Pyongyang

Pyongyang is the capital of North Korea and the center of its government and military operations. It is newsworthy due to North Korea's ongoing development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, coupled with internal political shifts. Recent events include multiple ballistic missile launches from north of Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un's public dismissal of a vice-minister, and plans to bolster the country's nuclear arsenal. These actions are occurring as South Korea strengthens its defenses, including deploying the Hyunmoo-5 missile, and proposes a freeze of North Korea's nuclear program in exchange for compensation, with calls for Chinese mediation. Furthermore, North Korea's Kim Yo Jong has rejected improved ties with South Korea. Pyongyang's actions are significant because they contribute to heightened regional tensions and international concerns about nuclear proliferation, while also highlighting internal pressures within the North Korean regime, as evidenced by the public sacking and economic strains.