Though the organization has seen better days, Chongryon can still serve as a base for North Korea’s covert operations against the South, a former Japanese intelligence officer told NK News.

Established in 1955, the pro-North Chongryon organization in Japan has served as a strong support for such activities from the motherland. It has been the main association of North Korean residents, who for years have shown stout solidarity with the Hermit Kingdom.