Seoul: North Korean state media reported that the Naegohyang Women's FC secured a significant victory in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Women's Champions League by defeating Tokyo Verdy Beleze 1-0. The report notably omitted any mention of the final match being held in South Korea.
According to Yonhap News Agency, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un sent a message of condolences to Chinese President Xi Jinping following a catastrophic gas explosion at a coal mine in Shanxi Province, China. The explosion resulted in 82 fatalities and 182 injuries, marking one of China's most severe mining disasters in the past two decades.
In domestic political developments, North Korea is set to hold a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) next month. The meeting aims to conduct an interim review of state and party policies for the current year, as announced by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The KCNA also reported a significant ideological shift within Chongryong, the largest organization of pro-Pyongyang ethnic Koreans in Japan. The organization removed references to the unification of the Korean Peninsula from its rules during their 26th general congress in Tokyo, aligning with North Korea's firm stance towards Seoul.
Furthermore, North Korea has successfully tested a new lightweight multipurpose missile launching system and multiple tactical cruise missiles, under the supervision of leader Kim Jong-un. This development is part of Pyongyang's ongoing efforts to modernize its weaponry, as the South Korean military detected various missile launches towards the Yellow Sea.
In diplomatic news, North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui met with Singaporean Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan in Pyongyang. This marks the first visit by a Singaporean foreign minister to North Korea in eight years, with discussions focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation in various areas.
The Naegohyang Women's FC team was warmly welcomed back to Pyongyang following their tournament victory. The players were celebrated with a ceremony attended by government officials and citizens lining the streets, as reported by the KCNA.
Lastly, North Korea strongly criticized a recent joint statement by the foreign ministers of the United States, Australia, Japan, and India, which called for the complete denuclearization of the North. North Korea reiterated its position that it will never relinquish its nuclear arsenal.