31/2019

North Korea tests new rocket launcher.

10/26/2019

North Korea expresses dissatisfaction with nuclear negotiations with US.

10/24/2019

After a meeting between Japan PM Shinzo Abe and South Korea PM Lee Nak-yeon, the two countries agree on the need to work together on North Korea.

10/05/2019

Talks between US and North Korea break down within hours of beginning.

10/01/2019

North Korea agrees to new negotiations with US, then launches two missiles.

09/10/2019

Japan reported to be considering a plan to dump contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant in the ocean. The plant will run out of storage space for the water in 2022. Both North Korea and South Korea are angered, fearing that their seafood industries will be hurt. Japanese scientists say the risk is minimal.

08/15/2019

North Korea launches more missiles.

08/06/2019

North Korea fires two missiles into the sea.

08/01/2019

North Korea conducts two new tests of short-range missiles.

07/26/2019

North Korean economy contracted by 4% in 2018, the most since 1997.

07/25/2019

North Korea test-launches a new type of short-range missile.

06/30/2019

Trump becomes first US president to set foot in North Korea, though no negotiations or reciprocal measures are offered by the North.

05/13/2019

North Korea demands the US return its vessel.

05/09/2019

North Korea conducts another weapons test.

05/09/2019

US seizes a North Korean ship suspected of violating trade embargo. It is the first such seizure by the US. The ship had been held in Indonesia since 4/18.

05/04/2019

North Korea tests multiple rocket launchers.

04/24/2019

Kim Jong Un meets with Vladimir Putin, the first meeting of the heads of state of Russia and North Korea. Kim says that he needs security assurances before he can continue with denuclearization.

04/17/2019

North Korea tests new nuclear weapon.

03/22/2019

North Korea withdraws its staff from a liaison office with South Korea in Kaesung.

03/22/2019

Pres Trump reverses new sanctions established by his Treasury Department on Chinese companies suspected of dealing with North Korea.

03/21/2019

US Treasury Department adds new sanctions on two Chinese companies thought to be dealing with North Korea.

03/15/2019

North Korea threatens to suspend negotiations with US and possibly resume nuclear and missile testing.

03/03/2019

Despite failure of summit talks between North Korea and the US, US calls off annual spring military exercises with South Korea. This has long been a goal of North Korea and Russia.

02/28/2019

Summit meeting between US Pres Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is curtailed when Kim demands a complete and immediate lifting of sanctions in return for dismantling the Yongbyon nuclear facility.

02/05/2019

Trump announces that he will meet with Kim Jong Un on 2/27-28 in Vietnam.

01/07/2019

Kim visits China again.

01/03/2019

North Korean ambassador to Italy defects.

12/31/2018

Kim Jong Un affirms commitment to denuclearization in a letter to Moon. While talks with the US remain stalled and there are reports of North Korean progress on nuclear development, there are ongoing discussions among regional neighbors.

12/20/2018

North Korea says it will not eliminate its nuclear weapons until after US removes the “nuclear threat” to North Korea.

12/16/2018

North Korea cautions US against increasing sanctions based on human rights issues, saying the moves could halt denuclearization.

11/15/2018

North Korea announces that it has tested a new “tactical weapon,” without further description, that would protect North Korea like a “steel wall.”

11/14/2018

Report to US legislature says China has relaxed sanctions on North Korea.

11/12/2018

Center for Strategic and International Studies reports that North Korea is hiding as many as thirteen and up to twenty missile bases.

11/12/2018

North Korea says that recent military drills of South Korea and United States violate the 9/19 agreement between the North and the South.

10/15/2018

North and South Korea agree to reconnect rail and road links.

10/12/2018

Moon calls for US to declare the end of the Korean War.

10/09/2018

China, Russia, and North Korea call for US to adjust sanctions against North Korea before any significant progress in denuclearization.

09/21/2018

South Korea urges the US to declare the Korean War over.

09/19/2018

North and South Korea agree to end hostilities with each other among many other steps toward reconciliation. North Korea suggests it will close nuclear facilities if the United States reciprocates. The United States is concerned that Moon is moving too quickly.

09/18/2018

Moon and Kim meet in North Korea to discuss denuclearization and related issues.

09/14/2018

North and South Korea open an office in North Korea that allows for communication at all times.

