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Analysis

Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer

Increased quantity and quality herald social change, but large-scale export remains unlikely

“Chukbae!”: The rise of North Korean beer
Alessandro Ford
Alessandro Ford December 19, 2018
Implementation of sectoral sanctions appears stronger in 2018
NK PRO

Implementation of sectoral sanctions appears stronger in 2018

Though caveats over Chinese compliance remain in the face of Beijing's reticence to publish trade figures

Implementation of sectoral sanctions appears stronger in 2018
Leo Byrne
Leo Byrne December 17, 2018
After delays, central Pyongyang apartment constructions show sign of progress
NK PRO

After delays, central Pyongyang apartment constructions show sign of progress

Slow progress at two complexes could mean limited efforts to put projects back on track

After delays, central Pyongyang apartment constructions show sign of progress
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll December 17, 2018
A ‘block’ to denuclearization? Reading N.Korea’s latest statement
NK PRO

A ‘block’ to denuclearization? Reading N.Korea’s latest statement

Institute for American Studies statement repeats several recent DPRK talking points

A ‘block’ to denuclearization? Reading N.Korea’s latest statement
Fyodor Tertitskiy
Fyodor Tertitskiy December 17, 2018
The Kwangbok Area Commerce Center: a model for North Korea’s retail future?
NK PRO

The Kwangbok Area Commerce Center: a model for North Korea’s retail future?

A Pyongyang shopping mall offers hints at a long-term state strategy to undercut private markets

The Kwangbok Area Commerce Center: a model for North Korea’s retail future?
Peter Ward
Peter Ward December 13, 2018
Humanitarian response in the DPRK: which North Koreans are “vulnerable”?

Humanitarian response in the DPRK: which North Koreans are “vulnerable”?

How best to identify those most in need of aid is a complex question

Humanitarian response in the DPRK: which North Koreans are “vulnerable”?
Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings
Nazanin Zadeh-Cummings December 13, 2018
What to expect from a Kim Jong Un visit to Seoul – and why it’s unlikely for now
NK PRO

What to expect from a Kim Jong Un visit to Seoul – and why it’s unlikely for now

DPRK concerns mean Seoul visit likely to be biggest mission for security forces since Kim Jong Un's rise to power

What to expect from a Kim Jong Un visit to Seoul – and why it’s unlikely for now
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll December 12, 2018
Lankov: Tokyo, Pyongyang diplomatic breakthrough seems distant

Lankov: Tokyo, Pyongyang diplomatic breakthrough seems distant

The issue of Japanese abductees weighs heavily on relations between the two countries

Lankov: Tokyo, Pyongyang diplomatic breakthrough seems distant
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov December 11, 2018
Why the death of Kim Il Sung’s wife is unlikely to cause much turbulence

Why the death of Kim Il Sung’s wife is unlikely to cause much turbulence

Absent role in state media for several decades, death of Kim Song Ae unlikely to have much impact

Why the death of Kim Il Sung’s wife is unlikely to cause much turbulence
Fyodor Tertitskiy
Fyodor Tertitskiy December 11, 2018
Sanctioned Russian vessel leaves South Korea after finding fuel provider

Sanctioned Russian vessel leaves South Korea after finding fuel provider

Previous reports indicated South Korean fuel suppliers were wary of U.S. sanctions

Sanctioned Russian vessel leaves South Korea after finding fuel provider
Leo Byrne
Leo Byrne December 9, 2018