Chronologies
US - Korea
Chronology from Sep 2018 to Dec 2018
: Blue House says Kim Jong Un wants more summits with Moon in 2019.
: Blue House says Kim Jong Un wants more summits with Moon in 2019.
: Inter-Korean groundbreaking for rail and road reconnection occurs.
: Inter-Korean groundbreaking for rail and road reconnection occurs.
: US Federal Court Judge Beryl Howell orders North Korea to pay Otto Warmbier’s parents $501 million for “torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing.”
: US Federal Court Judge Beryl Howell orders North Korea to pay Otto Warmbier’s parents $501 million for “torture, hostage-taking, and extrajudicial killing.”
: ROK announces that the US will help it get flu drugs to the DPRK, despite stalled nuclear talks.
: ROK announces that the US will help it get flu drugs to the DPRK, despite stalled nuclear talks.
: Defense Secretary Mattis announces his resignation.
: Defense Secretary Mattis announces his resignation.
: ROK MND announces smaller military drills with the US in 2019 given North Korea negotiations.
: North Korean state media says denuclearization includes “eliminating the US nuclear threat.”
: ROK MND announces smaller military drills with the US in 2019 given North Korea negotiations.
: North Korean state media says denuclearization includes “eliminating the US nuclear threat.”
: Special Representative Biegun announces that the US will try to expedite humanitarian aid and review a ban for aid workers on his arrival for a four-day visit to Seoul.
: Special Representative Biegun announces that the US will try to expedite humanitarian aid and review a ban for aid workers on his arrival for a four-day visit to Seoul.
: KCNA commentary warns the US over stalled negotiations.
: KCNA commentary warns the US over stalled negotiations.
: US Missile Defense Agency reports successful missile defense system test aimed at intermediate-range missiles.
: US Missile Defense Agency reports successful missile defense system test aimed at intermediate-range missiles.
: US Treasury sanctions three DPRK officials for human rights violations.
: US Treasury sanctions three DPRK officials for human rights violations.
: Middlebury Institute Nonproliferation Center report suggests North Korea is expanding facilities to house long-range missiles.
: Middlebury Institute Nonproliferation Center report suggests North Korea is expanding facilities to house long-range missiles.
: Defense Secretary Mattis identifies North Korea as the most urgent threat to the US. National Security Advisor John Bolton says despite lapses, a second summit will occur.
: Defense Secretary Mattis identifies North Korea as the most urgent threat to the US. National Security Advisor John Bolton says despite lapses, a second summit will occur.
: US Army Pacific Commander Gen. Robert Brown describes the alliance as rock solid, and that to maintain readiness, high-level exercises should take place off-peninsula.
: US Army Pacific Commander Gen. Robert Brown describes the alliance as rock solid, and that to maintain readiness, high-level exercises should take place off-peninsula.
: Secretary Pompeo suggests a need for patience in resolving the denuclearization issue and underscores that sanctions will remain in place.
: Secretary Pompeo suggests a need for patience in resolving the denuclearization issue and underscores that sanctions will remain in place.
: IAEA reports the DPRK is expanding operations at its main nuclear site at Yongbyon.
: IAEA reports the DPRK is expanding operations at its main nuclear site at Yongbyon.
: Secretary Pompeo suggests progress on denuclearization should accompany better inter-Korean relations. Defense Secretary Mattis announces reduction in scope of 2019 US and ROK Foal Eagle exercises.
: Secretary Pompeo suggests progress on denuclearization should accompany better inter-Korean relations. Defense Secretary Mattis announces reduction in scope of 2019 US and ROK Foal Eagle exercises.
: US Treasury sanctions a South African for helping supply oil to the DPRK. North Korea destroys 10 guard posts in the JSA.
: Special Representative Biegun and counterpart Lee Do-hoon convene a US-ROK working group aimed at strengthening coordination on DPRK policy.
: US Treasury sanctions a South African for helping supply oil to the DPRK. North Korea destroys 10 guard posts in the JSA.
: Special Representative Biegun and counterpart Lee Do-hoon convene a US-ROK working group aimed at strengthening coordination on DPRK policy.
: North Korea state media reports that Kim Jong Un visited the site of a successful test of a “newly developed, ultramodern tactical weapon.” Pompeo thanks North Korea and Sweden for the release of US citizen Bruce Byron Lowrance, detained in October.
