Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
How Xi Jinping’s growing personality cult differs from Kim family worship
North Korea’s idolatry is rooted in past accomplishments while China’s Xi stakes his legitimacy on future performance
September 13, 2021
One of North Korea’s dirtiest businesses may be back amid border lockdown
Ships loaded with coal on the Taedong River could signal a rebound in illicit coal exports, says U.N. member state
September 9, 2021
Restart of Yongbyon reactor reflects North Korea’s need for fissile material
Kim Jong Un seeks to modernize the DPRK’s nuclear weapons, a goal that benefits from resumed plutonium production
September 8, 2021
More of the same? Japan’s North Korea strategy under the next prime minister
Suga’s successor will continue Tokyo’s sharp defense posture, but variations in sequencing and priorities may emerge
September 7, 2021
A very North Korean way to die
The Kim personality cult has penetrated the most intimate aspects of North Korean life, even the mourning of the dead
September 7, 2021
Renewal of North Korea travel ban: A missed opportunity for DPRK-US diplomacy?
Ending the Trump-era travel ban would have been consistent with many stated US goals, despite some diplomatic risks
September 7, 2021
Identity theft: Sanctioned North Korean ship poses as clean tanker
UN report details complex identity swap scheme to evade sanctions using physical modifications and falsified documents
September 6, 2021
Understanding North Korea’s ‘final victory’ and why it matters
For top North Korean officials, the quickest way to ensure their system’s long-term survival is through reunification
September 6, 2021
North Korea acquires two oil tankers through Chinese brokers: UN report
The acquisitions may enhance DPRK’s ability to import refined petroleum or replace aging tankers, expert says
September 2, 2021
Timeline: From US-ROK military drills to North Korea cutting the hotlines again
NK Pro timeline charts the key events from August 1 to August 31
September 2, 2021
