Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
Leadership changes and odd scheduling tease North Korea’s next party congress
State media revealed several demotions among top leadership and scheduled a major party congress for Jan. 2021
August 24, 2020
Rumors explained: Is Kim Jong Un really in a coma? Will Kim Yo Jong take over?
Rumors surface yet again that Kim Jong Un is gravely ill and Kim Yo Jong assumed power — but most of it is likely false
August 24, 2020
What North Korea’s abruptly announced five-year plan means for the economy
The last five-year economic plan was suddenly abandoned in 2020, but the DPRK now pledges to draw up a new one
August 21, 2020
Embassies in North Korea are quickly closing down — and that’s a big problem
Temporary withdrawals of Western European diplomats means fewer eyes and ears in Pyongyang for now, and in the future
August 21, 2020
North Korea is giving more power to farmers, but not without helping the elite
Major agricultural reforms aim to inspire farmers to produce more food, but not without age-old command and control
August 19, 2020
Why insurance companies might be stuck paying ransoms to North Korean hackers
North Korean hackers make ransoms cheaper than backup and restoration costs, making it likely companies will pay up
August 18, 2020
Promoted or demoted? Major North Korean leadership changes and what they mean
North Korea's Politburo has met with unprecedented frequency this year, with at least four meetings held since June
August 17, 2020
Who’s writing the rules of the North Korean economy?
A newly-obtained document detailing 2014 economic reforms reveals the government’s role in economic regulation
August 17, 2020
How South Korea’s defense plan against the North could actually help relations
The more self-reliant South Korea is militarily, the less vulnerable inter-Korean relations are to third-party pressure
August 16, 2020
Leadership shuffle? Top DPRK official possibly moved to economy-focused gig
Ri Man Gon, former head of North Korea's OGD, seems to be in a new position after a possible demotion
August 14, 2020
