Featured News
Pyongyang Marathon back on for foreigners amateur runners
Cancellation reversed for amateur runners but not professionals
Pyongyang Marathon back on for foreigners amateur runners
North Korean authorities have announced that they will now allow foreign amateur runners to take part in the 2015 Pyongyang marathon, a statement released by the New York based Uri Tours said on Wednesday. The announcement is a surprise reversal of a previous decision, made on February 23, to cCancellation reversed for amateur runners but not professionals
North Korean workers deported from Nepal
North Korean citizens were working in Nepal on tourist visas, carrying out blasting work for a hydro powerplant
North Korean workers deported from Nepal
Fifty four North Korean citizens who were working illegally in Nepal have been deported, according to a report from local media published on March 1. The DPRK workers were sent to Nepal to help with blasting work for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, but did not get the necessary wNorth Korean citizens were working in Nepal on tourist visas, carrying out blasting work for a hydro powerplant
Analysis
Children of North Koreans, living between borders
When Ms. Park, a North Korean national living illegally in China, was caught by the police, she left behind an abusive Chinese husband and their 4-year-old son.
Children of North Koreans, living between borders
When Ms. Park, a North Korean national living illegally in China, was caught by the police, she left behind an abusive Chinese husband and their 4-year-old son. Without Ms. Park present, her son was abandoned by his father and left with his paternal grandparents. Almost starving to death in their caA generation of half-Korean children, denied full legal rights, come of age in China
Riding the tiger of nationalism in North Korea
The view that state-sponsored nationalism has played a major (or even decisive) role in the persistence of the North Korean political system has been expressed by a wide range of scholars, such as Brian Myers, Andrei Lankov, Jin Woong Kang and Young Chul Cho. These authors have emphasized that natioHow did the North Korean leadership muzzle the tiger that Ceausescu could not control?
Songbun and the five castes of North Korea
The most important element in the social structure of Kim Il Sung's North Korea was the infamous songbun system. This system was established in the late 1950s and came into full power somewhere around 1967. It divides the population into groups, according to the actions and status of their paternal Source indicates that social classification system has more classes – and criteria – than previously thought
When divided Koreas meant box office bonanza
1998 to 2007 was an era of breakthroughs in inter-Korean relations, and this was reflected at the South Korean box office. Mount Geumgang tourism launched in 1998. The historic first inter-Korean summit happened and family reunions resumed. Products made in North Korea began to appear in local maAs inter-Korean ties thawed, films with reconciliation themes boomed south of the DMZ
Interviews
Make your tourist photo in N. Korea a 'rare glimpse'
Quick: Google the terms “rare glimpse North Korea.” You will quickly find, if you didn’t know already, that articles claiming to show unique, ground-br
Make your tourist photo in N. Korea a 'rare glimpse'
Quick: Google the terms “rare glimpse North Korea.” You will quickly find, if you didn’t know already, that articles claiming to show unique, ground-breaking images from inside the country are not so rare. The content of those articles, for that matter, is rarely new. These glimpses, Look for ordinary shots of ordinary people in the North to produce something memorable
The N. Korea-Japan abduction issue: prospects for 2015
North Korea and Japan held informal meetings in Shanghai about ongoing investigations into the 1977-83 abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korean agents, Japanese media reports said in January. While unnamed sources told media the meetings were attended by Junichi Ihara, Japan’s directoExpert says report will not be forthcoming, pressure to mount on Abe
Author takes on widely known, yet poorly known Dear Leader
The author of an “unauthorized autobiography” of Kim Jong Il chose the late Dear Leader because Kim remains easily identified, but not actually well-known, he told NK News. Michael Malice has authored, co-authored or contributed to several books, but admits he knew little about Kim, or North 'Farce' on Kim Jong Il's life designed to draw attention to North Korea in an accessible way
Report seeks celebrity support for N. Korean human rights
Activists have long complained that human rights in North Korea are neglected in discussions of the regime, and a recent report suggests a number of solutions to this. Among them is recruiting celebrity support. “Light Through the Darkness,” a publication of the Bush Institute at the GeorgAuthor of rights paper says human rights, weapons programs intricately linked
Opinion
South Korea’s new unification minister: Big deal?
