Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
North Korean trains in alleged Russia arms deal pass through key weapons hub
Satellite images reveal route of trains carrying distinctive cargo to Rason, highlighting factories that may be involved
October 25, 2023
How North Korean cinema betrays simmering resentment of country’s nouveau riche
2011 film uses story of a factory manager demoted to cobbler to critique rise of grassroots capitalism in country
October 25, 2023
What Russia could give North Korea in exchange for weapons to use in Ukraine
Moscow has an array of options to pay back the DPRK, from tourism and food aid to assistance that breaches UN sanctions
October 24, 2023
Primaries in Pyongyang? Decoding North Korea’s electoral reforms
New law does little to make elections free, but allowing two candidates marks small step toward greater citizen input
October 23, 2023
Why some North Korean defectors don’t want exemption from ROK military service
South Korea considering mandatory conscription for escapees, and experts say it could help defectors integrate into ROK
October 23, 2023
How the UN could help address China’s forced repatriation of North Koreans
The General Assembly has avoided calling out Beijing, but there may be diplomatic solutions to the human rights crisis
October 23, 2023
How Russia used lookalike ships to conceal suspected North Korea arms trade
Vessel tied to weapons deals rendezvoused with doppelganger, in likely shell game tactic to throw off sanctions monitors
October 20, 2023
Why Seoul’s threats to punish Russia for aiding North Korea won’t achieve much
Experts say Russian military aid would enrage South Korea but question if it would retaliate by sending arms to Ukraine
October 20, 2023
How North Korea navigates the labyrinth of Palestinian political divisions
Pyongyang has long refused to accept Israel’s right to exist but has taken evasive stance toward Hamas-PLO rivalry
October 18, 2023
A centerpiece of Kim Jong Un’s reforms survives push to reassert state control
Analysis suggests North Korea has not yet abandoned earlier reforms, even as it has reigned in order contract system
October 17, 2023