08/29/2018

Moon reported to have meetings with North Korea without the knowledge of the United States.

08/29/2018

US says that it may restart military exercises with South Korea if North Korea does not progress on denuclearization. This leaves Moon Jae-in a quandary about the UN General Assembly meeting on 9/23, if there is not good news to report.

08/24/2018

US puts Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s talks with and in North Korea on hold, citing lack of progress in denuclearization.

08/20/2018

IAEA reports says that there is no indication that North Korea has ceased its nuclear activities.

08/15/2018

South Korean Pres Moon Jae-in proposes much deeper economic ties with North Korea.

06/27/2018

North Korea reported to be continuing improvements at a nuclear research facility, according to monitoring group 38 North, though such improvements are not necessarily a contradiction of the vow to denuclearize.

06/22/2018

North and South Korea agree to cross-border meetings of families separated by the war.

06/20/2018

Kim Jong-un visits China

06/14/2018

US now officially freezing all joint military exercises with South Korea, as a follow-up to the Trump-Kim summit. Reports on whether sanctions will continue or at level have been the subject of differing reports in US and North Korean media. North and South Korea hold first joint military talks in more than a decade, though there is little progress.

06/12/2018

US-North Korea summit

6/11/18. Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump hold first meeting between heads of North Korea and the US. North Korea pledges the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula and the US to security guarantees for the DPRK. The statement is very short, but Trump adds that he agreed to halt US exercises with South Korea. It is not known if denuclearization of the Korean peninsula would include elimination of US weapons. Trump says denuclearization will be verified, without specifics and that sanctions will remain on North Korea for now.

06/04/2018

Three top military officers are replaced by people loyal primarily to Kim.

06/01/2018

US announces that the June 12 summit with Kim Jong-un will take place, and that the negotiation may take longer than initially envisioned and involve more than one meeting.

05/31/2018

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov meets with Kim.

05/28/2018

US delegation in North Korea to discuss plans for summit, which now may happen. North Korean official travels to US for discussions.

05/26/2018

Moon flies to North Korea to revive dialogue concerning summit.

05/25/2018

North Korea responds that a summit is urgently needed to moderate “hostile” situation, and that North Korea is still willing to negotiate with the US. Trump welcomes what he considered a conciliatory response.

05/24/2018

Trump cancels summit with North Korea, objecting to North Korea’s “tremendous anger and open hostility” expressed recently in objecting to Bolton’s reference to the Libya model and to Vice-president Mike Pence’s response that North Korea would end up like Libya “only if Kim Jong-un doesn’t make a deal” with the US. South Korea and is perplexed and concerned. There are reports that China sought to temper North Korea’s eagerness for the summit. China is assumed to be opposed to a unification of the peninsula.

05/15/2018

Because of current military exercises between South Korea and the US, North Korea cancels high-level meeting with South Korea. North Korea also objects to US National Security Advisor John Bolton’s comments that the US is looking to the 2003 agreement about weapons with Libya with Muammar Ghaddafi, saying that it will not discuss a complete elimination of nuclear weapons as a condition for talks and threatens to pull out of summit with US.

05/12/2018

North Korea says it will dismantle its nuclear test site within two weeks.

04/27/2018

Panmunjon Declaration

Meeting in Panmunjom, Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong-un pledge to pursue a peace treaty between North and South Korea and denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

04/25/2018

Chinese seismologists say that North Korea’s nuclear test site has collapsed and become unstable, which may have played into the country’s decision not to continue nuclear testing. North Korea has used another site in the past.

04/21/2018

Kim Jong-un announces that North Korea no longer needs to test nuclear weapons or long-range missiles and will halt tests indefinitely.

04/19/2018

Moon Jae-In reports that North Korea is not demanding the removal of US troops as a precondition to begin talks on denuclearization, a significant change in position. This has not yet been confirmed by North Korea.

04/18/2018

North and South Korea reported to be discussing a peace agreement.

04/18/2018

US CIA Director Mike Pompeo revealed to have met with Kim Jong Un over the weekend of 3/31 to discuss meeting with Trump.

04/01/2018

US and South Korea begin annual military exercises, but they will be shorter and displaying more moderate weapons.

03/29/2018

North and South Korea agree that their summit meeting will be held 4/27 in Panmunjom.

