Clinton Warns North Korea, Names Special Envoy

Activists say it's about warm feet, not politics

(NEWSER) - Another sign of just how bad things have gotten in North Korea: Activists in the South sent balloons skyward today carrying a hot black-market item: warm socks. Members of North Korea Peace tell AFP it's not about politics. "All we want is that people in the North wear warm socks over their frozen feet," says a spokeswoman. More»

Freed Burmese opposition leader talks with Washington Post

(NEWSER) - Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi sat down with the Washington Post this week to discuss her hopes for political change in Burma. Now a free citizen, a political star, and a registered candidate for parliamentary elections , Suu Kyi spoke in the same living room where she endured house arrest for 15 years:

• On President Thein Sein: "I believe he sincerely wants reform. But he is not the only one in government. Our present constitution gives the military far too much power."

Crocodile tears for Kim result in forced labor, source says

(NEWSER) - North Koreans whose mourning of their Dear Leader lacked enthusiasm have been sent to join the 200,000 of their countrymen already in labor camps, according to Daily NK . The South Korea-based website, citing sources in the North, says people who either skipped mourning sessions for Kim Jong Il or didn't seem sincere have been sentenced to at least six months of forced labor, as have people accused of criticizing the dynastic succession system. More»

Embalmed body to rest in Pyongyang mausoleum

(NEWSER) - It seems North Korea was able to dig up enough coins to pickle dear departed leader Kim Jong Il after all. The country announced today that Kim's embalmed body will go on permanent display in a Pyongyang mausoleum. His body had been shown under a glass coffin, but following his Dec. 28 state funeral, it was unclear what would happen next—though media reports claimed that the Russians entrusted with the upkeep of Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body were being flown to North Korea. More»

Journalists or South Koreans need not apply

(NEWSER) - Where should you take your next vacation? CNN's Business 360 blog notes that North Korea is accepting tourists again after a winter hiatus. As long as you are not South Korean or a journalist, you should be able to get in as part of a tour group. One agency out of Beijing offers a four-day trip for $1,600, which includes visas and all the guides, food, lodging, and transport you'll need. Just make sure you don't lose that tour group. More»