April 19, 2024

Analysis

Leading experts analyze recent events and affairs involving North Korea

Why North Korea has little reason to meddle in South Korea’s upcoming election
NK PRO

Why North Korea has little reason to meddle in South Korea’s upcoming election

While Seoul has warned of ‘provocations,’ experts say DPRK has limited influence and doesn’t really care who wins 

Why North Korea has little reason to meddle in South Korea’s upcoming election
Jeongmin Kim
Jeongmin Kim March 25, 2024
North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
NK PRO

North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls

Continued activity at pandemic-era facilities suggests authorities see political value in strong inspection regime

North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko March 22, 2024
State media review: Kim Jong Un, daughter exalted as ‘great persons of guidance’
NK PRO

State media review: Kim Jong Un, daughter exalted as ‘great persons of guidance’

An in-depth analysis of daughter’s idolization, a new housing law, Pyongyang’s diplomatic outreach and more

State media review: Kim Jong Un, daughter exalted as ‘great persons of guidance’
Seung-Yeon Chung
Seung-Yeon Chung March 21, 2024
Patterns of behavior: Decoding North Korea’s responses to recent US-ROK drills
NK PRO

Patterns of behavior: Decoding North Korea’s responses to recent US-ROK drills

NK Pro analysis suggests DPRK usually waits until after exercises to launch missiles — unless major US assets involved

Patterns of behavior: Decoding North Korea’s responses to recent US-ROK drills
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll March 20, 2024
How North Korea can exploit Russian puppet states to operate in the shadows
NK PRO

How North Korea can exploit Russian puppet states to operate in the shadows

Breakaway Georgian republics provide haven for sanctions evasion schemes as DPRK bolsters ties with Moscow, experts say

How North Korea can exploit Russian puppet states to operate in the shadows
Anton Sokolin
Anton Sokolin March 19, 2024
North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
NK PRO

North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size

Claims about bulldozing major military bases to build ‘world’s largest’ farm mislead public about project, NK Pro finds

North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko March 18, 2024
State media review: North Korea lauds nation’s ‘mom’ Kim Jong Un on women’s day
NK PRO

State media review: North Korea lauds nation’s ‘mom’ Kim Jong Un on women’s day

An in-depth review of lip service for gender equality, a report on soccer victory, Tree Planting Day and more

State media review: North Korea lauds nation’s ‘mom’ Kim Jong Un on women’s day
Seung-Yeon Chung
Seung-Yeon Chung March 14, 2024
What can still be done about widespread human rights abuses in North Korea

What can still be done about widespread human rights abuses in North Korea

Little has changed since UN detailed crimes against humanity, but experts see ways to build on success raising awareness

What can still be done about widespread human rights abuses in North Korea
Gabriela Bernal
Gabriela Bernal March 14, 2024
Why North Korea finally embraced 4G mobile networks, years after rest of world

Why North Korea finally embraced 4G mobile networks, years after rest of world

Experts say growing consumer demand likely drove change but that regime’s paranoia will ensure it remains a step behind

Why North Korea finally embraced 4G mobile networks, years after rest of world
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy March 12, 2024
How a surge in medical imports reveals new opportunities to engage North Korea
NK PRO

How a surge in medical imports reveals new opportunities to engage North Korea

DPRK trade trends point to greater medical need or shifting policies, suggesting Pyongyang would be open to aid

How a surge in medical imports reveals new opportunities to engage North Korea
C. Yoonhee Ryder
C. Yoonhee Ryder | Kee B. Park March 12, 2024