: North Korea state media reports that Kim Jong Un visited the site of a successful test of a “newly developed, ultramodern tactical weapon.” Pompeo thanks North Korea and Sweden for the release of US citizen Bruce Byron Lowrance, detained in October.
: President Moon tells visiting Vice President Mike Pence that the alliance has made the current situation possible. Pence says Trump will meet Kim in 2019, but won’t allow broken promises.
: President Moon tells visiting Vice President Mike Pence that the alliance has made the current situation possible. Pence says Trump will meet Kim in 2019, but won’t allow broken promises.
: US Congressional Commission reports China has relaxed sanctions enforcement on North Korea.
: US Congressional Commission reports China has relaxed sanctions enforcement on North Korea.
: Center for Strategic and International Studies says it identified 13 of an estimated 20 undeclared missile bases inside North Korea. Trump says DPRK missile sites are “nothing new.”
: DPRK’s Rodong Sinmun condemns US-ROK small-scale exercises by the Korean Marine Exchange Program as a violation of the Sept. 19 Pyongyang accords.
: Center for Strategic and International Studies says it identified 13 of an estimated 20 undeclared missile bases inside North Korea. Trump says DPRK missile sites are “nothing new.”
: DPRK’s Rodong Sinmun condemns US-ROK small-scale exercises by the Korean Marine Exchange Program as a violation of the Sept. 19 Pyongyang accords.
: Democratic Sen. Ed Markey calls on Trump to ease the ban on US aid workers to DPRK.
: Democratic Sen. Ed Markey calls on Trump to ease the ban on US aid workers to DPRK.
: Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford notes that US-DPRK talks could affect US military posture.
: Gen. Brooks meets FM Kang, saying the alliance has “overcome a range of challenges as a team amid the changing situation on the Korean Peninsula.”
: Secretary of State Pompeo’s meeting in New York with North Korean Kim Yong Chol is abruptly canceled.
: Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Joseph Dunford notes that US-DPRK talks could affect US military posture.
: Gen. Brooks meets FM Kang, saying the alliance has “overcome a range of challenges as a team amid the changing situation on the Korean Peninsula.”
: Secretary of State Pompeo’s meeting in New York with North Korean Kim Yong Chol is abruptly canceled.
: Outgoing USFK Commander Gen. Vincent Brooks voices support for September inter-Korean military accord.
: Outgoing USFK Commander Gen. Vincent Brooks voices support for September inter-Korean military accord.
: US and ROK resume low-key military drills. North Korea warns of strengthening its nuclear arsenal without US sanctions relief in advance of Pompeo meeting.
: US and ROK resume low-key military drills. North Korea warns of strengthening its nuclear arsenal without US sanctions relief in advance of Pompeo meeting.
: Defense Secretary James Mattis describes “continuity for the ROK-led future CFC.”
: Defense Secretary James Mattis describes “continuity for the ROK-led future CFC.”
: No-fly zone and military drill ban take effect along DMZ.
: No-fly zone and military drill ban take effect along DMZ.
: Secretary of Defense Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo meet for the 50th Security Consultative Meeting in Washington, DC. The agree to strategic guidelines that aim to reduce uncertainty over transfer of wartime operational control.
: US announces Pompeo meeting with a DPRK counterpart in early November. ROK and US agree to wartime operational control transfer principles for facilitation.
: Secretary of Defense Mattis and South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo meet for the 50th Security Consultative Meeting in Washington, DC. The agree to strategic guidelines that aim to reduce uncertainty over transfer of wartime operational control.
: US announces Pompeo meeting with a DPRK counterpart in early November. ROK and US agree to wartime operational control transfer principles for facilitation.
: ROK FM Kang asks US for “maximum flexibility” on Iran sanctions.
: ROK FM Kang asks US for “maximum flexibility” on Iran sanctions.
: Special Representative Biegun meets ROK counterpart Lee Do-hoon.
: Special Representative Biegun meets ROK counterpart Lee Do-hoon.
: ROK and DPRK agree to scrap 22 guard posts along the DMZ. ROK Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo reaffirms the temporary status of THAAD deployments.
: ROK and DPRK agree to scrap 22 guard posts along the DMZ. ROK Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo reaffirms the temporary status of THAAD deployments.
: US and ROK chairmen of respective Joint Chiefs of Staff hold annual Military Committee Meeting, underscoring the alliance.
