Analysis
Latest NK Pro analysis related to the DPRK
Timeline: From Kim-Putin meeting to North Korea’s expulsion of Travis King
NK Pro timeline charts the key events from Sept. 1 – Sept. 30, 2023
October 2, 2023
To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials
Experts say leader can be lenient toward mistakes by those he trusts, but ruthless when they cross political red lines
September 28, 2023
State media review: North Korea dubs Yoon ‘diplomatic idiot’ over Russia remarks
An in-depth analysis of criticism of Yoon’s UN speech, Chongryon at Asian Games, fall harvest progress and more
September 28, 2023
The days of ROK politicians visiting North Korea may be a thing of the past
Trips to DPRK have long been way to win approval, but Lee Jae-myung’s legal troubles suggest costs now outweigh risks
September 28, 2023
North Korea faces daunting challenge in modernizing its archaic naval fleet
Deployment of nuclear arms and a few new ships can’t overcome antiquated technology and decades of poor defense planning
September 27, 2023
How North Korea and Russia could build their own crypto ‘shadow economy’
DPRK hackers’ use of Russian exchanges underlines danger of greater cyber cooperation to evade sanctions, experts say
September 26, 2023
North Korean launchpad busy despite Putin’s vow to help launch DPRK satellites
Activity visible at Sohae spaceport suggests DPRK will carry out third spy satellite launch as planned in October
September 25, 2023
Why North Korea could send US soldier Travis King to Russia or China
King reportedly sought refuge in DPRK or third country, and experts say regime may view him as too much trouble to keep
September 22, 2023
Why China isn’t too worried about Kim Jong Un’s trip to cozy up to Russia
Experts say Beijing welcomes cooperation that increases North Korean stability, but also doesn’t want to provoke US
September 22, 2023
State media review: Kim Jong Un ramps up personality cult with new mosaic mural
An in-depth analysis of hagiographic artwork, new documentary on Kim’s Russia trip and legal changes to fix food issues
September 21, 2023
