March 19, 2024

About the author

Donald Kirk

Donald Kirk is a veteran correspondent and noted author on conflict and crisis from Southeast Asia to the Middle East to Northeast Asia. Don has covered wars from Vietnam to Iraq, focusing on political, diplomatic, economic and social as well as military issues. He is also known for his reporting on North Korea, including the nuclear crisis, human rights and payoffs from South to North Korea preceding the June 2000 inter-Korean summit. Kirk earned his Bachelors at Princeton and a Masters in International Relations from the University of Chicago. He also holds an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of Maryland College Park.

More articles by 'Donald Kirk'

Election 2017: After Park, who will control the Blue House?

Election 2017: After Park, who will control the Blue House?

From former chiefs of staff, to populists and multi-millionaires, there's plenty of choice

Election 2017: After Park, who will control the Blue House?
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk December 5, 2016
Inside Hanawon, where North Koreans learn the capitalist way of life

Inside Hanawon, where North Koreans learn the capitalist way of life

In first press visit to the center in three years, NK News toured the controversial "House of Unity"

Inside Hanawon, where North Koreans learn the capitalist way of life
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk November 28, 2016
How will President-elect Trump impact the U.S.-ROK relationship?

How will President-elect Trump impact the U.S.-ROK relationship?

Most believe the alliance will survive the controversial new commander-in-chief

How will President-elect Trump impact the U.S.-ROK relationship?
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk November 16, 2016
The shared troubles of President Park and Hillary Clinton

The shared troubles of President Park and Hillary Clinton

The would-be President and Park Geun-hye have plenty in common - not all good

The shared troubles of President Park and Hillary Clinton
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk November 7, 2016
‘Off with their heads’! Training for ‘decapitation’ of the N. Korea leadership

‘Off with their heads’! Training for ‘decapitation’ of the N. Korea leadership

Amid growing provocation from Pyongyang, the U.S. and South Korea prepare for "first-strike"

‘Off with their heads’! Training for ‘decapitation’ of the N. Korea leadership
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk October 28, 2016
Why Kim Jong Un won’t visit North Korea’s flooded regions

Why Kim Jong Un won’t visit North Korea’s flooded regions

Security concerns keep the North Korean leadership from traveling too far from Pyongyang

Why Kim Jong Un won’t visit North Korea’s flooded regions
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk October 7, 2016
With friends like these? Japan reaches out to Cuba for N. Korea assistance

With friends like these? Japan reaches out to Cuba for N. Korea assistance

Shinzo Abe is hoping Pyongyang's old comrades can talk them down from the brink

With friends like these? Japan reaches out to Cuba for N. Korea assistance
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk September 22, 2016
Last resort? Suing for peace on the Korean peninsula

Last resort? Suing for peace on the Korean peninsula

Considering the North's decades-old demand could be a path to stability, experts suggest

Last resort? Suing for peace on the Korean peninsula
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk September 10, 2016
A new Sunshine Policy? Seoul mayor calls for Kaesong reopening

A new Sunshine Policy? Seoul mayor calls for Kaesong reopening

Mayor - and potential presidential candidate - Park Won-soon talks North Korea policy

A new Sunshine Policy? Seoul mayor calls for Kaesong reopening
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk September 5, 2016
Why N.Korea isn’t telling citizens about its defector diplomat

Why N.Korea isn’t telling citizens about its defector diplomat

Defection could make North Koreans question who, exactly, still supports Kim Jong Un

Why N.Korea isn’t telling citizens about its defector diplomat
Donald Kirk
Donald Kirk August 22, 2016