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Analysis

Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK

A foreign media failure? Evaluating 10 years of the AP bureau in Pyongyang
Analysis

A foreign media failure? Evaluating 10 years of the AP bureau in Pyongyang

Journalists and experts say access has worsened, but most insist that on-the-ground reporting remains valuable

A foreign media failure? Evaluating 10 years of the AP bureau in Pyongyang
Chad O'CarrollChad O'Carroll January 4, 2022
Timeline: From Kim’s plenum speech to updated plans for war with North Korea
Analysis

Timeline: From Kim’s plenum speech to updated plans for war with North Korea

NK Pro timeline charts the key events from Dec. 1 to Dec. 31

Timeline: From Kim’s plenum speech to updated plans for war with North Korea
NK ProNK Pro January 3, 2022
Promotions at party meeting reinforce North Korea’s focus on economic challenges
Analysis

Promotions at party meeting reinforce North Korea’s focus on economic challenges

State media reported 45 promotions that broadly align with the country’s policy directions, albeit with some exceptions

Promotions at party meeting reinforce North Korea’s focus on economic challenges
Martin WeiserMartin Weiser January 3, 2022
Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas
Analysis

Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas

North Korea is prioritizing central control, rolling back reforms in ways that hurt markets and economic autonomy

Kim Jong Un’s plenum speech displays striking lack of new economic ideas
Peter WardPeter Ward January 1, 2022
Piranhas, purges and porn: The worst rumors of Kim Jong Un’s decade in power
Analysis

Piranhas, purges and porn: The worst rumors of Kim Jong Un’s decade in power

Hearsay and misinformation on North Korea routinely circulates as news, warping perception of the country

Piranhas, purges and porn: The worst rumors of Kim Jong Un’s decade in power
Jeongmin KimJeongmin Kim December 31, 2021
Kim Jong Un skips full year of military drills and missile tests for first time
Analysis

Kim Jong Un skips full year of military drills and missile tests for first time

Health issues likely played a role in abnormally inactive year for North Korean leader

Kim Jong Un skips full year of military drills and missile tests for first time
Colin ZwirkoColin Zwirko December 31, 2021
Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022
Analysis

Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022

Missile launches stole spotlight, but nuclear reactor restart, food problems and other issues don’t bode well for future

Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022
James FretwellJames Fretwell December 31, 2021
US-China rivalry risks derailing efforts to declare an end to the Korean War
Analysis

US-China rivalry risks derailing efforts to declare an end to the Korean War

Beijing may seek to use end-of-war issue to undermine US influence, fueling Washington’s skepticism about an agreement

US-China rivalry risks derailing efforts to declare an end to the Korean War
Anthony V. RinnaAnthony V. Rinna December 31, 2021
In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?
Analysis

In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?

The DPRK has multiple revenue sources, including taxes, that have both positive and negative impacts on the economy

In officially tax-free North Korea, where does the state get its money?
Peter WardPeter Ward December 30, 2021
What to expect from the planned US black hat intelligence center in South Korea
Analysis

What to expect from the planned US black hat intelligence center in South Korea

Details are short on $149 million project, but it is likely to focus on opposing North Korean threats in cyberspace

What to expect from the planned US black hat intelligence center in South Korea
Nick MillerNick Miller December 29, 2021