Honestly, if you took a nap for a few years and woke up today, January 13, 2026, you'd think the script for the Korean Peninsula hadn't changed a bit. But look closer. Things are actually getting weirder and, frankly, a lot more tense than the usual "sabre-rattling" headlines suggest.
The big news right now? It isn't just about a missile launch. It’s about how North Korea is reacting to things happening on the other side of the planet—specifically in Venezuela.
On January 3, the US military pulled off a high-stakes operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. While the rest of the world was processing that, Kim Jong Un was watching very, very closely. By the next day, January 4, North Korea had already fired off at least two "supersonic" ballistic missiles from the Ryokpho district near Pyongyang.
They weren't just practicing. Kim Jong Un basically told his state media, KCNA, that these tests were a direct response to the "geopolitical crisis" unfolding globally. Translation: "If you think you can do that to Maduro, don't even think about trying it here."
The Venezuela Connection and the New Nuclear Justification
It’s easy to dismiss North Korean rhetoric as predictable. However, the January 4 launches represent a specific shift. For a long time, the US and North Korea news cycle was stuck in a loop about "denuclearization." That word is basically dead in Pyongyang now.
North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs didn't just condemn the raid in Caracas; they called it "gangster-like." They are using the US operation in Venezuela as the perfect excuse to double down on their own nukes. To Kim, the lesson is simple: if you don't have a massive nuclear deterrent, the US might eventually show up at your door.
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This has effectively killed any immediate hope for the "renewed dialogue" that some in Washington were whispering about.
Why the 2026 Strategy is Different
In December 2025, the US released its latest National Security Strategy. If you read the whole thing, you’d notice something glaring. North Korea was barely in it. While China was mentioned dozens of times, the Korean Peninsula felt like an afterthought to the Trump administration.
Pyongyang noticed. A pro-North Korean paper in Japan even argued that the US's silence was an admission of "complete failure" in their policy.
- The Nuclear Submarine Factor: On the flip side, the US has given South Korea the green light to develop nuclear-powered submarines.
- The Moscow-Pyongyang Axis: Kim isn't just relying on his own factories anymore. His relationship with Russia has deepened to the point where they are sharing tech and, potentially, fuel.
- The "IT Worker" Problem: Just yesterday, January 12, US officials revealed that North Korea is using AI to help their IT workers fake identities and get hired at Western companies to funnel money back to the regime.
The Trump-Kim Relationship in 2026
You've probably heard the rumors that President Trump wants another summit. He’s dropped hints, calling North Korea a "big nuclear nation" and mentioning his "very good relationship" with Kim.
But there’s a massive wall in the way.
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Kim Jong Un told the Supreme People’s Assembly late last year that he’s open to "peaceful coexistence," but only if the US stops its "absurd pursuit" of denuclearization. He wants to be treated like a nuclear state, period. No more giving up the toys to get the treats.
Dr. Edward Howell, a noted expert on the region, recently pointed out that North Korea’s interest in talking to the US has cratered since the 2019 Hanoi summit failed. Kim feels he has more leverage now, especially with an 8,700-tonne nuclear-powered submarine recently added to his fleet.
South Korea’s De-escalation Gamble
While the US and North Korea news often focuses on the big players, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is playing a very different game.
Today, January 13, President Lee is in Nara, Japan, meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. They’re talking about supply chains and AI. But back home, Lee is trying to cool things down with the North.
Just a few days ago, on January 10, North Korea claimed South Korean drones violated their airspace. Instead of the usual fiery response, the Lee administration has been trying to keep things quiet. They’ve even criticized previous administrations for being too aggressive.
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It’s a weird dynamic. You have the US taking out leaders in South America, North Korea firing "supersonic" missiles in protest, and South Korea trying to convince everyone to just take a deep breath.
What’s Coming Next?
Keep your eyes on the Ninth Party Congress. It’s expected to happen any day now in early 2026. This is where Kim Jong Un will lay out his "Five-Year Plan" for the next half of the decade.
We’re likely to see:
- More Cyber Activity: Expect more sophisticated crypto thefts and AI-driven job scams.
- Increased Russian Cooperation: Look for more "joint research" that looks suspiciously like missile tech transfers.
- The Rise of Kim Ju Ae: Kim’s daughter is appearing everywhere. It’s no longer just a "bring your kid to work" day; it’s a clear succession signal.
How to Stay Informed on US and North Korea News
Staying on top of this doesn't mean reading every single missile alert. Most of those are just "test flights" that don't change the status quo.
Instead, watch for the Outbound Investment Regulations (like the COINS Act of 2025). The US is starting to crack down on how Western money accidentally funds North Korean tech through China. If you're an investor or work in tech, these compliance rules are going to be more relevant to you than the latest parade in Pyongyang.
Also, pay attention to the rhetoric coming out of the 2026 State of the Union. If the US shifts its language from "denuclearization" to "risk reduction" or "coexistence," that’s the signal that a deal—however controversial—might actually be on the table.
Next Steps for Readers:
Check your company’s remote hiring protocols. The US State Department just updated their guidance on identifying North Korean IT workers using AI-generated deepfakes in interviews. If you’re hiring remote developers from Southeast Asia or Eastern Europe, ensure you’re using multi-factor identity verification to avoid inadvertently funding North Korea’s weapons programs.