NORTH KOREA will shift to collective rule from a strongman dictatorship after last week’s death of Kim Jong-il, although his untested young son will be at the head of the ruling coterie, a source with close ties to Pyongyang and Beijing said.

North Korea reportedly test-launched five short-range missiles in what analysts said was an attempt to improve its bargaining position before possible talks with the US.

North Korea was today accused of preparing to test-fire a ballistic missile with enough range to hit the US.

North Korea estimated today that last week’s massive train explosion caused about €300.8m in damage, an announcement that could be part of an effort to garner as much aid as possible for the impoverished nation.