Featured News
North Korean UN mission issues press release on Security Council meeting
DPRK mission says meeting a U.S. plot, while a november letter to the UN Secretary General threatened nuclear test
North Korean UN mission issues press release on Security Council meeting
The North Korean Permanent Mission to the UN has issued a press statement denouncing the actions of the UN Security Council (UNSC) on December 22, according to Worker’s World, the U.S. communist party’s official newspaper. The press release condemns the UNSC meeting in late December, in whichDPRK mission says meeting a U.S. plot, while a november letter to the UN Secretary General threatened nuclear test
Firm briefs FBI on Sony hack, doubts NK involvement
Cyber intelligence company sees involvement from Sony employee in incident
Firm briefs FBI on Sony hack, doubts NK involvement
The FBI have been briefed by U.S. security experts who have pointed to a source other than North Korea for the recent Sony hacking. The cyber intelligence firm Norse have pointed to hackers working with a Sony employee. The company briefed the FBI Monday afternoon, a senior vice president at NorsCyber intelligence company sees involvement from Sony employee in incident
Analysis
A look into the DPRK mental health system
Like much of the professional working population, mental health professionals in North Korea are ideological warriors. As reported in North Korean news articles the past year, mental health professionals in North Korea have diagnosed South Korean President Park Geun-hye with an incurable mental illnHow North Korea uses the practice of psychiatry to reinforce societal values
North Korea’s passports, and how they use them
North Korea remains one of the most closed states in the world, but it, like any other country, does issue passports to its citizens. Although, since most North Koreans never have an opportunity to leave their country, the DPRK’s passports are rarely seen even by North Koreans themselves. However,Yes, the North has passports, and has them for more than one type of visit abroad
Without sponsors, can North Korea grow?
On the surface, the year 2014 has been relatively uneventful for North Korea. No member of the ruling family was purged and subsequently executed, no American city has been threatened with a missile attack and, of course, no South Korean warships have been sunk by plucky North Korean submariners. China’s disapproval, Western outrage, Russia’s economy give Pyongyang few investment options
The boundaries of identity on the NK-China border
On the Sino-North Korean border, there are three factors defining the rights of borderland residents. The first is citizenship – Chinese or North Korean. One cannot hold both since China does not recognize dual citizenship (for the record, North Korea does, at least formally). The second is ethnicThose benefitting most now would be most disenfranchised in the event of unification
Interviews
How happy are North Koreans? Specialists talk culture
North Koreans have undergone a substantial shift on the home front in recent years: a new leader, a stabilizing economy and increasing knowledge of the outside
How happy are North Koreans? Specialists talk culture
North Koreans have undergone a substantial shift on the home front in recent years: a new leader, a stabilizing economy and increasing knowledge of the outside world. In part nine of the NK News specialist opinion survey series, the specialists discuss these recent cultural changes , how conteRegime watchers talk public approval levels, the problems with encouraging defections
Reunification in our lifetimes? The future of the Korean peninsula
Experts aren’t expecting a reunification scenario on the Korean Peninsula any time soon, but when it does it won’t be peaceful. A panel of long-time observers of inter-Korean relations told NK News they do not foresee a means by which the two Koreas will arrive at a mutually agreed upon solutShort-term, long-term, peaceful or not: Korean Peninsula observers consider reunification by absorption likely, complete ‘de-Kimization’
Will Kim Jong Un ever deliver economic success in North Korea?
Long regarded as the economic basket case of Northeast Asia, since Kim Jong Un's accession to power there have been increasing signs that Pyongyang may now be serious about much needed economic reforms. From announcing the creation of 20 new special economic zones, reforming foreign investment ruWill North Korea's economy ever make significant improvements?
Suki Kim: The ethical boundaries of writing in North Korea
There are a couple of scenes from Suki Kim’s recently released memoir where she nearly lets down her guard. In Without You, There is No Us: My Time with the Sons of North Korea’s Elite Kim, a novelist and non-fiction author, documents the two terms she spent teaching at the Pyongyang UniversiAuthor says getting an account from inside North Korea, and PUST, outweighed concerns over transparency
Opinion
After Havana, why not Pyongyang?
The unthinkable has happened: the United States of America has finally embarked on a process to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba.
After Havana, why not Pyongyang?
