April 25, 2024

Columns

Columns on the latest North Korea issues from analysts, academics and renowned experts. Views expressed by our columnists are exclusively the authors’ own.

From Moscow to Pyongyang: The birth of North Korea under Soviet control
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From Moscow to Pyongyang: The birth of North Korea under Soviet control

A new NK News series explores the history of bilateral ties and what it says about DPRK’s partnership with Russia today

From Moscow to Pyongyang: The birth of North Korea under Soviet control
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov November 17, 2023
How North Korean neighborhood watch groups do dirty work of keeping cities clean
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How North Korean neighborhood watch groups do dirty work of keeping cities clean

Groups notorious for spying on citizens also mobilize residents for tasks ranging from collecting trash to cutting grass

How North Korean neighborhood watch groups do dirty work of keeping cities clean
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov October 27, 2023
The myth of free housing in North Korea
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The myth of free housing in North Korea

While cases do exist, desirable real estate in Pyongyang and elsewhere is wildly out of reach for most

The myth of free housing in North Korea
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov October 11, 2023
How a long-dead independence hero became embroiled in inter-Korean tensions
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How a long-dead independence hero became embroiled in inter-Korean tensions

Hong Beom-do, celebrated for fighting Japanese Empire, is now at center of South Korean debate over his communist ties

How a long-dead independence hero became embroiled in inter-Korean tensions
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov September 29, 2023
Summit subterfuge? Why Putin may be bluffing about tech transfers to North Korea
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Summit subterfuge? Why Putin may be bluffing about tech transfers to North Korea

Russian leader met Kim Jong Un with one eye on South Korea, likely hoping to compel Seoul not to send weapons to Ukraine

Summit subterfuge? Why Putin may be bluffing about tech transfers to North Korea
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov September 21, 2023
North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.
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North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.

Return of DPRK citizens is likely beginning of gradual relaxation of border controls that may take months, or even years

North Korea is creaking open. But foreigners shouldn’t start packing their bags.
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov August 30, 2023
Big Brother lives: How North Korean organizations keep watch on citizens
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Big Brother lives: How North Korean organizations keep watch on citizens

Mandatory membership in one of five groups creates a network of surveillance and indoctrination that no one can evade

Big Brother lives: How North Korean organizations keep watch on citizens
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov August 28, 2023
Iron Curtain 2.0: How North Korea has embraced Soviet-style border security
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Iron Curtain 2.0: How North Korea has embraced Soviet-style border security

Kim Jong Un appears determined to stop cross-border movement, and history suggests the DPRK is capable of doing so

Iron Curtain 2.0: How North Korea has embraced Soviet-style border security
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov August 23, 2023
How a secret plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader spiraled out of control
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How a secret plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader spiraled out of control

South Korea enlisted criminals to seek revenge for attempt to kill president, only for plan to end in bloodshed in Seoul

How a secret plot to assassinate North Korea’s leader spiraled out of control
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov August 7, 2023
Conspicuous cooperation: Why Shoigu made a show of buying arms from North Korea
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Conspicuous cooperation: Why Shoigu made a show of buying arms from North Korea

Russia could have discussed weapons sales discreetly, but it chose ostentation to send a political message

Conspicuous cooperation: Why Shoigu made a show of buying arms from North Korea
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov August 1, 2023
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