: US and ROK chairmen of respective Joint Chiefs of Staff hold annual Military Committee Meeting, underscoring the alliance.
: US Treasury expresses “deep concern” over ROK bank plans for DPRK. UNC, ROK and DPRK hold second round of military working-level talks aimed at demilitarization.
: US Treasury expresses “deep concern” over ROK bank plans for DPRK. UNC, ROK and DPRK hold second round of military working-level talks aimed at demilitarization.
: US and ROK agree to suspend more drills in an effort to bolster diplomacy with the DPRK. US official suggests that the next US-DPRK summit will take place in the new year.
: US and ROK agree to suspend more drills in an effort to bolster diplomacy with the DPRK. US official suggests that the next US-DPRK summit will take place in the new year.
: Media reports suggest the US is opposed to inter-Korean agreement on a no-fly zone. The Wall Street Journal describes a US-ROK “wrangle” over DPRK policy.
: Media reports suggest the US is opposed to inter-Korean agreement on a no-fly zone. The Wall Street Journal describes a US-ROK “wrangle” over DPRK policy.
: ROK MND announces that UNC, ROK, and DPRK representatives are meeting about disarming the joint security area. State Department announces Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Biegun is traveling to Moscow, Paris, and Brussels for working-level meetings.
: ROK MND announces that UNC, ROK, and DPRK representatives are meeting about disarming the joint security area. State Department announces Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Biegun is traveling to Moscow, Paris, and Brussels for working-level meetings.
: Moon argues that Kim is sincere and should see rewards for abandoning nuclear weapons.
: Moon argues that Kim is sincere and should see rewards for abandoning nuclear weapons.
: Seoul says Pyongyang intends to abolish all nuclear weapons.
: Seoul says Pyongyang intends to abolish all nuclear weapons.
: Seoul says it has made no change on DPRK sanctions.
: Seoul says it has made no change on DPRK sanctions.
: ROK says Secretary Pompeo complained about inter-Korean military agreement.
: ROK says Secretary Pompeo complained about inter-Korean military agreement.
: President Moon suggests that a “new order is being created on the Korean Peninsula.” Pompeo describes seeing a “path” to denuclearization. Trump says a second summit will come after midterm elections.
: President Moon suggests that a “new order is being created on the Korean Peninsula.” Pompeo describes seeing a “path” to denuclearization. Trump says a second summit will come after midterm elections.
: Secretary Pompeo says North Korea is ready to let inspectors into the Punggye-ri nuclear test site and Sohae missile engine test facility after US and DPRK agree on logistics.
: Secretary Pompeo says North Korea is ready to let inspectors into the Punggye-ri nuclear test site and Sohae missile engine test facility after US and DPRK agree on logistics.
: Secretary Pompeo meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and notes progress on Singapore commitments. Blue House announces Pompeo and Kim agree to a second US-DPRK summit.
: Secretary Pompeo meets Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang and notes progress on Singapore commitments. Blue House announces Pompeo and Kim agree to a second US-DPRK summit.
: Pompeo suggests optimism for “better understandings, deeper progress and a plan forward.”
: Pompeo suggests optimism for “better understandings, deeper progress and a plan forward.”
: US Treasury sanctions a Turkish firm and a DPRK diplomat for weapons trade.
: The Arms Control Association announces release of North Korea Denuclearization Digest.
: US Treasury sanctions a Turkish firm and a DPRK diplomat for weapons trade.
: The Arms Control Association announces release of North Korea Denuclearization Digest.
: ROK FM Kang Kyung-wha suggests that the US should hold off its demand for a DPRK declaration and accept a verified closure of the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
: ROK FM Kang Kyung-wha suggests that the US should hold off its demand for a DPRK declaration and accept a verified closure of the Yongbyon nuclear facility.
: Washington announces Pompeo will visit Pyongyang again despite negative signals. Pyongyang says its steps toward denuclearization must be met by US concessions.
: Washington announces Pompeo will visit Pyongyang again despite negative signals. Pyongyang says its steps toward denuclearization must be met by US concessions.
: Trump tells US public rally he and Kim “fell in love.”
: Trump tells US public rally he and Kim “fell in love.”
: DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho tells UNGA that the DPRK in “no way” will disarm without trust.
: DPRK Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho tells UNGA that the DPRK in “no way” will disarm without trust.
: Trump underscores there is no timeframe for denuclearization and anticipates a second summit with Kim. Pompeo tells UNSC the only path for the DPRK is diplomacy and denuclearization.