The unthinkable has happened: the United States of America has finally embarked on a process to establish formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba. After half a century of rather unsuccessful, if determined efforts to get rid of the Castro brothers’ regime, Washington has changed poliU.S. unlikely to normalize relations with N. Korea, despite potential benefits
Three-year anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death important milestone
The third anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death, December 17, 2014, may very well turn out to be the most significant one historically in terms of North Korea’s leadership structure and policy trajectory. While Pyongyang will not likely proclaim all the important developments on this date or even pTraditional mourning period handled differently by Kim Jong Un, but still meaningful for succession
North Korean art comes to London
I have been rather silent on these (and other) pages recently as I finished a book – apologies for the shameless publicity but more details will follow in due course. But we found time to visit the opening of the recent art exhibition held at the DPRK embassy in London. Or rather, the first eveSurprised? You shouldn’t be; N. Korean art has its charms
Why Kim Jong Un's special envoy just met Vladimir Putin
Choe Ryong Hae, the special envoy of Kim Jong Un, is now in Russia. Officially he is in Moscow to discuss economic relations between the two countries, as well as international and regional issues. Choe has met with the Russian President Vladimir Putin and Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. He is alRenewed ties with Moscow may not prove as fruitful as Pyongyang believes
NK Voices
Bright lights, not human rights: Why North Koreans envy their neighbors
Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week Chris M. in the USA
Bright lights, not human rights: Why North Koreans envy their neighbors
Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week Chris M. in the USA asks: What do people in remote areas like Mt. Paektu think about those in neighboring China and those who live in Pyongyang? IssuAsk a North Korean: What do people along the border think about the Chinese – and those living in Pyongyang?
Defector: Why balloons stand no chance of changing North Korea
Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week Robert Lawson in Canada asks: When you lived in North Korea did you ever notice any forms of dissent? I heard there has been some in some areas. And what doForeigners expecting anti-government leaflets to stimulate regime change misunderstand the realities of North Korea
How the famine helped improve our choices in North Korea
Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week Lachlan in Australia asks: Where do North Koreans normally buy things from? Where do they get electrical appliances, for example? Are there shops near most How North Korea's devastating famine surprisingly helped improve local access to food and consumer goods
How to get whatever you want in North Korea
Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week Peter Kim in the U.S. asks: What kind of products are missing or difficult to acquire in North Korea that yourself or others have wanted to purchase befWhile money can buy anything in North Korea, money is not easy to make
Investigation
The Associated Press in North Korea: A Potemkin news bureau?
December 26, 2014: This article has been updated to include a link to the full AP – KCNA draft agreement Despite trumpeting itself as the "first independen
The Associated Press in North Korea: A Potemkin news bureau?
December 26, 2014: This article has been updated to include a link to the full AP – KCNA draft agreement Despite trumpeting itself as the "first independent Western news bureau" in North Korea, top executives of the Associated Press (AP) in 2011 agreed to distribute state-produced North Korean Confidential AP agreement with North Korea gives Pyongyang control over news stories
China exports shotgun ammo to North Korea without notifying UN
China exported small arms ammunition to North Korea in 2012 and 2014, without informing the UN Security Council as required by UN Resolution 1874, NK News has learned. While current UN sanctions do not cover the transfer or sale of small arms and light weapons (SALW) to North Korea, UN Security CAmmunition export is likely a "technical violation" of the DPRK arms embargo
Murky Waters: North Korea's ships in South Korean seas
Vessels that appear to be directly controlled by North Korea are making use of South Korean ports and waterways, using numerous techniques to skirt around measures put in place after the sinking of the Cheonan in 2010, an NK News investigation can reveal. Trade interactions between the two KoreasHow DPRK vessels use different flags to circumvent the May 4 sanctions
North Korean diplomats and the illegal ivory trade
During the Cold War, Africa occupied a unique place in the North Korean consciousness, as it was a battleground with South Korea for votes in the United Nations, followers of its Juche ideology, and the recognition of Pyongyang as the legitimate Korean government. In contrast to the present situaA look into the DPRK’s involvement in the illegal ivory, rhino horn trade for hard currency
Intelligence
KPA Navy flag ship undergoing radical modernization
The Korean People's Army Navy is often said to be rich in numbers, yet operating only old barges left over from the Cold War. This stereotype is reinforced by n
KPA Navy flag ship undergoing radical modernization
The Korean People's Army Navy is often said to be rich in numbers, yet operating only old barges left over from the Cold War. This stereotype is reinforced by naval exercises displaying outdated equipment and a bad safety track record, as is testified by the numerous accidents in the past. However, Najin-class frigate part of major modernization program, may present credible threat to ROK navy
North Korea appoints new air force commander
