IN-DEPTH: North Korea’s Actions in January Further Escalate Tensions on the Korean Peninsula

Experts call the situation on the Korean Peninsula more dangerous than it has been at any time since the outbreak of the Korean War.

A TV screen shows a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a news program at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, on Jan. 16, 2024. Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo

In January, North Korea strengthened its ties with Russia, conducted multiple missile launches, and revised its constitution to designate South Korea as its top enemy state. Experts say the actions significantly escalated the situation on the Korean Peninsula.

The Guardian reported on Jan. 22 that the UK government had submitted a report to a panel of UN experts on sanctions against North Korea. Satellite images provided by the UK showed North Korean cargo shipments to Russia.