03/23/2018

North and South Korea agree to summit meeting in April.

03/20/2018

Talks in Finland between representatives of North Korea and of the US.

03/14/2018

EU reveals series of secret talks with North Korea about nuclear program since 2015.

03/08/2018

US-North Korea summit announced

South Korean envoys bring a letter to US Pres Trump offering to meet and Trump accepts. Place and time to be determined.

03/06/2018

North and South Korea announce summit meeting between Kim Jong-un and Moon Jae-in in April. South Korea also says that the North is willing to discuss about de-nuclearization in talks with US if North Korea’s security is guaranteed and that missile tests would be halted during diplomacy efforts.

03/05/2018

Kim Jong-un meets with representatives of South Korea in Pyongyang.

03/04/2018

North Korea rejects talks with US if there are preconditions.

03/04/2018

UN report said to reveal arms sales to Egypt by North Korea.

03/01/2018

South Korea says it will send a special envoy to North Korea to discuss talks that would include the US.

02/26/2018

UN finds that North Korea provided materials for Syria’s chemical weapons.

02/25/2018

North Korea says it is open to talks with the US, though the US has so far insisted that denuclearization be the overt goal of any discussions. Back channel exchanges have occurred previously.

02/22/2018

US announces new sanctions on companies that ship to North Korea. They are registered in China, North Korea, and Hong Kong.

01/24/2018

US issues new sanctions on North Korean and Chinese shipping companies and trade representatives.

01/24/2018

North Korea calls for more cooperation with the South, and a decrease in military tensions.

01/17/2018

North and South Korea agree to march as one team under the Unification flag in the Olympics. Only the women’s ice hockey team will have citizens of both countries on the same team.

01/09/2018

North Korea agrees to send athletes to Olympic Games in South Korea, and the two countries agree to hold talks “to ease military tensions between the two Koreas.”

01/05/2018

South and North Korea agree to hold talks to improve relations, focusing on the Olympics.

01/03/2018

North Korea reopens hotline to South Korea to discuss Olympics.

01/02/2018

Pres Moon Jae-in responds positively to North Korean offer about Olympics and directs Unification ministry to begin talks as soon as possible.

01/01/2018

Kim Jong-un boasts of nuclear power, but also calls for a “peaceful resolution to our southern border” and offers to send a delegation of athletes to the Olympics in South Korea, which begin on 2/9/18.

12/30/2017

Russia denies supplying oil to North Korea.

12/28/2017

US Pres Trump in a tweet says China selling oil to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions. South Korea later offers some support to the accusation, but China denies doing anything wrong.

12/22/2017

UN imposes increasing sanctions on North Korea, reducing the amount of refined petroleum that can be shipping there.

12/15/2017

Japan imposes new sanctions on North Korea.

12/05/2017

UN diplomat visits North Korea, the first such talks, on “issues of mutual concern,” since 2011.

12/04/2017

US and South Korea hold extensive military drills in the air over the peninsula.

12/03/2017

Russia holds combat training drills in provinces near North Korea.

11/29/2017

US adds sanctions on North Korea and calls on countries who still have diplomatic ties to North Korea to end them.

11/28/2017

North Korea launches a missile believed to be an ICBM Kim Jong-un says it makes North Korea a fully nuclear state.

11/21/2017

China criticizes US listing of North Korea as a terrorist nation, suggesting that all parties try to negotiate. Air Chins suspends flights to North Korea for lack of demand.

11/20/2017

Kim Jong-un said to have disciplined his military staff at a recent meeting, strengthening his hold on the military.

11/20/2017

US returns North Korea to its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

11/17/2017

Chinese envoy reports that China and North Korea will seek cooperation.

11/16/2017

US and South Korea begin 10-day naval drill.

11/15/2017

China announces it will send a high-level envoy to North Korea on 11/17.

11/14/2017

China and Japan seek improved relationship on trade and North Korea, among other mutual concerns.

11/07/2017

US Pres Trump, traveling in Asia, urges North Korea to negotiate.

11/02/2017

USA bombers fly drills over South Korea, angering North Korea.

11/01/2017

North Korea and USA continue war of words, but USA also seeking to hold talks.

11/01/2017

North Korea and USA continue war of words, but USA also seeking to hold talks.

