South Korea's intelligence agency warned of potential "terrorist" attacks by North Korea targeting South Korean officials and citizens abroad. The agency detected signs of North Korean preparations in countries like China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. This is believed to be linked to defections by elite North Koreans who are avoiding returning home. South Korea raised its anti-terrorism alert for diplomatic missions in five countries. North Korea has a history of aggressive actions, including assassination attempts and attacks on South Korean assets abroad.