April 25, 2024

About the author

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'

North Korea-Ukraine relations: Why the DPRK stands to support Russia’s invasion
NK PRO

North Korea-Ukraine relations: Why the DPRK stands to support Russia’s invasion

Pyongyang will continue to side with longtime ally Moscow, as long as it continues to undermine sanctions on DPRK

North Korea-Ukraine relations: Why the DPRK stands to support Russia’s invasion
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 25, 2022
Why Kim Jong Il’s 80th birthday bash went off without much of a bang
NK PRO

Why Kim Jong Il’s 80th birthday bash went off without much of a bang

North Korea may have refrained from new missile reveals or launches due to Winter Olympics and resource constraints

Why Kim Jong Il’s 80th birthday bash went off without much of a bang
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 17, 2022
Moon Jae-in’s last-ditch attempt to salvage his North Korea legacy
NK PRO

Moon Jae-in’s last-ditch attempt to salvage his North Korea legacy

In wide-ranging interview, Moon appeals to those at home and abroad to continue his vision for peace on the peninsula

Moon Jae-in’s last-ditch attempt to salvage his North Korea legacy
James Fretwell
James Fretwell February 10, 2022
Phoning it in: Expect another year of nothing from Biden on North Korea
NK PRO

Phoning it in: Expect another year of nothing from Biden on North Korea

Dealing with Kim Jong Un is more difficult than ever, and the White House has shown little urgency on engaging Pyongyang

Phoning it in: Expect another year of nothing from Biden on North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 20, 2022
North Korea risks angering China with missile launches ahead of Winter Olympics
NK PRO

North Korea risks angering China with missile launches ahead of Winter Olympics

China’s looking for a PR win, and won’t appreciate Kim Jong Un stealing the spotlight in February

North Korea risks angering China with missile launches ahead of Winter Olympics
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 17, 2022
Harder, better, faster: North Korea ups the ante with test of improved missile
NK PRO

Harder, better, faster: North Korea ups the ante with test of improved missile

Timing of latest launch with UN Security Council meeting underlines that DPRK is unlikely to face consequences

Harder, better, faster: North Korea ups the ante with test of improved missile
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 11, 2022
Disgraced ex-president uses North Korea issues to rebrand as champion of freedom

Disgraced ex-president uses North Korea issues to rebrand as champion of freedom

Park Geun-hye’s team picked several letters from defectors praising the former South Korean leader for bestselling book

Disgraced ex-president uses North Korea issues to rebrand as champion of freedom
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 10, 2022
Back with a bang: North Korea’s missile test is a sign of things to come in 2022
NK PRO

Back with a bang: North Korea’s missile test is a sign of things to come in 2022

Short-range missile launches present new challenges to existing defense systems, but Kim knows he can get away scot-free

Back with a bang: North Korea’s missile test is a sign of things to come in 2022
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 5, 2022
Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022

Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022

Missile launches stole spotlight, but nuclear reactor restart, food problems and other issues don’t bode well for future

Trouble a-brewin’: Overlooked North Korea developments set to boil over in 2022
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 31, 2021
With no ambassador yet, US signals South Korea at bottom of Biden’s to-do list
NK PRO

With no ambassador yet, US signals South Korea at bottom of Biden’s to-do list

US won’t have ambassador for months, frustrating Moon Jae-in as he strives for breakthrough with North Korea

With no ambassador yet, US signals South Korea at bottom of Biden’s to-do list
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 22, 2021
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