North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently inspected special forces and test-fired a newly developed sniper rifle, according to state media reports on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Kim emphasized that the training of these special forces significantly bolsters their "actual war capability for guaranteeing victory." This inspection occurs amidst concerns raised by South Korea's spy agency, which alleges that Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to Russia to aid Moscow in its ongoing conflict against Ukraine.

During his visit to the special operations unit on Friday, Kim Jong Un stated that their intensive training regimen is the most apparent demonstration of patriotism and loyalty to the country. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released images showing Kim examining the sniper rifle through its scope, which is slated to be newly supplied to special operation units. Additional images depict Kim pointing at a target's bullseye, crouching with camouflaged soldiers, and greeting troops with smiles and waves.

KCNA reported that Kim supervised both automatic and sniper rifle firing drills. After personally test-firing the newly developed sniper rifle, Kim expressed immense satisfaction with its performance and power, noting that it was developed indigenously.

Simultaneously, in South Korea, the Constitutional Court upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol concerning his controversial martial law declaration. This decision removes him from office and necessitates fresh elections. Yoon had previously defended his December 3 attempt to impose martial law as essential for eradicating "anti-state forces" and perceived threats from North Korea.

KCNA also reported on Saturday, citing foreign media, about Yoon's dismissal. Experts suggest that South Korea's opposition leader, Lee Jae-myung, is a leading candidate in the upcoming elections. His party is known for advocating a more conciliatory stance toward North Korea.

Furthermore, former US President Donald Trump, who engaged with Kim Jong Un on three separate occasions during his presidency, mentioned this week that he remains in communication with Kim and intends to "do something at some point," according to South Korea's Yonhap news agency.