NK weekly-external news

Summary of external news of North Korea this week

SEOUL, Jan. 23 (Yonhap) -- The following is a summary of external news on North Korea this week.

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N. Korea-linked hacking group exploits Naver, Google ads to spread malware: report

SEOUL -- A North Korea-linked hacking group has recently conducted a sophisticated malware distribution campaign by abusing online advertising systems operated by Naver and Google, a report showed Monday.

According to the online threat assessment report released by Genians Security Center, Konni, the hacking group tied to Kimsuky and other Pyongyang-sponsored hacking groups, has launched an advanced persistent threat (APT) campaign by exploiting the online portals' ad systems.

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N. Korea replaces chemical industry minister ahead of party congress

SEOUL -- North Korea appears to have replaced the chemical industry minister, according to state media Wednesday, as leader Kim Jong-un is dialing up discipline among officials ahead of a key party congress.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that Chemical Industry Minister Kim Sun-myong delivered a speech at a completion ceremony for a catalyst production line at the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex in South Pyongan Province the previous day.

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