March 29, 2024

About the author

Andrei Lankov

Andrei Lankov is a Director at NK News and writes exclusively for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984-5 - an experience you can read about here. In addition to his writing, he is also a Professor at Kookmin University.

More articles by 'Andrei Lankov'

The diet of the North’s new rich

The diet of the North’s new rich

Far from starving, Pyongyangites enjoy a large and diverse restaurant scene

The diet of the North’s new rich
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov June 2, 2014
Money matters: The three-tiered system of 1980s North Korean currency

Money matters: The three-tiered system of 1980s North Korean currency

Won came different forms, but the redder your money the better in 1980s Pyongyang

Money matters: The three-tiered system of 1980s North Korean currency
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov May 28, 2014
North Korea in 1984: The Fatherly Leader is watching you

North Korea in 1984: The Fatherly Leader is watching you

Foreign students, even from Pyongyang’s supposed allies, had their activities severely curtailed in the 1980s

North Korea in 1984: The Fatherly Leader is watching you
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov May 22, 2014
Fun times: How to enjoy a stay in North Korea

Fun times: How to enjoy a stay in North Korea

A few clubs, hotels, travel opportunities cater to expats facing crippling boredom

Fun times: How to enjoy a stay in North Korea
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov May 20, 2014
A minority in a minority: College students in 1980s North Korea

A minority in a minority: College students in 1980s North Korea

Most university students came to Pyongyang for the Korean language, but got limited interaction

A minority in a minority: College students in 1980s North Korea
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov May 15, 2014
Enjoying a very unusual life indeed: North Korea in 1984

Enjoying a very unusual life indeed: North Korea in 1984

Lankov says life for a foreign visitor in 1980s Pyongyang had its own pleasures, amusements

Enjoying a very unusual life indeed: North Korea in 1984
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov May 13, 2014
Meet Mr. X: One of the North’s new capitalist class

Meet Mr. X: One of the North’s new capitalist class

By providing kickbacks, foreign currency to the state, money-making enterprises thrive in ‘Stalinist’ state

Meet Mr. X: One of the North’s new capitalist class
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov April 24, 2014
Why interest in the North Korean army is dropping

Why interest in the North Korean army is dropping

The informal economy means young people have other options for success

Why interest in the North Korean army is dropping
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov April 17, 2014
‘Dangerous’ era of dissent may have begun

‘Dangerous’ era of dissent may have begun

Discontent about leadership may portend change in years to come

‘Dangerous’ era of dissent may have begun
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov April 8, 2014
Why North Korea has strong incentive for another nuclear test

Why North Korea has strong incentive for another nuclear test

Political and technological reasons might mean another test imminent

Why North Korea has strong incentive for another nuclear test
Andrei Lankov
Andrei Lankov April 2, 2014
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