Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
Why North Korea paradoxically does and does not want to boost its economy
Many carrots have been dangled in front of the DPRK, but leaders don’t want economic growth to ruin their political sway
January 6, 2021
North Korea and China upgraded nearly all border trade crossings in 2020
In a likely push for trade, Pyongyang and Beijing poured resources into roads and other projects for a post-COVID-19 era
January 6, 2021
China-DPRK trade was on the rise, but plunged in 2020 over COVID-19
North Korea leaned into unsustainable trade deficits with China, and then COVID-19 disrupted it all
January 5, 2021
Report: The rise in North Korea-China relations and what it means for 2021
While COVID-19 has halted most exchange, indicators suggest momentum between two allies will continue after virus passes
January 4, 2021
Timeline: From the 80-day battle’s end to the controversial leaflet ban
NK Pro timeline charts the key events from Dec. 1 - Dec. 31
December 31, 2020
Moon is on a race to North Korea’s good side, but he probably won’t win in 2021
In the twilight of his term, South Korea’s president faces a long line of hurdles and has few remaining cards to play
December 31, 2020
Timeline: How North Korean propaganda hyped Kim Jong Un in 2020
DPRK propaganda in 2020 spoke to Kim Jong Un’s growing cult of personality and changing leadership style
December 30, 2020
What to expect at North Korea’s Eighth Party Congress
A new economic plan will likely be announced, but there’s no sign that it can create the results that North Korea needs
December 29, 2020
After suffering major blows, North Korea will reluctantly lean on China in 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic appears to have accelerated North Korea’s crackdown on market activities
December 28, 2020
North Korea’s Party Congress, explained: Why all eyes are on Kim this January
The Eighth Party Congress is expected to make a major reveal in terms of DPRK politics, the economy and more
December 28, 2020
