April 27, 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'

100,000 North Korean soldiers won’t fight in Ukraine. But a few dozen might.

100,000 North Korean soldiers won’t fight in Ukraine. But a few dozen might.

The DPRK has deployed troops to foreign conflicts before, from the Vietnam War to the civil war in Syria

100,000 North Korean soldiers won’t fight in Ukraine. But a few dozen might.
James Fretwell
James Fretwell August 12, 2022
North Korea’s proclamation of COVID ‘victory’ only portends more suffering ahead
NK PRO

North Korea’s proclamation of COVID ‘victory’ only portends more suffering ahead

Kim regime focused on crafting propaganda wins rather than embracing solutions like vaccines that would help it open up

North Korea’s proclamation of COVID ‘victory’ only portends more suffering ahead
James Fretwell
James Fretwell August 11, 2022
Yoon’s botched handling of Pelosi visit sends muddled diplomatic messages
KOREA PRO

Yoon’s botched handling of Pelosi visit sends muddled diplomatic messages

South Korean president risks opening himself to charge of placating China even as he seeks closer ties with US

Yoon’s botched handling of Pelosi visit sends muddled diplomatic messages
James Fretwell
James Fretwell August 9, 2022
Israeli envoy: Korea-Israel ties bright but Yoon visit would be ‘transformative’
KOREA PRO

Israeli envoy: Korea-Israel ties bright but Yoon visit would be ‘transformative’

In interview, Ambassador Akiva Tor says South Korea to ratify FTA ‘very soon’ and that he ‘often’ warns of Iran threats

Israeli envoy: Korea-Israel ties bright but Yoon visit would be ‘transformative’
James Fretwell
James Fretwell August 5, 2022
Mad about THAAD: South Korea-China dispute over US missile interceptor returns
KOREA PRO

Mad about THAAD: South Korea-China dispute over US missile interceptor returns

Seoul again finds itself caught between Beijing and Washington as it looks for defenses against North Korean threats

Mad about THAAD: South Korea-China dispute over US missile interceptor returns
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 28, 2022
New Netflix drama paints dismal picture of road to Korean unification

New Netflix drama paints dismal picture of road to Korean unification

In ‘Money Heist: Korea,’ economic integration and North Korean migration to South only lead to crime and exploitation

New Netflix drama paints dismal picture of road to Korean unification
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 21, 2022
How Ukraine’s breakaway republics could fund North Korean nukes
NK PRO

How Ukraine’s breakaway republics could fund North Korean nukes

Proposed bilateral cooperation would violate sanctions and shows Russian support for UN resolutions is waning fast

How Ukraine’s breakaway republics could fund North Korean nukes
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 20, 2022
Yoon’s rapprochement with Japan could soon be over before it even started
KOREA PRO

Yoon’s rapprochement with Japan could soon be over before it even started

South Korea’s consultative group to resolve WWII forced labor case is struggling as upcoming court ruling approaches

Yoon’s rapprochement with Japan could soon be over before it even started
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 14, 2022
Anti-North Korea balloons could spark the peninsula’s next military crisis
NK PRO

Anti-North Korea balloons could spark the peninsula’s next military crisis

Pyongyang has set stage for retaliatory action by blaming balloons for spreading COVID, posing a dilemma for Seoul

Anti-North Korea balloons could spark the peninsula’s next military crisis
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 11, 2022
Moon’s legacy limits Yoon’s options for information warfare against North Korea
NK PRO

Moon’s legacy limits Yoon’s options for information warfare against North Korea

Conservatives have often ramped up anti-regime propaganda when in power but may have trouble doing so this time

Moon’s legacy limits Yoon’s options for information warfare against North Korea
James Fretwell
James Fretwell July 4, 2022
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