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Jon Herskovitz
For Jon Herskovitz's latest contributions to The Japan Times, see below:
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 18, 2023
South Korea’s flirtation with nuclear arms piles pressure on U.S.
As much as the two governments don’t want to talk about it, tensions between the allies are rising over how best to respond to North Korea’s rapidly improving nuclear capabilities.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jan 2, 2023
Kim Jong Un vows nuclear buildup to take on U.S. and South Korea
In a speech that came at the end of a nearly weeklong meeting of his ruling Workers Party, the North Korean leader said Washington and Seoul are taking aim at his government.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 30, 2022
Kim Jong Un to ring in New Year with missiles and nuclear threats
Pyongyang will likely look to continue honing his ability to deliver a credible nuclear strike against the U.S. and its allies.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 27, 2022
South Korea's Yoon pardons jailed former President Lee Myung-bak
Lee is the fourth former president to be issued a pardon since the country's transition to full democracy in 1987.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Dec 27, 2022
South Korea sends drones into North Korean airspace in unprecedented move
The deployment was consistent with South Korea's strategy over the past year to respond to North Korean provocations with similar maneuvers.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 30, 2022
Kim Jong Un’s ‘precious child’ shows regime to stay
It's still not known whether the regime views his 'precious child” as Kim's heir, or whether that status would belong to the older brother she's rumored to have.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 17, 2022
North Korea fires missile after warning U.S. of ‘fierce’ move
The test came shortly after Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui issued a statement saying Pyongyang will respond militarily if the U.S. keeps working with its allies on joint exercises.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 1, 2022
North Korea threatens U.S. with ‘powerful measures’ over drills
North Korea threatened to unleash a powerful action if the U.S. does not halt joint military drills with partners including South Korea, in what might be an effort by Kim Jong Un to lay the ground for his first nuclear test in five years.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 31, 2022
Seoul tragedy puts pressure on Yoon to demonstrate he can lead
Opponents of the South Korean president have been given an opportunity to paint his administration as incompetent.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Oct 6, 2022
Missile-alert panic triggers calls to ramp up Japan's defenses
By the time many people were aware of the alert on Tuesday, North Korea's missile had already splashed down in the Pacific Ocean more than 3,000 kilometers away.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Sep 22, 2022
North Korea denies selling Russia arms and blasts U.S. for ‘rumors’
This month, U.S. officials said Russia wants to buy millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea to use in its war against Ukraine.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Jul 1, 2022
North Korea blames COVID-19 outbreak on ‘alien things’ from South
South Korea's Unification Ministry repudiated the claims, and there are several other possible routes for COVID-19 infections.
Japan Times
WORLD
May 20, 2022
Biden has little to entice Kim Jong Un to stop weapons tests
The U.S. push to isolate Russia over the war in Ukraine, coupled with increasing animosity toward China, has allowed Kim to boost his nuclear deterrent without fear of more U.N. sanctions.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
May 18, 2022
Under pressure from COVID outbreak, North Korea may launch ICBM in show of strength
Kim Jong Un may be preparing to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile to coincide with U.S. President Joe Biden's trip to the region, according to media reports.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Apr 20, 2022
Kim Jong Un's Hollywood makeover highlights new propaganda push
Since taking power a decade ago, Kim has brought new looks to state television, including drone footage, computer graphics, music video-style cuts and made-for-TV moments.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jan 15, 2022
North Korea stole $400 million of cryptocurrency in 2021, report says
The haul marked a 40% increase from a year before, the report from blockchain research firm Chainalysis said.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Nov 10, 2021
China's COVID surge could set back Kim Jong Un’s border reopening
New COVID-19 restrictions in the Chinese area bordering North Korea may have scuttled Kim Jong Un's plans to reopen a vital crossing that has been closed for almost two years.
Japan Times
WORLD / FOCUS
Oct 19, 2021
China’s orbiting missile exploits weakness in U.S. defenses
The weapon missed its mark, but could later become capable of sending warheads around American anti-missile systems.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 7, 2021
North Korea is trying to hide uranium plant expansion, watchdog group says
Satellite imagery shows that previously reported construction in an area at the Yongbyon uranium enrichment plant has been covered to hide details of the building's layout.
Japan Times
ASIA PACIFIC
Oct 5, 2021
North Korea trades scorn for flattery to win benefits from Moon
While North Korea has frequently shifted between provocations and diplomatic overtures, Kim now appears to be trying to do both at the same time.

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