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Analysis

Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea

Some progress on long-stalled Pyongyang housing blocks under new campaign
NK PRO

Some progress on long-stalled Pyongyang housing blocks under new campaign

Construction comes as Kim Jong Un shifts propaganda priority to living standards over tourist resorts

Some progress on long-stalled Pyongyang housing blocks under new campaign
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko July 2, 2020
Sitting above rank: the rise of Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, and the military
NK PRO

Sitting above rank: the rise of Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, and the military

Seating arrangements at recent high-profile political meetings suggest the military's growing influence in North Korea

Sitting above rank: the rise of Ri Pyong Chol, Pak Jong Chon, and the military
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser July 1, 2020
Secret partner: North Korean in Thailand behind network of money-making entities
NK PRO

Secret partner: North Korean in Thailand behind network of money-making entities

Nam Chol Ung smuggled North Korean counterfeit tobacco through Southeast Asia and ran popular “Korean” restaurant

Secret partner: North Korean in Thailand behind network of money-making entities
Min Chao Choy
Min Chao Choy June 30, 2020
North Korean think tank statement shows focus on U.S. ‘hostile policy’ prevails
NK PRO

North Korean think tank statement shows focus on U.S. ‘hostile policy’ prevails

Even in a post-COVID world, one thing seems certain: for Pyongyang, the U.S. ‘hostile policy’ will remain

North Korean think tank statement shows focus on U.S. ‘hostile policy’ prevails
Edward Howell
Edward Howell June 28, 2020
Volte-face: What explains Kim Jong Un’s sudden change of heart?
NK PRO

Volte-face: What explains Kim Jong Un’s sudden change of heart?

North Korea seems to be adopting a wait-and-see stance towards the South

Volte-face: What explains Kim Jong Un’s sudden change of heart?
Christopher Green
Christopher Green June 24, 2020
North Korea’s Central Military Commission: Kim Jong Un promotes a new generation
NK PRO

North Korea’s Central Military Commission: Kim Jong Un promotes a new generation

Recent promotions hint at preparations for long-range artillery rocket and ballistic missile deployment

North Korea’s Central Military Commission: Kim Jong Un promotes a new generation
Daniel Pinkston
Daniel Pinkston June 24, 2020
Motivations for mass leafleting: What next for inter-Korean tensions?
NK PRO

Motivations for mass leafleting: What next for inter-Korean tensions?

Pyongyang seems intent at encouraging escalatory responses from Seoul

Motivations for mass leafleting: What next for inter-Korean tensions?
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll June 23, 2020
North Korea is facing alarming bond issues, but there’s still hope
NK PRO

North Korea is facing alarming bond issues, but there’s still hope

North Korea's bond issue risks economic ruin, but there's a good chance the blow will be lessened by compromise

North Korea is facing alarming bond issues, but there’s still hope
Peter Ward
Peter Ward June 23, 2020
The View from Jingshan: China reacts to growing inter-Korean tensions
NK PRO

The View from Jingshan: China reacts to growing inter-Korean tensions

While Pyongyang, not Seoul, is Beijing's ally, netizens are unsure as to how China should react to recent developments

The View from Jingshan: China reacts to growing inter-Korean tensions
John Petrushka
John Petrushka June 19, 2020
Five ways the U.S. could respond to recent tensions on the Korean peninsula
NK PRO

Five ways the U.S. could respond to recent tensions on the Korean peninsula

Washington can do very little to respond to Pyongyang's provocations this time, especially give the looming election

Five ways the U.S. could respond to recent tensions on the Korean peninsula
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba June 18, 2020