10/31/2017

A tunnel collapses in North Korea’s nuclear test site. The mountain has been stressed by the tests.

10/09/2017

Kim Jong-un elevates his sister, Kim Yo-jong to the Politburo.

10/08/2017

North Korea resumes work in Kaesong industrial park. South Korea remains absent.

10/01/2017

Pres Trump on Twitter publicly discourages Secretary of State Rex Tillerson from negotiating with North Korea.

09/30/2017

US said to be in communication with North Korean government about nuclear issues.

09/28/2017

China shuts down North Korean companies operating in China, as well as joint ventures between Chinese companies and North Korean companies as part of UN sanctions.

09/25/2017

Continuing warlike rhetoric and threats between US and North Korea.

09/24/2017

US announces new ban on travel for countries that do not adequately share information about terrorism: Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. Also increases restrictions or scrutiny on some Venezuelans and Iraqis.

09/21/2017

US announces new economic sanctions on North Korean individuals and businesses.

09/14/2017

North Korea missile flies over Japan. South Korea fires a missile a few minutes later.

09/11/2017

UN imposes further sanctions on North Korea after its recent nuclear test, restricting trade and oil imports.

09/03/2017

North Korea conducts thermonuclear test of bomb it says can be loaded on an ICBM.

08/29/2017

North Korea fires a ballistic missile that crosses over Japan.

08/26/2017

North Korea launches three-short range missiles, a change in armament that the US calls a step toward reducing tension.

08/23/2017

North Korea expands its rocket program.

08/14/2017

US think tank International Institute for Strategic Studies releases report saying the North Korea has received significant assistance on its missile program from a missile factory in Ukraine that was a major supplier of Russian missiles.

08/08/2017

North Korea reported to have a nuclear weapon it can insert on an ICBM. US threatens retaliation if there are more threats. North Korea responds with a threat to Guam.

08/05/2017

UN sanctions North Korea over recent missile tests.

07/28/2017

North Korea tests a new ICBM that it says can reach all of the continental US.

07/17/2017

South Korea calls for military talks with the North.

07/02/2017

ICBM test

Test of an intercontinental ballistic missile is successful. It could reach as far as Alaska. US and, in a separate joint announcement, Russia and China, call for international action.

06/29/2017

US imposes sanctions on Chinese individuals and business said to aid North Korean weapons development.

06/29/2017

US imposes sanctions on Chinese individuals and business said to aid North Korean weapons development.

06/28/2017

Fearing nonpayment, Chinese state oil company stops selling oil to North Korea.

06/08/2017

Tenth missile test of the year by North Korea.

05/21/2017

North Korea successfully tests intermediate range missile.

05/16/2017

North Korea tests a ballistic missile that it describes as large enough to carry a nuclear warhead.

05/04/2017

North Korea upbraids China's criticism and says nuclear program will continue.

04/26/2017

US imposes new sanctions on North Korea.

04/16/2017

North Korean missile test fails, but tension high as US and North Korea remain in confrontational stances. China urges restraint.

04/11/2017

North Korea threatens military attack against US as US naval battle group moves toward the area.

04/10/2017

China refuses shipment of North Korean coal, as part of implementing further sanctions on the country.

04/04/2017

North Korea fires ballistic missile into the ocean. US response engenders fears of military action.

03/07/2017

North Korea bans all Malaysians from leaving and Malaysia restricts North Korean diplomats from leaving. Malaysia says two people wanted for questioning about Kim murder are hiding in the North Korean embassy.

03/06/2017

Malaysia expels North Korean ambassador.

03/06/2017

US and Japan agree to support a UN resolution condemning the North Korean ballistic tests.

03/06/2017

US agrees to send highly advanced anti-missile system, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) to South Korea. China protests that it will alter the balance of power in the region.

03/05/2017

North Korea successfully fires five ballistic missiles, some of which land in Japanese territorial waters.

02/17/2017

China says it will suspend all coal imports from North Korea as part of the UN sanctions.

02/13/2017

Kim Jong-nam assassinated

Kim Jong-nam, exiled older brother of Kim Jong-un, is assassinated in the airport in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Two young women, a Malaysian and a Vietnamese, subsequently say they were duped into the act.

02/11/2017

North Korea tests ballistic missile.

