Several hundred North Korean soldiers enter the DMZ in defiance of the ceasefire. A North Korean submarine reportedly carrying commandos runs aground off the South's coastline. The occupants are arrested or killed in a massive manhunt. 1997 February 12 Top Pyongyang ideologue Hwang Jang Yop defects while in Beijing. March 5 Representatives from North and South meet in New York to discuss four-way talks.
Speculation grows that the North is facing famine on a massive scale.
June 30 Coaxed by promises of food aid, Pyongyang agrees to participate in the talks. The move complicates progress toward full four-way talks. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines .