Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
From bad to worse: Charting the breakdown of inter-Korean ties in 2023
NK News recaps developments set to spill into next year, from unanswered hotlines and border risks to North Korean nukes
December 29, 2023
How North Korea’s New Year messages use history and hardships to prop up regime
Kim Jong Un’s speeches refer to past triumphs to inspire people to persevere, but face growing skepticism from young
December 29, 2023
3 parades, 44 missiles, 64 flights: Numbers tell the story of North Korea’s 2023
Data sheds light on the year’s biggest developments, from leader appearances and wig trade to delegation visits and more
December 27, 2023
Decoding North Korea: What 1,238 headlines reveal about the cult of Kim Jong Un
Analysis of Rodong Sinmun exposes effort to distance leader from economic problems, but credit him for political success
December 26, 2023
How North Korea’s diplomats navigate privilege and peril abroad
Staff at overseas missions enjoy more freedom than compatriots back home but must turn to illicit activities to survive
December 25, 2023
North Korean food prices show the country has not one economy, but three
Political controls inhibit integration across markets, with privileged Pyongyang more isolated from other cities
December 25, 2023
Missile factory Kim Jong Un visited linked to ICBMs, space rockets
NK Pro analysis of officials who launched Hwasong-18 uncovers evidence that east coast facility is producing key assets
December 22, 2023
Next steps for North Korea: Where will the country be five years from now?
Most experts predict continued isolation and decline, while minority say Russia and China will prop up DPRK economy
December 22, 2023
An invisible arsenal: Tackling the clandestine threat of North Korean bioweapons
Experts say DPRK could use anthrax, ricin and other bio-agents in conflict, raising need for Seoul to prepare
December 22, 2023
Next steps for North Korea: Will the DPRK reopen its borders in 2024?
Survey finds most experts expect partial reopening for only allies or embassies, as hardliners push to maintain control
December 21, 2023