01/01/2017

Kim Jong-un says that North Korea is developing a ballistic missile that can carry a nuclear warhead as far as the western coast of the US.

11/20/2016

Security Council tightens economic sanctions on Korea.

09/23/2016

North Korea tests rocket it says is intended to reach the moon, but many observers believe it may have military applications.

09/08/2016

North Korea sets off its fifth nuclear bomb test.

08/31/2016

South Korea says it has confirmed the execution of a North Korean deputy minister (reportedly for sleeping during a meeting) and sent two other officials, one the head of relations with and spying on South Korea, for re-education.

07/19/2016

Increasingly intense rancor between North and South Korea, after South Korea announces it will install a high-altitude missile defense system known as THAAD. North Korea subsequently fires three ballistic missiles that crash in the Sea of Japan.

05/06/2016

Seventh Workers’ Party congress

The seventh congress of the Workers’ Party. Kim is expected to formalize his byungjin policy: developing a nuclear arsenal and improving the lives of the people. Further elevation of his supporters will cement his position. It is the first party convention since 1980.

04/26/2016

China says it will not allow armed aggression on the Korean peninsula.

03/14/2016

North Korea threatens new nuclear test and subsequently launches several missiles during next two weeks.

03/05/2016

In accordance with a recent UN resolution, the Philippines seizes a ship bound for North Korea.

03/02/2016

UN increases sanctions

UN adds severe new sanctions on North Korea, including unlimited searches of all transportation into the country and further restrictions on financial transactions.

02/10/2016

A high-ranking general is convicted of corruption and executed

02/10/2016

South Korea pulls out of Kaesong industrial zone, which the North denounces as an act of war and freezes all of the South’s assets in the zone.

02/06/2016

North Korea launches a missile ostensibly to put a satellite in orbit, but observers believe that it was an intercontinental ballistic missile test.

01/06/2016

China is critical of the test. UN Security Council votes to impose additional sanctions on North Korea.

01/05/2016

Reported hydrogen bomb test

North Korea says it has successfully detonated a hydrogen bomb. Although seismic activity is reported in the area where North Korea tests its bombs, many observers are still skeptical.

12/10/2015

Kim Jong-un announces that North Korea has developed a hydrogen bomb, although experts in South Korea doubt the assertion.

11/26/2015

Talks scheduled for 12/11.

11/20/2015

South Korea agrees to the North's request for further talks to reduce tension.

04/15/2015

Kim makes his first speech, emphasizing the need for a strong military.

01/03/2015

US imposes additional sanctions on North Korea as a result of hacking attack. North Korea insists that it did not mount the attack.

12/22/2014

It is reported that all North Korea’s internet connections were down over the weekend of 12/20-12/21, after the United States had asked China for help in reining in North Korea’s cyberattacks. US officials say they had no part in the North Korean disconnection, and that China did not respond to the United States request.

12/17/2014

Sony cyberattack

US officially traces a hacking attack on Sony’s computer systems by a group calling themselves “Guardians of Peace” to North Korea and vows reprisals. The attack stole an immense amount of data that, beginning on November 24, released a great deal of embarrassing and secret data about Sony’s business. The attack was provoked by Sony’s forthcoming The Interview, a movie about a fictional assassination attempt on Kim Jung-un. Sony, which had scheduled release for a first showing on 12/18 and wider release on 12/25, cancelled showings after the Guardians of Peace threatened attacks, possibly bombings, on the theaters.

10/08/2014

After being seen limping, Kim has not been seen in public since 9/3.

04/09/2014

Supreme People’s Assembly meets to ratify Kim’s choice for top posts. Vice Marhsal Choe Ryong-hae (Mr. Choe) is elected a vice chairman of the National Defense Commission and seems to be the most powerful individual after Kim. Kim is re-elected as head of the National Defense Commission. Kim Yong-nam remains president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and therefore the nominal head of state. Pak Pong-ju is prime minister.

03/31/2014

North Korean troops fire on South Korean troops during a military exercise and South Korea returns the fire.

03/25/2014

As leaders of Japan, the US, and South Korea meet to discuss security issues in the region, North Korea fires two long-range ballistic missiles.

03/01/2014

Kim calls a general election for the Supreme People’s Assembly in which all candidates run unopposed and win 100% of the vote.

