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January 10, 2025

Opinion

Opinion on the latest North Korea issues from analysts, academics and experts worldwide. Views expressed in Opinion articles are exclusively the authors’ own.

North Korea’s brief, surreal experiment with passenger cruises

North Korea’s brief, surreal experiment with passenger cruises

Though the project quickly folded, the DPRK demonstrated a surprising openness to new tourism ideas

North Korea’s brief, surreal experiment with passenger cruises
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson July 2, 2021
Why North Korea tourism and cultural exchanges are a force for good

Why North Korea tourism and cultural exchanges are a force for good

Far from supporting the regime, tourism promotes understanding between peoples that view themselves as enemies

Why North Korea tourism and cultural exchanges are a force for good
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson June 25, 2021
North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship

Prominent defectors like Park often align themselves with conservatives in South Korea and the U.S.

North Korean defector Yeonmi Park muddles human rights message with partisanship
John Lee
John Lee June 23, 2021
The Rason Special Economic Zone: Like nowhere else in North Korea

The Rason Special Economic Zone: Like nowhere else in North Korea

The DPRK’s flirtation with capitalism has led to hotels, casinos, beaches and trade shows in one small area in the North

The Rason Special Economic Zone: Like nowhere else in North Korea
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson June 18, 2021
What it’s like to be a foreign tour guide in North Korea

What it’s like to be a foreign tour guide in North Korea

Guides occupy a strange middle ground when it comes to North Korea watchers due to all the time spent in the country

What it’s like to be a foreign tour guide in North Korea
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson June 11, 2021
What North Korea is really like when visiting as a tourist

What North Korea is really like when visiting as a tourist

The reality of sightseeing is much different than portrayed, despite some restrictions

What North Korea is really like when visiting as a tourist
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson June 4, 2021
Why North Korea’s Wonsan Beach Resort could be a game changer for tourism

Why North Korea’s Wonsan Beach Resort could be a game changer for tourism

Tens of thousands could soon be enjoying a one-of-a-kind summer vacation in the DPRK

Why North Korea’s Wonsan Beach Resort could be a game changer for tourism
Gareth Johnson
Gareth Johnson May 27, 2021
Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Controversy over Kim Il Sung’s memoirs is a reminder that fundamental rights have become politicized in South Korea

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda
John Lee
John Lee May 26, 2021
How a minority opinion hijacked the narrative about the ‘anti-leaflet’ law

How a minority opinion hijacked the narrative about the ‘anti-leaflet’ law

There’s nothing sinister nor remarkable about trying to stop leafleting to North Korea

How a minority opinion hijacked the narrative about the ‘anti-leaflet’ law
Su-mi Jeon
Su-mi Jeon May 24, 2021
Washington can learn to live with a nuclear-armed North Korea

Washington can learn to live with a nuclear-armed North Korea

The U.S. should support inter-Korean projects as a step towards this reality

Washington can learn to live with a nuclear-armed North Korea
Dan DePetris
Dan DePetris May 20, 2021
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