Each field of human activity has its systemic biases, and North Korean studies are no exception. In this article I try to outline that biases that I encounter and which seem quite pervasive. Readers, however, should bear in mind that this is a subjective piece – I also have my own biases, after all.

FLAW #1: ‘SPECIALISTS’ WHO DON’T SPEAK KOREAN

In certain areas of North Korean studies language skill is not necessary – like in natural sciences or in some macroeconomic studies. Provided you have necessary sources, you can write a good paper on the population of tigers in