Columns
Columns on the latest North Korea issues from analysts, academics and renowned experts. Views expressed by our columnists are exclusively the authors’ own.
In the North Korean economy, the almighty US dollar still reigns supreme
Repeated currency reforms have eroded trust in the DPRK won, making foreign money essential for many transactions
Why North Korea mistrusts but depends on its foreign-educated elite
Pyongyang regards most who study abroad as Manchurian candidates that are fundamentally disloyal to the Kims
How the ROK’s education obsession puts North Korean defectors at a disadvantage
DPRK schooling standards lag far behind South Korea, and money can be a major obstacle to academic success
In a conflict with North Korea, the South has much more to lose
The DPRK cares little about dead soldiers, but there will be nationwide outrage in ROK if tensions turn to skirmishes
Remembering Nate Thayer, investigative journalist and former NK News member
He had a unique ability to uncover elusive information, doggedly pursuing stories about the DPRK to the bitter end
Skepticism a must as rumors run wild about former North Korean foreign minister
A Japanese outlet claims Ri Yong Ho was executed during long absence, but officials reported dead have reappeared before
North Korea’s economic reforms were a wild success. Just ask defectors.
Regime’s aborted experiment with marketization increased food consumption, counter to pessimistic economic assessments
Remembering the Chinese samaritans who helped North Korean defectors in need
Some locals in China have gone out of their way to feed, shelter and protect DPRK refugees fleeing their homeland
A diplomat’s life: Christmas in North Korea has lots of lights but little cheer
While foreigners can celebrate privately, Dec. 25 is just another cold winter’s day for the rest of the country
Why North Korean history fixates on wars, invasions and peasant rebellions
Textbooks depict Joseon-era Korea as a feudal society in need of revolution that nonetheless repelled foreign invaders
