March 29, 2024

Features

Long-form reporting on timeless issues and human interest stories by NK News journalists and contributors.

North Korean leaders’ unique gifts: From a signed basketball to stuffed turtle

North Korean leaders’ unique gifts: From a signed basketball to stuffed turtle

A new propaganda book showcases never-before-seen items that offer a window into DPRK’s relations with outside world

North Korean leaders’ unique gifts: From a signed basketball to stuffed turtle
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll January 31, 2023
Eye of the TIGER: ROK drone unit holds drills with US on North Korean border

Eye of the TIGER: ROK drone unit holds drills with US on North Korean border

Some 800 soldiers practiced defending against mock enemy, weeks after South Korea failed to intercept DPRK drones

Eye of the TIGER: ROK drone unit holds drills with US on North Korean border
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer January 16, 2023
Beyond propaganda: New exhibit spotlights North Korea’s ‘hidden’ oil paintings

Beyond propaganda: New exhibit spotlights North Korea’s ‘hidden’ oil paintings

Works by early DPRK artists reveal a more personal style and even share characteristics with ROK art, organizers say

Beyond propaganda: New exhibit spotlights North Korea’s ‘hidden’ oil paintings
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy January 10, 2023
‘I like Messi’: What North Koreans think of soccer beyond their borders

‘I like Messi’: What North Koreans think of soccer beyond their borders

The country’s relative openness to sports allows DPRK fans to follow superstars and take inspiration from their feats

‘I like Messi’: What North Koreans think of soccer beyond their borders
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy | Yeji Chung December 28, 2022
The best North Korea books of 2022: A gift guide for the holiday season

The best North Korea books of 2022: A gift guide for the holiday season

Thrilling accounts of anti-regime activism and DPRK cybercrime join deep dives into history among the year’s top titles

The best North Korea books of 2022: A gift guide for the holiday season
Oliver Jia
Oliver Jia December 13, 2022
How composer Yun Isang became a beloved icon in both North and South Korea

How composer Yun Isang became a beloved icon in both North and South Korea

Classical music artist organized against Imperial Japan and spent much of his life advocating for Korean reunification

How composer Yun Isang became a beloved icon in both North and South Korea
Ayesha Sitara December 12, 2022
From frontline to online: An ex-North Korean soldier’s path to YouTube stardom

From frontline to online: An ex-North Korean soldier’s path to YouTube stardom

Jung Haneul made rare escape across DMZ after seeing ‘injustices’ in the DPRK, and now shares his story with the world

From frontline to online: An ex-North Korean soldier’s path to YouTube stardom
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer | Yeji Chung December 2, 2022
How North Korea and Turkmenistan’s extreme personality cults align and differ

How North Korea and Turkmenistan’s extreme personality cults align and differ

Both countries led by young third-generation authoritarians that siphon off state resources to maintain grip on power

How North Korea and Turkmenistan’s extreme personality cults align and differ
Nick Miller
Nick Miller November 30, 2022
Expelled from Chongryon, ex-member hopes to unite Koreans in Japan

Expelled from Chongryon, ex-member hopes to unite Koreans in Japan

Hong Kyung Eui was ousted from the group after urging reform and now says group is a shadow of its former self

Expelled from Chongryon, ex-member hopes to unite Koreans in Japan
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer November 25, 2022
What BTS’ Jin can expect from front-line military service at North Korean border

What BTS’ Jin can expect from front-line military service at North Korean border

Former soldiers say serving on DPRK’s doorstep can be exhausting, but also recall things they enjoyed about army life

What BTS’ Jin can expect from front-line military service at North Korean border
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer | Yeji Chung November 18, 2022
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