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May 17, 2025May 17, 2025

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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'

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
What if North Korea just gave up its nukes?

What if North Korea just gave up its nukes?

The US and South Korea have no interest in invading a non-nuclear DPRK, but Kim would still clamp down on his own people

What if North Korea just gave up its nukes?
James Fretwell
James Fretwell January 3, 2023
Unfinished business: Overlooked developments of North Korea’s busy missile year

Unfinished business: Overlooked developments of North Korea’s busy missile year

DPRK has yet to test an array of desired capabilities, while the succession question remains publicly unresolved

Unfinished business: Overlooked developments of North Korea’s busy missile year
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 30, 2022
China ends quarantine for arrivals, removing barrier to accessing North Korea
NK PRO

China ends quarantine for arrivals, removing barrier to accessing North Korea

Decision could put pressure on DPRK to relax its own border controls, though it has yet to indicate it will do so

China ends quarantine for arrivals, removing barrier to accessing North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell December 27, 2022
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