North Korea has appointed a new officer, Choe Yong Ho, as commander of the Korean People’s Army Air and Anti-Air Force, a Rodong Sinmun report revealed Monday. Choe, a lieutenant general, replaced General Ri Pyong Chol as the leading officer of the air and air defense component of Pyongyang’sChoe Yong Ho replaces Ri Pyong Chol after more than six years as KPA’s top air force officer
November: Military and diplomatic focus, status of Kim’s family
November marked somewhat of a return to normalcy for North Korean leadership activity. This was the first full month since Kim’s reappearance in October after a lengthy absence. November also featured a return to the regime’s usual focus on military activity, especially in the lead up to the annNorth continues diplomatic campaign while preparing for military drills; Kim’s sister rises while wife absent
N. Korean upgraded tanks still in use in Syrian Civil War
As the now almost four-year-long Syrian Civil War continues, the full extent of North Korea's influence in Syria remains seen every day. Pyonygang and Damascus' warm relations have led Syria to make several acquisitions of North Korean weaponry in the past. While the Syrian Civil War rages on, tInfluence, legacy of DPRK weapons industry extends beyond original Syrian government clients
Real Life
Refugee in Laos awaits chance to reach S. Korea
In the last 13 months Laos has twice made the news over its handling of North Korean defectors. The first case, in October of last year, was heartbreaking: N
Refugee in Laos awaits chance to reach S. Korea
In the last 13 months Laos has twice made the news over its handling of North Korean defectors. The first case, in October of last year, was heartbreaking: Nine defectors between the ages of 15 and 23, having spent four years in China and Laos awaiting their opportunity to reach South Korea, wereDefector doesn't discourage visiting the North, even if it makes money for regime
How Saigon's premier night spot ended up in North Korea
From the world’s first floating hotel, to one of Saigon’s premier nightspots in the 90s, the Hotel Haekumgang's quiet exterior near the scenic North Korean Mt. Kumgang tourism resort belies its colorful history. The 89 meter floating structure, which now sits in the bay to the North of the DPRKThe odd story of the first floating hotel's 13000 km journey to the DPRK
Tourist photos reveal Nampo's North Korean beach life
When Justin Ames went to North Korea as a Western tourist, he was expecting the drab, Stalinist, and isolated nation which many think of when they think of life in the DPRK. But in fascinating pictures kindly shared with NK News, Justin experienced another side to life in North Korea: when NorthReleased from the care of minders, blogger Justin Ames discovered another side to North Korean life
Hanging out with Pyongyang’s international students
I was not the only student from abroad when I was studying in Pyongyang: There were students from across the world, mainly from North Korea’s allies. I have fond memories of student life in the 1980s in Pyongyang — we were a diverse group, with Syrians, Russians, Egyptians, Cubans, Cambodians anYoung visitors from other countries stood out in 1970s-80s N. Korea, adding to the flavor
Academia
Why North Korea attracts so much sensational media coverage
With the growth of the Internet and social media, the way news is both produced and consumed has changed rapidly in recent years. Demand for traditional prin
Why North Korea attracts so much sensational media coverage
With the growth of the Internet and social media, the way news is both produced and consumed has changed rapidly in recent years. Demand for traditional print and broadcast media is continually decreasing, with the knock-on effect that for many outlets, the financial resources required to maintaiNorth Korea attracts more nonsense reporting than any other country – but why? And will things ever improve?
Childhood dreams, education and loyalty in North Korea
For many of us, the idea of people living happily in North Korea doesn’t seem possible. Even less likely is the idea of North Koreans having an emotional connection to the country’s leader. But things look different on the other side. In the DPRK, the notion of an “evil leader in an evil coVisual/text project on North Korea analyzes media excerpts captured on instant film
N. Korea awards honorary degree to Korean-American professor
North Korea on Tuesday awarded an honorary doctorate degree in socio-political science to Chung Kiyul, a Korean resident of the United States recognized by Pyongyang for his “information service.” Chung (whose name is romanized as Jong Ki Ryol in North Korean media) was born in South Korea inScholar & journalist honored by Pyongyang for media work, views of the West
Why researching defectors takes creativity
Researchers studying North Korean defectors need to use a degree of creativity, particularly in asking questions, to get information from them, an academic and author told NK News. Sandra Fahy of Sophia University in Tokyo has already finished one book, Marching through Suffering: Loss and SurvivAcademic says human relatability matters helps those studying refugees learn new information
Travel
Satellite imagery reveals China's $350m suspension bridge to nowhere
Chinese media reports that bridge on hold "indefinitely" supported by latest Google Earth satellite imagery
Satellite imagery reveals China's $350m suspension bridge to nowhere
North Korea appears to have abandoned efforts to connect the Chinese funded $350m new Yalu River suspension bridge to domestic infrastructure, satellite imagery published at the end of September reveals. The September 25 Google Earth imagery, which shows the North Korean side of the bridge connecChinese media reports that bridge on hold "indefinitely" supported by latest Google Earth satellite imagery
AGGREGATOR
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OPINION & ANALYSIS
[Editorial] Intelligence sharing
December 30, 2014
Stop hacking disputes
December 30, 2014
No strings attached
December 30, 2014
Don’t link the past to security
December 30, 2014
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