At Panmunjom, North Korea looks more paranoid and isolated than ever before



Columns At Panmunjom, North Korea looks more paranoid and isolated than ever before Relics of inter-Korean rapprochement at Joint Security Area also provide stark reminder of failure of peace efforts Chad O'Carroll July 27, 2022 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A North Korean soldier hides behind a curtain to photograph visitors on the South Korean side in July 2022 \| Image: NK News Over the past 12 years, I’ve visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) on the inter-Korean border around a dozen times, from both the North and South Korean sides. I’ve seen how changes in the political climate have influenced operations and protocol in both countries, resulting in new uniforms, narratives and even military postures. But during my latest visit to the peace village last week, North Korea looked more paranoid and isolated there than ever before. Over the past 12 years, I’ve visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) on the inter-Korean border around a dozen times, from both the North and South Korean sides. I’ve seen how changes in the political climate have influenced operations and protocol in both countries, resulting in new uniforms, narratives and even military postures. But during my latest visit to the peace village last week, North Korea looked more paranoid and isolated there than ever before. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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At Panmunjom, North Korea looks more paranoid and isolated than ever before

Relics of inter-Korean rapprochement at Joint Security Area also provide stark reminder of failure of peace efforts

Chad O'Carroll July 27, 2022

At Panmunjom, North Korea looks more paranoid and isolated than ever before

A North Korean soldier hides behind a curtain to photograph visitors on the South Korean side in July 2022 | Image: NK News

Over the past 12 years, I’ve visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) on the inter-Korean border around a dozen times, from both the North and South Korean sides. I’ve seen how changes in the political climate have influenced operations and protocol in both countries, resulting in new uniforms, narratives and even military postures.

But during my latest visit to the peace village last week, North Korea looked more paranoid and isolated there than ever before.

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