ABOUT THE AUTHOR
More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'
How North Korean neighborhood watch groups do dirty work of keeping cities clean
Groups notorious for spying on citizens also mobilize residents for tasks ranging from collecting trash to cutting grass
October 27, 2023
The myth of free housing in North Korea
While cases do exist, desirable real estate in Pyongyang and elsewhere is wildly out of reach for most
October 11, 2023
How a long-dead independence hero became embroiled in inter-Korean tensions
Hong Beom-do, celebrated for fighting Japanese Empire, is now at center of South Korean debate over his communist ties
September 29, 2023
Summit subterfuge? Why Putin may be bluffing about tech transfers to North Korea
Russian leader met Kim Jong Un with one eye on South Korea, likely hoping to compel Seoul not to send weapons to Ukraine
September 21, 2023
North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.
Return of DPRK citizens is likely beginning of gradual relaxation of border controls that may take months, or even years
August 30, 2023
Big Brother lives: How North Korean organizations keep watch on citizens
Mandatory membership in one of five groups creates a network of surveillance and indoctrination that no one can evade
August 28, 2023
Iron Curtain 2.0: How North Korea has embraced Soviet-style border security
Kim Jong Un appears determined to stop cross-border movement, and history suggests the DPRK is capable of doing so
August 23, 2023
How a secret plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader spiraled out of control
South Korea enlisted criminals to seek revenge for attempt to kill president, only for plan to end in bloodshed in Seoul
August 7, 2023
Conspicuous cooperation: Why Shoigu made a show of buying arms from North Korea
Russia could have discussed weapons sales discreetly, but it chose ostentation to send a political message
August 1, 2023
Kim Yo Jong is barking at the US, but North Korea probably won’t bite
Flurry of statements is likely an attempt at verbal deterrence, not a harbinger of violence or signal DPRK seeks talks
July 20, 2023
