This is the 204th most frequent Korean word.
북한이
"북한이" means "North Korean person."
In this context, "북한이" functions as the subject of the sentence, indicating the entity receiving international attention.
북한이 국제 사회의 주목을 받았다.
North Korea received international attention.
Here, "북한이" is used as the subject performing the action of maintaining.
북한이 긴장 상태를 유지하고 있다.
North Korea is maintaining a state of tension.
In this usage, "북한이" serves as the subject announcing the policy.