Seoul and Tokyo have highly capable militaries, but historical animosities from Japan’s colonial occupation of Korea continue to constrain their bilateral relationship and military cooperation.
The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a guilty verdict for former Defense Minister Kim Kwan-jin accused of political meddling surrounding elections in 2012.
Despite being the “second most powerful man in North Korea,” Jang Song Taek has reportedly been purged from the leadership elite for the third time. Jang, Vice Chairman of the important National Defense Commission, ascended to the pinnacle of power after marrying the sister of previous leader Kim Jong Il. Although Jang returned to senior positions after his previous removals, his luck may have finally run out.