Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
North Korea’s threatening message to the US is a covert nudge for negotiations
The DPRK said it will continue developing nuclear strike capabilities, but it still left the door open for diplomacy
January 9, 2021
Expert roundup: What North Korea’s Eighth Party Congress says about the future
Analysts weigh in on North Korea’s relationship with Seoul and Washington, plus the DPRK’s economic outlook in 2021
January 9, 2021
Full list: Who’s sitting next to Kim Jong Un at the Eighth Party Congress?
Seating arrangements tell a greater story about North Korean political ranks and where key figures are headed
January 8, 2021
Mystery man: Kim Hyong Sik’s rise to head of the DPRK’s new judicial department
The unknown official’s promotion and creation of new department suggest more emphasis on rule by law in North Korea
January 8, 2021
How Biden’s foreign policy and defense picks could affect North Korea
Biden recently picked Wendy Sherman, Kathleen Hicks, Victoria Nuland and Colin Kahl to join his team
January 7, 2021
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