: Trump underscores there is no timeframe for denuclearization and anticipates a second summit with Kim. Pompeo tells UNSC the only path for the DPRK is diplomacy and denuclearization.
: Moon tells UN General Assembly that “ending the Korean War is an urgent task” and calls for a peace regime.
: Moon tells UN General Assembly that “ending the Korean War is an urgent task” and calls for a peace regime.
: Incoming USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams suggests a slight dip in readiness with the suspension of exercises and acknowledges tactical risk if US troops were removed from the Korean Peninsula in Senate confirmation hearings.
: Trump praises Kim, but says sanctions must stay for now.
: Incoming USFK Commander Gen. Robert Abrams suggests a slight dip in readiness with the suspension of exercises and acknowledges tactical risk if US troops were removed from the Korean Peninsula in Senate confirmation hearings.
: Trump praises Kim, but says sanctions must stay for now.
: Updated KORUS Free Trade Agreement is finalized.
: Updated KORUS Free Trade Agreement is finalized.
: Moon says Kim wants another Trump summit to speed denuclearization.
: Moon says Kim wants another Trump summit to speed denuclearization.
: DPRK invites foreign experts to watch closure of missile engine testing site and launch pad at Tongchang-ri. US says it is ready to resume talks with North Korea.
: DPRK invites foreign experts to watch closure of missile engine testing site and launch pad at Tongchang-ri. US says it is ready to resume talks with North Korea.
: Kim Jong Un says North and South Korea agreed to denuclearization efforts.
: Kim Jong Un says North and South Korea agreed to denuclearization efforts.
: Moon meets Kim, who credits earlier meeting with Trump as stabilizing region and promises to visit Seoul. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley accuses Russia of “cheating” on DPRK sanctions.
: Moon meets Kim, who credits earlier meeting with Trump as stabilizing region and promises to visit Seoul. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley accuses Russia of “cheating” on DPRK sanctions.
: New Yorker article describes US North Korea policy advisors: “None of them is where the President is.” Pompeo accuses Russia of actively undermining sanctions.
: New Yorker article describes US North Korea policy advisors: “None of them is where the President is.” Pompeo accuses Russia of actively undermining sanctions.
: Two Koreas hold working-level military talks. US imposes North Korea-related sanctions on Russian and Chinese technology firms. US approves possible $2.6 billion in military sales to ROK.
: US accuses Russia of covering up breaches of North Korea sanctions. Despite US warning, North Korea coal shipped into South Korea. DPRK decries US accusations of computer network hacking as a “smear campaign.”
: Two Koreas hold working-level military talks. US imposes North Korea-related sanctions on Russian and Chinese technology firms. US approves possible $2.6 billion in military sales to ROK.
: US accuses Russia of covering up breaches of North Korea sanctions. Despite US warning, North Korea coal shipped into South Korea. DPRK decries US accusations of computer network hacking as a “smear campaign.”
: Two Koreas open liaison offices with around-the-clock communications channels.
: Two Koreas open liaison offices with around-the-clock communications channels.
: Two more US service members’ remains returned in DPRK handover.
: Two more US service members’ remains returned in DPRK handover.
: Kim Jong Un sends Trump a letter requesting a follow-on meeting.
: Kim Jong Un sends Trump a letter requesting a follow-on meeting.
: North Korea military parade features floats and no long-range missiles. Kim Jong Un tells Chinese envoy North Korea he is upholding US nuclear deal.
: North Korea military parade features floats and no long-range missiles. Kim Jong Un tells Chinese envoy North Korea he is upholding US nuclear deal.
: President Trump states he is expecting a “positive” letter from Kim Jong Un.
: President Trump states he is expecting a “positive” letter from Kim Jong Un.
: President Moon underscores the need for the DPRK’s “complete denuclearization; and Trump thanks Kim Jong Un for “unwavering faith” after Kim suggests a denuclearization timeline.
: US accuses North Korea of engaging in a global cyber-crime wave.
: President Moon underscores the need for the DPRK’s “complete denuclearization; and Trump thanks Kim Jong Un for “unwavering faith” after Kim suggests a denuclearization timeline.
: US accuses North Korea of engaging in a global cyber-crime wave.
: US President Donald Trump speaks with South Korea President Moon in advance of ROK delegates heading north and Moon’s visit to New York.