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North Korea’s government and military featured in Russian reports on missile tests, relations with Seoul and cultural exchanges with Russia. Gazeta.ru relayed North Korea’s claim that a hypersonic missile hit a target 1,000 km away; Vzglyad cited an analyst’s warning about potential missile reach. Lenta.ru reported Kim Yo Jong’s statement rejecting cooperation with South Korea. Argumenty i Fakty covered Seoul’s reported objections to Kyiv’s disclosure about North Korean prisoners of war, while Moskovsky Komsomolets relayed a Russian minister’s comments promoting film exchanges.

Across 317 articles over the last 30 days, North Korea was presented neutrally toward Russia in 268 and as friendly in 49; none presented it as hostile to Russia. Where roles were assigned, it was cast as a partner in 42 articles, a threat in 41, successful in 19 and a victim in five. Missile coverage showed differing portrayals: EADaily’s reports on claimed technological advances presented North Korea as successful, while Life.ru’s report on claimed AI-enabled trajectory changes cast it as a threat. Moskovsky Komsomolets’ film-exchange report presented it as a friendly partner.