Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
New hotspots emerge for ship-to-ship oil transfers to North Korea: UN report
Foreign vessels are smuggling oil outside Nampho and off west coast, as DPRK’s pandemic controls prevent docking
February 25, 2022
Kim Jong Un builds new mansions in Pyongyang’s ‘forbidden city’ amid hardships
Construction adds to group of four new mansions built in Workers' Party compound last fall
February 23, 2022
Climate change threatens millions of North Koreans. Is Pyongyang doing enough?
Ongoing food insecurity shows DPRK’s vulnerability to global warming, amid doubts about its commitment to climate action
February 23, 2022
Coal, ships and steel: New Hong Kong company flouts DPRK sanctions, report says
Firm’s murky origins and alleged dealings fit the bill of Pyongyang’s usual cast of overseas collaborators
February 22, 2022
How North Korea’s rock-bottom credit rating hampers major development plans
North Korea must take reforms more seriously to capitalize on high financial literacy in the country, experts say
February 22, 2022
The steep hurdles to inter-Korean relations for South Korea’s next president
He or she will face gauntlet of sanctions, anti-COVID policies and US-China competition if they want to engage Pyongyang
February 21, 2022
The unique ways that capital is allocated in North Korea
The DPRK relies on Soviet-style state-directed development, with regular households expected to make up the rest
February 18, 2022
When North Korea and China hosted an Olympics for prisoners of war
The bizarre episode during the Korean War was an attempt to brainwash captured soldiers into believing in communism
February 18, 2022
North Korea completes erasure of Kim Jong Un’s ‘supreme commander’ symbol
Removal of special red flag from guard post, calendars normalizes Kim’s military leadership under state flag
February 17, 2022
Why Kim Jong Il’s 80th birthday bash went off without much of a bang
North Korea may have refrained from new missile reveals or launches due to Winter Olympics and resource constraints
February 17, 2022
