March 19, 2024

About the author

Curtis Melvin

Curtis Melvin a researcher at the US-Korea Institute at Johns Hopkins SAIS and contributor to NK News Pro. He is also editor of North Korean Economy Watch,  one of the longest running DPRK blogs, as well as creator and manager of a database of the most extensive Google Earth imagery work on North Korea.

More articles by 'Curtis Melvin'

Imagery analysis: North Korea’s capital, as seen from above
NK PRO

Imagery analysis: North Korea’s capital, as seen from above

From new construction to rarely-seen official buildings, a guided tour of Pyongyang

Imagery analysis: North Korea’s capital, as seen from above
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin October 18, 2017
Kim Il Sung’s Hyangsan Palace demolished

Kim Il Sung’s Hyangsan Palace demolished

Building Kim Il Sung reported to have died in razed, replaced with young trees

Kim Il Sung’s Hyangsan Palace demolished
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin April 24, 2014
N. Korea continues to “normalize” villages within closed prison camps

N. Korea continues to “normalize” villages within closed prison camps

Former prison camps now being converted to "ordinary collective farms and mines"

N. Korea continues to “normalize” villages within closed prison camps
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin March 5, 2014
Identified: East Pyongyang’s new shopping mall

Identified: East Pyongyang’s new shopping mall

The most visible sign of new Chinese investment since the ouster of Jang Song Thaek in late 2013

Identified: East Pyongyang’s new shopping mall
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin January 17, 2014
Satellite imagery reveals major urban development in Rason

Satellite imagery reveals major urban development in Rason

Satellite imagery shows modernization efforts also taking place beyond Pyongyang

Satellite imagery reveals major urban development in Rason
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin November 11, 2013
Identifying the Ibiza of N. Korea: Where Kim Jong Un met Rodman

Identifying the Ibiza of N. Korea: Where Kim Jong Un met Rodman

Satellite imagery reveals Rodman went to Wonsan

Identifying the Ibiza of N. Korea: Where Kim Jong Un met Rodman
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin October 22, 2013
Three new North Korean railway updates

Three new North Korean railway updates

Satellite imagery shows new railway line construction

Three new North Korean railway updates
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin October 9, 2013
American brand clothing seen at North Korean garment factory

American brand clothing seen at North Korean garment factory

U.S. clothing brand Lands' End to "address the issue appropriately"

American brand clothing seen at North Korean garment factory
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll | Curtis Melvin September 12, 2013
Kim Jong Un holds first guidance meeting at family compound

Kim Jong Un holds first guidance meeting at family compound

Visit shows that Kim Jong Il's Kangdong residence still in use

Kim Jong Un holds first guidance meeting at family compound
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin August 19, 2013
Exclusive: Inside the N. Korean court that tried Kenneth Bae

Exclusive: Inside the N. Korean court that tried Kenneth Bae

Behind the scenes at North Korea's highest legal institution where Americans go for sentencing

Exclusive: Inside the N. Korean court that tried Kenneth Bae
Curtis Melvin
Curtis Melvin August 5, 2013
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