June 04, 2023

About the author

James Fretwell

James Fretwell is an Analyst at NK News. Follow him on Twitter @JamesFretwe11 or get in touch at [email protected]

More articles by 'James Fretwell'

Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks

Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks

A nuclear consulting group between US, ROK and Japan difficult pill to swallow in Seoul despite potential benefits

Jumping the gun: South Korea’s mixed messaging on Japan and nuke planning talks
James Fretwell
James Fretwell May 26, 2023
Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit

Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit

Hiroshima set to highlight dangers of nuclear war and potentially host US-South Korea-Japan trilateral meeting

Overshadowed, but not overlooked: What to expect on North Korea at the G7 summit
James Fretwell
James Fretwell May 19, 2023
North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet

North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet

Seoul seeks reassurances that Washington has its back as DPRK boasts of ability to credibly threaten US homeland

North Korean nukes and deterrence doubts loom as Yoon and Biden set to meet
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 26, 2023
South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear
NK PRO

South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear

Debate at parliament underscores how North Korea’s nuclear development has driven Seoul to consider the once-unthinkable

South Korea’s ruling party shines spotlight on case for going nuclear
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 21, 2023
Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities

Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities

Experts highlight DPRK’s technological and logistical limitations, though ambiguity could work in country’s favor

Leaked US documents raise questions about North Korea’s missile capabilities
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 14, 2023
‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea

‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea

The famous defector’s claims may appeal to some but risk undermining her message on North Korean human rights

‘Save our country’: Yeonmi Park’s new book compares woke America to North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 16, 2023
Frozen fingers and toxic fumes: How North Koreans endure the brutal winter cold

Frozen fingers and toxic fumes: How North Koreans endure the brutal winter cold

Efforts to stay warm run up against fuel scarcity, while traditional coal briquettes can lead to poisoning deaths

Frozen fingers and toxic fumes: How North Koreans endure the brutal winter cold
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 8, 2023
South Korea’s on-again, off-again relationship with nuclear weapons

South Korea’s on-again, off-again relationship with nuclear weapons

North Korean threats and anxiety about US extended deterrence have led ROK to flirt with developing nukes since 1970s

South Korea’s on-again, off-again relationship with nuclear weapons
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 1, 2023
In new book, Mike Pompeo talks tough about ‘bloodthirsty toad’ Kim Jong Un

In new book, Mike Pompeo talks tough about ‘bloodthirsty toad’ Kim Jong Un

Former secretary of state stresses hardline approach as potential presidential candidates stake out positions on DPRK

In new book, Mike Pompeo talks tough about ‘bloodthirsty toad’ Kim Jong Un
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 27, 2023
What if South Korea gets the bomb?

What if South Korea gets the bomb?

Nuclear weapons would help Seoul deter North Korea but could invite devastating sanctions and undermine US-ROK alliance

What if South Korea gets the bomb?
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 18, 2023
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