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January 22, 2025

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Martin Weiser

Martin Weiser

Martin Weiser received his MA from Korea University in 2014 with a thesis explaining North Korea’s changing human rights policy. He has continued researching North Korea’s political history as an independent researcher since then. His writings have appeared on SinoNK and in 2018 an article on the country’s legal system appeared in the European Journal of Korean Studies.

Analysis

North Korea’s ICBM cover-up isn’t first time country has tried to hide failures

Attempt to market failed long-range missile test as success follows similar efforts for smaller missile in 2016

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserApril 4, 2022
Analysis

North Korea’s merry-go-round of officials leads to false alarms about purges

Disappearance of top officials led to speculation about executions, only for those officials to return in new roles

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserMarch 21, 2022
Analysis

How North Korea’s new patent laws could drive economic growth

First intellectual property rights overhaul in 8 years likely seeks to spur innovation and attract foreign talent

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserMarch 4, 2022
Analysis

Seemingly boring budget meeting offers clues about developments in North Korea

Market fees could become important revenue source amid trade restart, while empty chair hints at leadership changes

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserFebruary 16, 2022
Analysis

Timeline: How North Korean propaganda dialed back focus on Kim Jong Un in 2021

More erratic messaging appears to reflect upheavals in propaganda leadership, as notable changes decline in second half

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserJanuary 19, 2022
Analysis

Promotions at party meeting reinforce North Korea’s focus on economic challenges

State media reported 45 promotions that broadly align with the country’s policy directions, albeit with some exceptions

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserJanuary 3, 2022
Analysis

North Korea creates new foodstuff ministry as it hastens to address food crisis

Evidence suggests DPRK may have reorganized ministries last year to deal with consequences of COVID border restrictions

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserDecember 27, 2021
Analysis

Kim Yo Jong almost certainly wasn’t promoted, but she may be soon

While likely due to family ties, her position at key event last week also hinted at her current and future roles

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserDecember 20, 2021
Analysis

North Korean insurance data points to small business growth despite pandemic

Data from five insurers suggests they’re weathering the downturn and that the economy has declined less than thought

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserDecember 16, 2021
Analysis

Why North Korea’s politburo held a secret meeting in recent months

Change in rank of a key department director hints at reasons and timing of first unpublicized gathering since last year

Martin WeiserMartin WeiserDecember 9, 2021
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