James Fretwell | NK News
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December 26, 2024

About the author

James Fretwell

James Fretwell

James Fretwell is a writer based in Seoul, South Korea. He was an analyst at NK News, and he has often discussed the two Koreas in interviews on the BBC, ABC News Australia, Deutsche Welle and elsewhere.

More articles by 'James Fretwell'

Inside North Korea’s strategy to stop defections by officials stranded abroad

Inside North Korea’s strategy to stop defections by officials stranded abroad

The regime uses family as collateral and encourages snitching to prevent escapes, which could pick up ahead of reopening

Inside North Korea’s strategy to stop defections by officials stranded abroad
James Fretwell
James Fretwell June 23, 2023
What to make of reports that hungry North Koreans are resorting to cannibalism

What to make of reports that hungry North Koreans are resorting to cannibalism

Food shortages have likely worsened during COVID, and the longer this goes on, the more desperate the situation becomes

What to make of reports that hungry North Koreans are resorting to cannibalism
James Fretwell
James Fretwell June 16, 2023
As China’s demands to Seoul multiply, hopes for cooperation on North Korea dim

As China’s demands to Seoul multiply, hopes for cooperation on North Korea dim

Beijing reportedly issued 4 new conditions for improving ties last month, but Yoon is placing his bets on US and Japan

As China’s demands to Seoul multiply, hopes for cooperation on North Korea dim
James Fretwell
James Fretwell June 8, 2023
Trump’s praise for Kim Jong Un draws fire from his Republican competitors

Trump’s praise for Kim Jong Un draws fire from his Republican competitors

Criticism underscores divisions in party on North Korea policy as US conservatives jockey for presidential nomination

Trump’s praise for Kim Jong Un draws fire from his Republican competitors
James Fretwell
James Fretwell June 5, 2023
Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks

Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks

A nuclear consulting group between US, ROK and Japan difficult pill to swallow in Seoul despite potential benefits

Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks
James Fretwell
James Fretwell May 26, 2023
Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit

Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit

Hiroshima set to highlight dangers of nuclear war and potentially host US-South Korea-Japan trilateral meeting

Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit
James Fretwell
James Fretwell May 19, 2023
North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet

North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet

Seoul seeks reassurances that Washington has its back as DPRK boasts of ability to credibly threaten US homeland

North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 26, 2023
South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear
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South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear

Debate at parliament underscores how North Korea’s nuclear development has driven Seoul to consider the once-unthinkable

South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 21, 2023
Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities

Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities

Experts highlight DPRK’s technological and logistical limitations, though ambiguity could work in country’s favor

Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 14, 2023
‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea

‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea

The famous defector’s claims may appeal to some but risk undermining her message on North Korean human rights

‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 16, 2023
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