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November 05, 2024

About the author

James Fretwell

James Fretwell

James Fretwell is a writer based in Seoul, South Korea. He was an analyst at NK News, and he has often discussed the two Koreas in interviews on the BBC, ABC News Australia, Deutsche Welle and elsewhere.

More articles by 'James Fretwell'

Paper provocations: Inside North and South Korea’s decades-long leaflet war

Paper provocations: Inside North and South Korea’s decades-long leaflet war

Two sides have often agreed to stop launches, but trash balloons and new dynamics could make it harder to find offramp

Paper provocations: Inside North and South Korea’s decades-long leaflet war
James Fretwell
James Fretwell June 5, 2024
Five years after Hanoi, Trump’s still keen on a nuclear deal with North Korea

Five years after Hanoi, Trump’s still keen on a nuclear deal with North Korea

Former president seems determined to rekindle friendship with Kim Jong Un, and he could make enticing offer if reelected

Five years after Hanoi, Trump’s still keen on a nuclear deal with North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 28, 2024
The Korean War POWs who rejected North and South Korea to go to neutral India

The Korean War POWs who rejected North and South Korea to go to neutral India

Seventy years ago, a handful of Koreans set sail for Madras, many with futile dreams of eventually settling in the US

The Korean War POWs who rejected North and South Korea to go to neutral India
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 9, 2024
Arch nemesis: Kim Jong Un dismantled a monument — and his grandfather’s legacy

Arch nemesis: Kim Jong Un dismantled a monument — and his grandfather’s legacy

Reunification arch celebrated Kim’s predecessor, and its destruction shows North Korean leader won’t be bound by past

Arch nemesis: Kim Jong Un dismantled a monument — and his grandfather’s legacy
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 30, 2024
How Russia’s secretive Lenin Lab helped North Korea embalm its ruling Kims

How Russia’s secretive Lenin Lab helped North Korea embalm its ruling Kims

Pyongyang paid as much as $1M to the Russian team that has preserved Lenin for 100 years, though it refuses to admit it

How Russia’s secretive Lenin Lab helped North Korea embalm its ruling Kims
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 19, 2024
What China’s respiratory illness outbreak among children means for North Korea

What China’s respiratory illness outbreak among children means for North Korea

While DPRK is keeping tabs on situation as it reopens, expert says country likely able to mitigate health risks

What China’s respiratory illness outbreak among children means for North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 7, 2023
How the Middle East’s non-stop demand for weapons drive ties with North Korea

How the Middle East’s non-stop demand for weapons drive ties with North Korea

Experts say DPRK likely funneled weapons through Iran and Syria and will continue exports if there’s money to be made

How the Middle East’s non-stop demand for weapons drive ties with North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 6, 2023
‘Blood must be spilled’: How Kissinger nearly triggered a war with North Korea

‘Blood must be spilled’: How Kissinger nearly triggered a war with North Korea

The former US Secretary of State wanted to retaliate when the DPRK killed Americans, despite concerns of escalation

‘Blood must be spilled’: How Kissinger nearly triggered a war with North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 1, 2023
How North Korea’s move to scrap military deal raises risk of conflict with South
NK PRO

How North Korea’s move to scrap military deal raises risk of conflict with South

DPRK set to resume array of military activities near border, though experts differ on whether ROK should respond in kind

How North Korea’s move to scrap military deal raises risk of conflict with South
James Fretwell
James Fretwell November 23, 2023
Biden, Xi still going round in circles on North Korea at latest summit

Biden, Xi still going round in circles on North Korea at latest summit

Experts say DPRK policy ‘remains on autopilot’ even as US and Chinese leaders make progress on other issues

Biden, Xi still going round in circles on North Korea at latest summit
James Fretwell
James Fretwell November 16, 2023
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