April 20, 2024

About the author

Chad O’Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

More articles by 'Chad O’Carroll'

North Korean singer “executed by firing squad” shows up alive and well in Pyongyang

North Korean singer “executed by firing squad” shows up alive and well in Pyongyang

Rumored to have been executed with 11 performers last August, singer shown talking Friday on national television

North Korean singer “executed by firing squad” shows up alive and well in Pyongyang
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll May 16, 2014
President Obama a “wicked black monkey” – North Korean state media

President Obama a “wicked black monkey” – North Korean state media

Korean-only article published by North Korean state media outlet contains highly racist language

President Obama a “wicked black monkey” – North Korean state media
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll May 8, 2014
What has been the biggest surprise since you left North Korea? Defector survey

What has been the biggest surprise since you left North Korea? Defector survey

Execution of Jang Song Thaek, growth of cell phone network, and emergence of middle class, among factors

What has been the biggest surprise since you left North Korea? Defector survey
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll May 5, 2014
Nothing to prevent fourth nuclear test – North Korean Foreign Ministry

Nothing to prevent fourth nuclear test – North Korean Foreign Ministry

Obama is seeking to "bring down the DPRK by force" -- North Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Nothing to prevent fourth nuclear test – North Korean Foreign Ministry
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 30, 2014
Is tourism in North Korea a good or bad idea? Eleven defectors share their thoughts

Is tourism in North Korea a good or bad idea? Eleven defectors share their thoughts

Defectors have mixed views about advantages, disadvantages to tourism in North Korea

Is tourism in North Korea a good or bad idea? Eleven defectors share their thoughts
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 30, 2014
Will North Korean be able to understand capitalism and free speech? Refugee survey

Will North Korean be able to understand capitalism and free speech? Refugee survey

While capitalism currently has strong roots in North Korea, corruption could pose problems in future

Will North Korean be able to understand capitalism and free speech? Refugee survey
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 28, 2014
What should the intl. community do to help the people of North Korea?

What should the intl. community do to help the people of North Korea?

Mixture of isolation, engagement and carrot & stick strategies suggested by refugees

What should the intl. community do to help the people of North Korea?
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 23, 2014
Should Korea keep the cult of the Kims after reunification?

Should Korea keep the cult of the Kims after reunification?

Statues and propaganda should be kept for historical purposes, some defectors say

Should Korea keep the cult of the Kims after reunification?
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 21, 2014
What do defectors miss most their lives in North Korea?

What do defectors miss most their lives in North Korea?

Family, friends and strong sense of community among things defectors miss about North Korea

What do defectors miss most their lives in North Korea?
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 18, 2014
What should South Korea do to prepare for change in North Korea? Refugee Insights

What should South Korea do to prepare for change in North Korea? Refugee Insights

Improving public opinion towards reunification important, defectors say

What should South Korea do to prepare for change in North Korea? Refugee Insights
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll April 16, 2014