Andrei Lankov is a Director at NK News and writes exclusively for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984-5 - an experience you can read about here. In addition to his writing, he is also a Professor at Kookmin University.
The COVID crisis has helped authorities justify harsher measures that will likely persist even after the pandemic ends
Strategic patience dominates the minds of the decision-makers, and this is not going to change any time soon
Conservative candidate will likely take harder line on North Korea if elected, risking confrontation and freeze in ties
Joining the ruling WPK in North Korea is the surest, and in many cases only, path towards social mobility
COVID-19 restrictions and Pyongyang’s disinterest stand in the way, but ROK ruling party hopes to gain regardless
Even relatively successful people struggle to provide enough for their families in the DPRK
The DPRK wants sanctions relief from the US and a Democratic South Korean president and is working to see both outcomes
Despite growing North Korean threat, ROK nuclear ambitions face US opposition and risk incurring economic sanctions
Song Du-yul acted as an enthusiastic propagandist for the regime and likely held a prominent role in the bureaucracy
Shamans and fortune-tellers continue to operate in North Korea despite crackdowns and punishments
Specialist news and analysis,
research tools, and unique data sets
Internet Explorer is not compatible with this website. We instead recommend using Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.
Microsoft ceased supporting IE 10 and older in 2016.
In addition, Microsoft cyber-security chief Chris Jackson has been urging users to stop using the browser since February 2019.
Specialist DPRK news and analysis, bespoke research tools, and unique data sets
Learn MoreEnter your details below
Don't have an account? SIGN UP
Specialist DPRK news and analysis, bespoke research tools, and unique data sets
Learn MorePlease enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.
Don't have an account? SIGN UP