
08/10/2025 GMT
North Korea’s expanding reach — from elite hackers to soldiers on the battlefield
North Korea’s expanding reach — from elite hackers to soldiers on the battlefield. Does this all signify a turning point for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un as his cyber operatives pull off increasingly daring heists and his military gain real-world combat experience fighting with the Russians against Ukraine? As Kim continues to ally with Vladimir Putin — a leader whose country possesses exactly the kind of nuclear expertise North Korea has long sought – is he more dangerous than ever? Hosts Geoff White and Jean Lee investigate. Meanwhile we revisit the South Korean journalist who had the world-exclusive interview with a North Korean POW. Previously North Korean hackers pulled off the biggest heist in crypto history with $1.5 billion disappearing in minutes. North Korea has said it has nothing to do with the cybercrimes the Lazarus Group is accused of, saying the United States is making these allegations to try and tarnish its image.
Our story is about more than money. It’s about where it goes, what it buys, and who’s fighting in the shadows.
On radio
Broadcasts
- Wed 8 Oct 2025 03:32GMTѿý World Service
- Wed 8 Oct 2025 12:32GMTѿý World Service except Australasia, East and Southern Africa, News Internet & West and Central Africa
- Wed 8 Oct 2025 17:32GMTѿý World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
- Wed 8 Oct 2025 21:32GMTѿý World Service except East and Southern Africa, Europe and the Middle East & West and Central Africa
- Sat 11 Oct 2025 21:32GMTѿý World Service East and Southern Africa & West and Central Africa only
Podcast
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The Lazarus Heist
“Almost a perfect crime.” The hackers. A billion dollars. Investigators blame North Korea