South Korea has a new Minister of Unification (MOU), or soon will have. President Park Geun-hye, whose ratings have fallen to 29 percent this year, carried out
South Korea’s new unification minister: Big deal?
South Korea has a new Minister of Unification (MOU), or soon will have. President Park Geun-hye, whose ratings have fallen to 29 percent this year, carried out a mini-reshuffle last week. Picking personnel isn’t Park’s strong suit. Last year she failed to replace her prime minister, after twoLike Ryoo Kihl-jae, Hong Yong-pyo will struggle to make much progress
Engagement with North Korea again? Perhaps
A year on from the United Nations’ damning report on the human rights’ situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK – North Korea’s official name), it is perhaps time to take stock of what has happened. The report itself is slowly ploughing through the UN system, and is nowA year after the COI report engagement – and the need for it – continues
Color brings Kim Il Sung-era pictures to life
When we open history books that discuss modern – but not very recent – history, they are usually filled with black-and white photos, as for many years taking color photos required much time and special equipment. One of the consequences of this is that history, in minds of many people, becomesLooking only at black-and-white photos can leave viewers with stale impression of history
Why Kim doesn't love Hitler, and why this matters
Over the last 20 years various international media have several times issued a sensational report: The North Korean leader, they say, is a fan of Adolf Hitler. The most recent report of this kind came from the outlet New Focus. New Focus asserted that Kim Jong Un had distributed a limited print of HCrude rumors to demonize Pyongyang will backfire, and will ultimately strengthen the regime
NK Voices
Is no news good news 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 June Lee in the U.S
Is no news good news 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 June Lee in the U.S. asks: In North Korea, is there any coverage of the world outside? I think the majority of North Koreans don’t know about the newsNortherners are blocked from exposure to international news, even in the black market
'The Interview' from a North Korean's perspective
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 Anaya from the USA asks: Given the recent release of The Interview and the Sony cyber attacks, what do you think of the movie? What would North Koreans thinControversial movie is juvenile, offensive and likely to turn North Koreans against U.S.
The roles of women 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 Shuang Lin in China asks: Generally, do you feel that there is gender equality in North Korea society? Do women face serious discrimination? North KoWomen bear the brunt of domestic violence, discrimination and increased workloads in changing society
Studying a foreign language you may never use
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 Kristo from Estonia asks: In the USSR, behind the Iron Curtain, foreign language studies in universities were prestigious for variety of reasons. How accesAll North Korean students have to learn a second language, only the privileged classes may put them to use
Investigation
Russian Railways interested in revamping North Korean rail
Russian Railways (RZhD) wants to take an active role in upgrading North Korea’s aging rail network, with a view to eventually creating an active Trans-Korean
Russian Railways interested in revamping North Korean rail
Russian Railways (RZhD) wants to take an active role in upgrading North Korea’s aging rail network, with a view to eventually creating an active Trans-Korean connection with South Korea, a source at the unitary enterprise stated from Moscow. RZhD also wants to engage other parties in prospectivRail network modernization faces challenges, namely lack of clarity from Pyongyang
Wired up: North Korea looks to Russia for electricity
Russian energy company RAO Energy System of East is looking to develop a feasibility study on delivering power to North Korea’s Rason region, in just one of a number of recent Russian energy initiatives involving the DPRK. The Russian company last week announced that it was looking to increaseRussia and the DPRK could cooperate on electricity, though South Korean input looks unlikely
India, Denmark in possible breach of luxury goods sanctions
India exported precious metals and stones, sometimes worth tens of thousands of dollars to North Korea, in a likely breach of UN resolution 2094 and Indian law, according to the UN Comtrade and Indian trade databases. Exports of a similar nature, though much less valuable, were also recorded fromTwo countries exported precious metals and stones to North Korea against UN Resolution 2094
Capitalist credentials: N. Korea sympathizer group's huge profit on access to country
