April 23, 2024

About the author

Ethan Jewell

Ethan Jewell is a Seoul-based correspondent for NK News focused on sanctions, trade and maritime issues. He previously worked as an investigations and intelligence specialist for Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management and as a research intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies.

More articles by 'Ethan Jewell'

North Koreans suffer amid ‘creeping apathy’ from the world, UN watchdog warns

North Koreans suffer amid ‘creeping apathy’ from the world, UN watchdog warns

Report says sanctions, oppressive border lockdowns push North Koreans to choose between hunger and COVID-19

North Koreans suffer amid ‘creeping apathy’ from the world, UN watchdog warns
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell October 12, 2021
North Korean provinces see ‘dramatic’ decline in crop health: report

North Korean provinces see ‘dramatic’ decline in crop health: report

US think tank says DPRK may reap a smaller harvest amid lingering flood damage and self-described ‘food crisis’

North Korean provinces see ‘dramatic’ decline in crop health: report
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell October 6, 2021
North Korea’s official oil imports tick up but remain far below its needs
NK PRO

North Korea’s official oil imports tick up but remain far below its needs

Sanctions and the pandemic have battered imports of refined petroleum, but smuggling may cover part of the gap

North Korea’s official oil imports tick up but remain far below its needs
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell October 6, 2021
How Cuban cigars bankroll North Korean overseas missions

How Cuban cigars bankroll North Korean overseas missions

Slinging stogies has long been a reliable side hustle for DPRK envoys, who regularly abuse their diplomatic privileges

How Cuban cigars bankroll North Korean overseas missions
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell October 4, 2021
North Korea-China trade may be on the up and up, says South Korean association
NK PRO

North Korea-China trade may be on the up and up, says South Korean association

Trade group says some DPRK factories are seeing pre-pandemic demand levels, though COVID still a limiting factor

North Korea-China trade may be on the up and up, says South Korean association
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell October 1, 2021
UK warship spots potential violations of North Korea sanctions in East China Sea

UK warship spots potential violations of North Korea sanctions in East China Sea

Pyongyang’s extensive procurement networks and maritime legal obstacles hinder sanctions enforcement, expert says

UK warship spots potential violations of North Korea sanctions in East China Sea
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell September 27, 2021
North Korea’s improved cyber capabilities threaten financial institutions: FBI

North Korea’s improved cyber capabilities threaten financial institutions: FBI

FBI chief describes 'growing' cyber espionage threat and challenge of investigating cyberattacks to Senate committee

North Korea’s improved cyber capabilities threaten financial institutions: FBI
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell September 23, 2021
Sanctioned tankers, cargo ships spotted at North Korean port of Nampho
NK PRO

Sanctioned tankers, cargo ships spotted at North Korean port of Nampho

Their appearance suggests DPRK’s oil trade is ramping up, including by illicit means, amid low official imports

Sanctioned tankers, cargo ships spotted at North Korean port of Nampho
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell September 23, 2021
North Korean company may have acquired superalloy used in nukes, missiles: PoE
NK PRO

North Korean company may have acquired superalloy used in nukes, missiles: PoE

Lack of manufacturing capacity and dated machine tech mean North Korea must import certain kinds of steel, expert says

North Korean company may have acquired superalloy used in nukes, missiles: PoE
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell September 21, 2021
North Korea-China trade jumps 37% in August, but still far from pre-COVID levels
NK PRO

North Korea-China trade jumps 37% in August, but still far from pre-COVID levels

Iron alloy tops North Korea's exports to China for first time this year, but unclear whether it falls under sanctions

North Korea-China trade jumps 37% in August, but still far from pre-COVID levels
Ethan Jewell
Ethan Jewell September 20, 2021