More North Korean defectors ineligible for resettlement benefits in the South

Choe was reportedly responsible for the construction of the power station in North Korea’s northeastern Ryanggang Province. The get-together, which at one point looked like it would be held last week, never materialized.

According to Seoul’s Unification Ministry, there are now 172 “non-protected” North Korean defectors, and unlike peers, are ineligible for benefits such as resettlement money, housing subsidies and vocational training.

The countries agreed to the revised treaty in April after spending several years arguing over whether South Korea should have the right to enrich and reprocess U.S.-origin nuclear fuel for commercial purposes. Critics bemoan what they characterize as Washington’s neglect, but the Obama administration’s disengagement is largely the result of the Kim regime’s bad faith, which caused the failure of the so-called Leap Day Deal of 2012.

The agency saved face in 2013 when it said Jang had been executed, days before North Korea announced the killing of Kim’s uncle for treason. What was the two most debating about?

But as if the attempt at being a rock-star wasn’t enough, it seems Kim Jong-un now wants to be idolised and copied by the youth, similar to the manner in which David Beckham’s hairstyles trend.

Choe’s father fought alongside Kim’s grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, in a guerrilla war against Japanese forces during World War II. The most recent reports indicate Kim had Choe “banished”.

But after talks, also held at Panmunjom, the two countries reached a deal to de-escalate tensions with the South stopping the broadcasts and the North pulling back troops.

The solemn state funeral began around 2 p.m. Thursday, with former KBS announcer, Kim Dong-kun, officiating. Less than 20 percent of the enrichment will be possible if the two countries agree to it through consultations at the standing committee co-chaired by US deputy secretary of energy and South Korean vice foreign minister.

 The rank of officials who would lead future higher-level talks is a key agenda point – and likely a heated point of discussion – of the meeting.