Promising unprecedented access to North Korea, the pro-Pyongyang Korean Friendship Association (KFA) is charging significantly marked-up fees for bringing film-makers, artists and tourists to the country, sources familiar with the organization and its operations told NK News. Despite lauding NortSources, independent reporting point to KFA leader charging outrageous rates, exaggerating own status in the North
Intelligence
Imagery reveals changes at Wonsan area airfields
Recently updated imagery from Google Earth has revealed further changes made to airfields in the area of Wonsan on North Korea’s east coast. The imagery, d
Imagery reveals changes at Wonsan area airfields
Recently updated imagery from Google Earth has revealed further changes made to airfields in the area of Wonsan on North Korea’s east coast. The imagery, dated November 17 and December 25, shows that further improvements have been made to the small airstrip at Songdowon for use by Kim Jong Un aUpdated satellite imagery reveals further construction, developments at three airfields
North Korea appoints new KPA special ops commander
North Korea has appointed a new commander of the XI Corps of the Korean People’s Army – the KPA’s primary special operations command. KPA Lieutenant General Kim Yong Bok replaced previous commander Colonel General Choe Kyong Song some time before December 30. Pyongyang’s state media firstKim Yong Bok succeeds Choe Kyong Song as commander of XI Corps
N. Korea flaunts new ship with advanced missile capability
Images of an anti-ship missile test firing published by North Korean state media on Saturday reveal the existence of one of the DPRK's most secret programs for the production of advanced naval craft, pictured carrying an indigenous version of the dreaded Kh-35 anti-ship missile. These naval craAnti-ship missile exercise sheds more light on modernizing navy
Military drills and leadership changes top agenda in January
The first month of 2015 was altogether quite routine for North Korean leadership. January featured numerous significant military drills – to be expected during the country’s annual winter training – political events associated with the coming of the new year – such as Kim Jong Un’s annual Winter training keeps military affairs in spotlight; Kim’s sister increasingly prominent
Real Life
North Korean TV uploads first HD footage, including archives of Kim Jong Il
North Korean state broadcaster Korea Central Television (KCTV) appears to have broadcast its first ever high definition (HD) video material – including vinta
North Korean TV uploads first HD footage, including archives of Kim Jong Il
North Korean state broadcaster Korea Central Television (KCTV) appears to have broadcast its first ever high definition (HD) video material – including vintage shots of Kim Jong Il – multiple clips uploaded to YouTube show. Seven clips uploaded to a channel using the state broadcaster's namRare archive HD footage shows Kim Jong Il visiting TV studios
The myth of a sealed China-N. Korea border
More than one media outlet has included stories of border security on the rise between North Korea and China. Since the coming of the Kim Jong Un regime came a crackdown on defections, both from the North Korean side and the Chinese, who’ve erected new fencing, including the electrified and barStories of widespread border fencing, and of increased tensions between neighbors, are highly exaggerated
Are there gay people 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 Michael from Phnom Penh asks: I'm just curious as to gay and lesbian life and culture in North Korea. Is there in fact any existence of it? PersonallAnd if so, what happens to them when other people find out?
Younger N. Koreans increasingly sharing pictures, video between cellphones
Younger North Koreans are increasingly using their cellphones to communicate with photos, video and other multimedia, the Tokyo-based Asia Press said last Friday. Despite significant restrictions and surveillance on usage, Asia Press – which often reports from inside North Korea – said youngReport says video and images, often influenced by S. Korean and Japanese culture, increasingly shared among younger generations
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
Make your tourist photo in N. Korea a 'rare glimpse'
Look for ordinary shots of ordinary people in the North to produce something memorable
Make your tourist photo in N. Korea a 'rare glimpse'
Quick: Google the terms “rare glimpse North Korea.” You will quickly find, if you didn’t know already, that articles claiming to show unique, ground-breaking images from inside the country are not so rare. The content of those articles, for that matter, is rarely new. These glimpses, Look for ordinary shots of ordinary people in the North to produce something memorable
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OPINION & ANALYSIS
On the eve of a coup that would transfor..
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March 4, 2015