02/05/2014

Dates for reunions set, showing a movement toward more normal relationships.

02/02/2014

North Korea agrees to talks with the south about family reunions.

12/12/2013

Jang Song-thaek executed

Jang executed for plotting a coup, the first time an overthrow plot has ever been officially announced and the first public execution of the ruling family.

12/03/2013

Government announces that Kim’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek, who had been installed as a kind of regent for Kim, has been stripped of his powers. He was publicly arrested and humiliated during a party meeting for corruption, womanizing, faction-building and other crimes. A highly respected figure in North Korea, Jang was also the person China counted on to improve the economy of North Korea and make sure Kim acted responsibly. There is speculation that China may change its policy toward North Korea as a result of this move.

10/10/2013

Kim Jong-un removes top general, a hardliner. Kim has replaced nearly half his top staff in the past two years.

09/11/2013

From images of steam coming from the Yongbyon nuclear plant, North Korea is said to have restarted the nuclear reactor, despite having pledged to dismantle the reactor six years ago.

09/02/2013

South Korea pledges medical and humanitarian aid to North.

08/15/2013

North and South Korea agrees to reopen economic zone.

06/15/2013

North Korea offers to hold talks with US.

06/11/2013

Talks are canceled over disagreement about the delegations are of similar rank.

06/10/2013

North and South Korea agree to hold talks about reopening economic zone and other economic issues.

05/23/2013

China says that North Korea has agreed to open up dialogue, giving hope that talks on its nuclear program can restart.

05/19/2013

North Korea again launches missile into waters off its east coast.

05/18/2013

North Korea launches three short-range guided missiles into waters off its east coast.

04/18/2013

Though many feared North Korea would hold a ballistic missile test on the anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s birthday, 4/15, there was nothing. In subsequent days, North Korea has moderated its tone somewhat, easing tension a bit.

04/08/2013

After barring South Koreans from joint industrial site in the North Korean town of Kaesong, North Korea shuts down the site entirely. It is a major source of hard currency for North Korea.

03/28/2013

US sends stealth bombers (B-2 Spirit bombers) on exercise over South Korea, as a direct response to North Korean threats.

03/20/2013

Computer networks of some banks and broadcasters in South Korea paralyzed by cyberattacks. Kim Jong-un threatens to destroy government installations in the south and American bases in the Pacific. North Korea has recently blamed the south and America for cyberattacks on its websites.

03/11/2013

North Korea ends ceasefire with South Korea

North Korea formally nullifies ceasefire with South Korea as U.S. and South Korea perform military exercises in South Korea.

03/06/2013

In response to UN consideration of new sanctions (supported by China as well as the US), North Korea threatens to abrogate the ceasefire that ended the Korean War and also threatens to attack the United States with nuclear weapons.

02/11/2013

North Korea said to have detonated a nuclear device in a test, in defiance of the Chinese, who said that the North would “pay a heavy price” if it proceeded with the test.

01/24/2013

After UN Security Council (including China) condemns North Korean nuclear development, North Korea says it will target the US and conduct new “high-level” nuclear test.

01/01/2013

Kim Jong-un calls for an end to “confrontation” with South Korea in a New Year’s Day speech delivered personally, as Kim Il-sung did. During Kim Jong-Il’s regime, the speech was issued as a joint editorial in the state media. He advocated implementing the agreements of 2000 and 2007, when South Korea was pursuing its “sunshine policy.” He may be trying to distance himself from his father’s era, which was marked by fear of the government and a long famine. Since July, some have reported, the government has been giving greater incentive to farms and factories to make a profit.

12/11/2012

North Korea launches a long-range rocket after several previous failures, which falls into the ocean near the Philippines after putting North Korea’s first satellite into orbit.

07/17/2012

Kim takes the title of Marshal, a redundant designation but seen as an attempt to maintain control over the army.

07/15/2012

Senior Army general seen as a mentor/guardian for Kim Jong-Un is removed from all his posts. Several instances recently of Western culture being shown on national media. At one event, Kim and an unidentified woman watched a performance by a rock band that also included Mickey Mouse.

04/12/2012

Rocket disintegrates upon liftoff.

04/11/2012

Kim is named first secretary of the party. Planning for rocket launch continues.

04/08/2012

South Korea offers evidence that North Korea is planning another underground nuclear test.

