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May 17, 2025May 17, 2025

About the author

James Fretwell

James Fretwell

James Fretwell is a PhD student focusing on Korean and Chinese history at the University of Melbourne. 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'

Kim-Moon letters mean division in South Korea, not reconciliation with the North
NK PRO

Kim-Moon letters mean division in South Korea, not reconciliation with the North

Kim Jong Un’s warm words do not match his aggressive actions, but will add an air of confusion about his true intentions

Kim-Moon letters mean division in South Korea, not reconciliation with the North
James Fretwell
James Fretwell April 22, 2022
What if the US recognized North Korea as a nuclear power?

What if the US recognized North Korea as a nuclear power?

The move would open a door for better US-DPRK relations but set a damning precedent for global nonproliferation

What if the US recognized North Korea as a nuclear power?
James Fretwell
James Fretwell March 29, 2022
A future that never was: Madeleine Albright’s glimmer of hope with North Korea

A future that never was: Madeleine Albright’s glimmer of hope with North Korea

Albright, who died on Wednesday at 84, met Kim Jong Il in 2000 when better bilateral relations seemed possible

A future that never was: Madeleine Albright’s glimmer of hope with North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell March 24, 2022
Yoon’s victory sets up big shift in Seoul’s stance on North Korean human rights
NK PRO

Yoon’s victory sets up big shift in Seoul’s stance on North Korean human rights

President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol has a chance to help defectors but faces major challenges to reaching those in the DPRK

Yoon’s victory sets up big shift in Seoul’s stance on North Korean human rights
James Fretwell
James Fretwell March 16, 2022
What Yoon’s win means for security and foreign relations on the Korean Peninsula
NK PRO

What Yoon’s win means for security and foreign relations on the Korean Peninsula

US and Japan will welcome Yoon Suk-yeol’s election win, but his tough talk risks tensions with China and North Korea

What Yoon’s win means for security and foreign relations on the Korean Peninsula
James Fretwell
James Fretwell March 10, 2022
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
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