Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
The limits to tyranny: Why Kim Jong Un doesn’t actually have absolute power
A range of factors constrain the North Korean leader in practice, despite his supreme authority in principle
August 29, 2022
Why animal cruelty is commonplace in North Korean popular culture
While violence against humans is rare in DPRK art, films show animals as soulless creatures whose pain does not matter
August 29, 2022
As North Korean cyberattacks wreak havoc, insurers move to safeguard industry
Proposed exception for state-backed attacks will run into difficulties due to complexity of attribution, experts say
August 26, 2022
North Korea likely preparing massive Pyongyang concert for Youth Day: Imagery
State media’s emphasis on leisure after lifting COVID restrictions suggests events may focus more on fun than sacrifice
August 25, 2022
Kim Jong Un accelerates upgrades at luxury lake resort and party office HQ
Satellite imagery suggests DPRK has found new resources to pour into leader’s projects despite economic ‘hardships’
August 24, 2022
Why foreign offers of investment will never be attractive to Pyongyang
Capital growth, transparency and foreign information are anathema to Kim Jong Un, who draws power from DPRK’s isolation
August 23, 2022
North Korea dismantling another Hyundai Asan resort at Mt. Kumgang: Imagery
Kumgang Pension Town latest target of efforts to remove South Korea’s properties at former inter-Korean tourism zone
August 21, 2022
Why are foreign exchange rates soaring in North Korea?
Global inflation, signs of looming food shortages may be driving forex market in DPRK
August 19, 2022
Yoon Suk-yeol’s plan to denuclearize North Korea isn’t so ‘audacious’ after all
Offers of aid will do little to persuade Kim Jong Un without security guarantees, something Seoul says it can’t provide
August 17, 2022
Easing COVID rules a way for North Korea to project control — including to China
Experts say changes may seek to allay public dissatisfaction and convince Beijing to resume cross-border trade
August 17, 2022
