SEOUL, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- North Korea says it has arrested an agent it claims was sent by South Korea to assassinate the North's reclusive leader, Kim Jong Il.

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Kim Jong-Il visited a steel plant Thursday, a day after he toured a library and electronics research plant, North Korean state-run media reported.

PARIS, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il appears to be making a good recovery from a stroke, a French doctor who has treated him said Thursday.

TOKYO, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- A previously unknown third son of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has emerged as a contender for power in Pyongyang, an analyst says.

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (UPI) -- South Korean officials said they were preparing Sunday for a planned cutback in border crossings and economic contacts with their North Korean neighbors.

MOSCOW, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- The global media have been discussing the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il since September 2008 after he failed to show up at several important official events, including celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea -- North Korea. This sparked rumors of his illness and a possible stroke.

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- South Korean President Lee Myung-bak says he would welcome a meeting between U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and North Korea once Obama takes office.

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong Il made another public appearance at a military arts festival, the Communist country's official news agency reported Sunday.

MOSCOW, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The global media have been discussing the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il since September, after he failed to show up at several important official events, including celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. This sparked rumors of illness and a possible stroke.