03/27/2012

Government says it will launch the satellite despite international objections, calling them an unfair restriction on their peaceful development of missile technology.

03/01/2012

Government says it will fire a satellite into orbit to celebrate the anniversary of the birthday of Kim Il-sung, 4/15. South Korea and the United States say this is a violation of the UN restrictions because they are testing essentially an intercontinental ballistic missile.

02/29/2012

North Korea announces that it will suspend nuclear weapons tests, uranium enrichment, and long-range missile tests and allow international inspectors to monitor activities at its main nuclear complex. US and South Korea welcome the announcement, but are leery of its fulfillment. US says it will provide billions in food aid once concrete steps are taken.

12/27/2011

North Koreans ask for restoration of investment agreement with South Korea that was scuttled when Lee Myung-bak became president, but it is not clear if they are willing to meet any of his demands about abandoning its nuclear weapons program.

12/26/2011

Kim Jong-un meets with South Koreans and assumes a top post in the ruling party.

12/21/2011

Government portraying Kim Jong-un as firmly in control.

12/19/2011

Kim Jong-un is proclaimed his father's successor.

12/18/2011

Kim Jong-il dies

Government says that Kim Jong-il has died at 69. It is not yet clear whether the military will allow his son, Kim Jong-un to become leader, as Kim Jong-il you clearly wanted.

06/01/2011

U.S. Navy sends North Korean boat carrying missiles to Myanmar back to North Korea.

02/16/2011

Kim Jong-un is reported to have been named vice chairman of the National Defense Commission.

02/09/2011

Refusing to apologize for sinking of South Korean ship (which it denies being involved in) or the shelling of the island (saying that South Korea fired first), North Korea abruptly walks out of talks.

02/08/2011

Low-level talks begin.

01/19/2011

South Korea agrees to military talks with the North. The North may have agreed to the talks because of pressure from China, which was told by the US that it would bring more troops to the area if China was unable to force change in North Korea's behavior.

01/10/2011

North Korea asks South Korea for direct talks on economic ties. South Korea rejects the offer and makes a counteroffer to discuss the artillery attack of late last year.

01/06/2011

North Korea pleads for negotiations to reduce tensions with South Korea.

11/23/2010

After South Korea refuses to end artillery exercise on Yeonpyeong Island, North Korea fires 170 rounds at island, killing two marines and causing extensive damage. North Korea said it attacked after some shells from the exercise landed in North Korean territorial waters.

09/28/2010

Kim elevates his sister and a close friend to high military ranking. Kim Jong-un is made in a four-star general and a member of the Central committee.

09/20/2010

State news says that the Workers’ Party will meet on 9/28 to choose new leadership, likely Kim Jong-un.

08/23/2010

Government reinstates minister who was banished for advocating market-oriented reforms.

08/17/2010

North Korea rejects the proposal.

08/16/2010

South Korean Pres. Myung-bak proposes new unification plan to North Korea in three stages: peace and denuclearization, economic integration, and an eventual “community of the Korean nation.” He also suggests a tax in South Korea to pay for reunification.

06/07/2010

Parliament removes prime minister Kim Yong-il and replaces him with Worker’s Party insider and confidant of Kim Jong-il’s family. It also, at Kim’s command, elevates Kim’s brother-in-law, Jang Song-taek, to the second position on the National Defense Commission, the most powerful group in the country, led by Kim himself. Jang is de facto the second most powerful man in the country and will probably manage the transition for Kim’ son Kim Jong-un.

05/31/2010

Some easing in war of words between North and South Korea, one day after China says that if North Korea sunk the boat, it should face consequences.

05/18/2010

South Korea formally accuses North Korea of sinking one of its warships with a torpedo on 3/26/10.

02/11/2010

Reports that the government has apologized for the currency policy and lifted a ban on the use of foreign currency.

02/03/2010

Runaway inflation strains economy. Finance minister is removed. Government workers and others paid by the government were paid the same salary but in new currency, theoretically increasing their income a hundredfold. However, legal stores failed to stock adequately, so workers turned to unofficial stores.

12/01/2009

Economic crisis

Government devalues currency and restricts amount of cash people can change, which would decimate private stores of cash in local currency. The intent to stop black market trading and reduce imports from China, which has increased as central planning has broken down.

