State Media Review
A weekly analysis of North Korean state media
North Korea airs first new TV drama in years, as country celebrates Kim Il Sung
An in-depth analysis of prestige television about rural reform, Day of the Sun festivities, Syria ties and more
April 18, 2025
North Korea changes name of Pyongyang marathon to omit reference to Kim Il Sung
An in-depth analysis of the founding leader’s cult, praise for repatriations from Japan, ‘patriotic’ marriages and more
April 11, 2025
North Korean students kitted out with supplies as new academic year commences
An in-depth analysis of Kim Jong Un’s education policies, the DPRK’s first wildfire emergency alert and sporting success
April 4, 2025
North Korea raises alarm about wildfire risks amid devastation in ‘puppet Korea’
An in-depth analysis of fire prevention measures, ‘war criminal’ Japan, a boxing gold and a purge of term ‘North Korea’
March 28, 2025
North Korea denounces US airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels
An in-depth analysis of statement by Egypt envoy, more Freedom Shield criticism and yellow dust alerts
March 21, 2025
North Korea says high schoolers enlisting en masse over ‘reckless’ US-ROK drills
An in-depth analysis of front-line ‘volunteers,’ women’s day celebrations, a BTS program and a ‘war to improve nature’
March 14, 2025
Communist friends North Korea and Laos hold talks on rejuvenating bilateral ties
An in-depth analysis of possible crackdowns on defectors, March 1 commemorations, Kim Jong Un’s humor and more
March 7, 2025
North Korea breaks ground on new factories in year two of rural development push
An in-depth analysis of Kim Jong Un’s pet project, Swiss ambassador starting work and 90th birthday of Chongryon chief
February 28, 2025
North Korea celebrates Kim Jong Il’s birthday with parties and pheasants
An in-depth analysis of one of the DPRK’s ‘greatest’ holidays, AUKUS criticism and women 'volunteering’ to labor
February 21, 2025
DPRK animation studio completes final episodes of political epic ‘Ko Ju Mong’
An in-depth analysis of the sanctioned studio’s latest work, skaters’ success at the Asian Games and a new ambassador
February 14, 2025
