Analysis | NK News
NK News Logo
April 04, 2025Apr 04, 2025

Analysis

Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea

North Korea is giving more power to farmers, but not without helping the elite
NK PRO

North Korea is giving more power to farmers, but not without helping the elite

Major agricultural reforms aim to inspire farmers to produce more food, but not without age-old command and control

North Korea is giving more power to farmers, but not without helping the elite
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 19, 2020
Why insurance companies might be stuck paying ransoms to North Korean hackers

Why insurance companies might be stuck paying ransoms to North Korean hackers

North Korean hackers make ransoms cheaper than backup and restoration costs, making it likely companies will pay up

Why insurance companies might be stuck paying ransoms to North Korean hackers
Shea Cotton
Shea Cotton August 18, 2020
Promoted or demoted? Major North Korean leadership changes and what they mean
NK PRO

Promoted or demoted? Major North Korean leadership changes and what they mean

North Korea's Politburo has met with unprecedented frequency this year, with at least four meetings held since June

Promoted or demoted? Major North Korean leadership changes and what they mean
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser August 17, 2020
Who’s writing the rules of the North Korean economy?
NK PRO

Who’s writing the rules of the North Korean economy?

A newly-obtained document detailing 2014 economic reforms reveals the government’s role in economic regulation

Who’s writing the rules of the North Korean economy?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward August 17, 2020
How South Korea’s defense plan against the North could actually help relations

How South Korea’s defense plan against the North could actually help relations

The more self-reliant South Korea is militarily, the less vulnerable inter-Korean relations are to third-party pressure

How South Korea’s defense plan against the North could actually help relations
Henri Feron
Henri Feron August 16, 2020
Leadership shuffle? Top DPRK official possibly moved to economy-focused gig
NK PRO

Leadership shuffle? Top DPRK official possibly moved to economy-focused gig

Ri Man Gon, former head of North Korea's OGD, seems to be in a new position after a possible demotion

Leadership shuffle? Top DPRK official possibly moved to economy-focused gig
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser August 14, 2020
The pros and cons of South Korea’s new, high-tech missile defense plans
NK PRO

The pros and cons of South Korea’s new, high-tech missile defense plans

Seoul rolled out an ambitious, five-year defense plan against the North with a domestic version of Israel's Iron Dome

The pros and cons of South Korea’s new, high-tech missile defense plans
Ankit Panda
Ankit Panda August 14, 2020
Russian exports to North Korea remain stable in June, medicine value rises
NK PRO

Russian exports to North Korea remain stable in June, medicine value rises

Staple items such as flour, oil, sugar and fuel decreased slightly while medicines made a big jump in volume and value

Russian exports to North Korea remain stable in June, medicine value rises
Min Chao Choy
Min Chao Choy August 13, 2020
‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means
NK PRO

‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means

The new, high-budget plan for 2021 - 2025 puts a big focus on interceptors meant to thwart North Korean missiles

‘A gift and a curse’: What South Korea’s $253 billion defense plan really means
Chun In-bum
Chun In-bum August 12, 2020
Why heavy rain and border water pose a chronic political risk for South Korea
NK PRO

Why heavy rain and border water pose a chronic political risk for South Korea

North Korean dams have the power to release rainwater during monsoons, which can cause significant hurt to the South

Why heavy rain and border water pose a chronic political risk for South Korea
Christopher Green
Christopher Green August 11, 2020