06/14/2009

Kim Jong-un thought to be overweight, prone to high blood pressure, and suffering from diabetes.

05/24/2009

North Korea unexpectedly tests a nuclear weapon, in defiance of international sanctions.

04/26/2009

Kim Jong-il’s son Kim Jong-un, 26, appointed to a position on the powerful National Defense Committee, indicating that he may be being groomed for leadership.

04/15/2009

Five days after a failed satellite launch test (which may have been an ICBM rocket launch test), North Korea quits five-party talks about nuclear program, saying it will resume its nuclear program.

12/11/2008

End of nuclear weapons talks

Talks on ending nuclear weapons program collapse.

10/12/2008

Government reaffirms its pledge to disable Yongbin plant.

10/11/2008

Although North Korea recently barred UN inspectors from Yongbin, a step that suggests it may revive the nuclear facility, US takes the country off its terror list. Economic sanctions remain in place.

09/10/2008

South Korean intelligence reports that Kim Jong-il suffered a stroke in August 2008, but has recovered enough to walk and talk. It is believed that when he dies, a group leadership under the figurehead of a Kim family member will emerge, but it may be unstable. Kim has not brought any of his three sons into the government. He has several sons, but the elder ones are illegitimate, the sons of an actress who died in 2002. Kim’s brother-in-law Jang Song-taek may be a contender for power, but the leading technocrats are Ri Yong-chol and Ri Je-gang, who run the military and organizational affairs of the Workers’ Party.

09/03/2008

South Korea reports that North Korea is reassembling Yongbyon nuclear plant, but US demurs.

10/03/2007

North Korea agrees to disable its Yongbyon nuclear reactor and to provide a list of all its nuclear programs.

04/12/2007

New prime minister is Kim Yong-il.

04/11/2007

North Korea agrees to shut down its nuclear reactor as soon as $25 million is released from Macao bank. The money had been held there at US request on the pretext that it was money being laundered. The money will be released now that North Korea has agreed to start shutting down its Yongbyon reactor

02/13/2007

North Korea agrees to shut down its nuclear reactor and accept IAEA inspections in return for fuel oil and other aid. US and Japan will normalize relations with North Korea.

10/14/2006

UN prohibits trading with North Korea of non-conventional weapons and allows countries to inspect shipping going into and out of the country. However, China and South Korea say they will not substantially alter their extensive trade with North Korea.

10/09/2006

Protests around the world, including Russia and China, about bomb tests. UN condemns it and will consider further action.

10/08/2006

North Korea tests small nuclear bomb.

07/04/2006

North Korea launches six missiles, including an intercontinental missile that fails.

09/18/2005

In an eleventh-hour proposal, North Korea agrees to end weapons development in return for security and aid package.

07/09/2005

Nuclear weapons talks

North Korea agrees to return to nuclear weapons talks.

09/03/2003

Kim Jong-il reelected. After recent regional talks about nuclear arms program, North Korea said it would not participate further. Arms program is now in full operation.

09/24/2002

North Korea announces it will set up a Hong-Kong like free enterprise zone, Sinuju, on its northern border. The zone will have its own legal and economic systems, and issue its own passports. Foreigners will be able to enter without passports, although a wall will be built around the city. It will be managed by a Chinese, Yang Bin, one of the world's richest men. He says he will use westerners to set it up.

03/31/2001

EU to arrange diplomatic relations with North Korea.

06/13/2000

Kim Dae-jung and Kim Jong-il agree on broad principles, including unification, repatriation, and exchange visits.

06/12/2000

Kim Dae-jung arrives in Pyongyang where he is greeted by Kim Jong-il at the airport. Korean War began almost exactly 50 years ago.

04/09/2000

North and South Korea agree to direct talks in June in Pyongyang.

03/16/2000

Sudden burst of international diplomacy: government establishes relations with Italy, Australia, and Japan and warms somewhat toward US and South Korea. Perhaps ploy to divert attention from its arms program, or recognition that it needs new allies. Economy has recovered slightly after some years of collapse and famine.

07/08/1994

Kim Il-sung dies

Kim Il-sung dies. He is replaced by his son, Kim Jong-il.

05/18/0003

Kim Jong -un meets with representatives of South Korea in Pyongyang.