June 02, 2023

About the author

Martin Weiser

Martin Weiser received his MA from Korea University in 2014 with a thesis explaining North Korea’s changing human rights policy. He has continued researching North Korea’s political history as an independent researcher since then. His writings have appeared on SinoNK and in 2018 an article on the country’s legal system appeared in the European Journal of Korean Studies.

More articles by 'Martin Weiser'

Secrecy surrounding North Korea’s upcoming plenum points to big changes afoot
NK PRO

Secrecy surrounding North Korea’s upcoming plenum points to big changes afoot

State media did not disclose Politburo meeting to discuss plans for plenum, a sign of major leadership changes in past

Secrecy surrounding North Korea’s upcoming plenum points to big changes afoot
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser May 30, 2023
How North Korea wielded the law against violators of pandemic controls
NK PRO

How North Korea wielded the law against violators of pandemic controls

Legislative changes show how regime ramped up punishments as it struggled to bring citizens into compliance with rules

How North Korea wielded the law against violators of pandemic controls
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser May 12, 2023
Why Kim Jong Un is shunning visits to his father and grandfather’s shrine
NK PRO

Why Kim Jong Un is shunning visits to his father and grandfather’s shrine

North Korean leader did not pay respects at Kumsusan on Kim Il Sung’s birthday, amid signs he’s downplaying predecessors

Why Kim Jong Un is shunning visits to his father and grandfather’s shrine
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser April 19, 2023
North Korean website appears to block searches for Kim Jong Un’s daughter

North Korean website appears to block searches for Kim Jong Un’s daughter

DPRK Today also deleted posts about someone with name Ju Ae in sign leadership sees big role for young girl

North Korean website appears to block searches for Kim Jong Un’s daughter
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser April 14, 2023
North Korea continues crackdown on foreign music, outside information, and porn
NK PRO

North Korea continues crackdown on foreign music, outside information, and porn

Fans of K-pop and other South Korean content continue to risk life imprisonment and hard labor, new law shows

North Korea continues crackdown on foreign music, outside information, and porn
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser April 6, 2023
North Korean meeting on food shortages reshuffles farming officials
NK PRO

North Korean meeting on food shortages reshuffles farming officials

Agriculture and construction took center stage at latest plenum, which excluded top officials and military commanders

North Korean meeting on food shortages reshuffles farming officials
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser March 9, 2023
North Korea overhauls laws on drug use, private wealth and rape
NK PRO

North Korea overhauls laws on drug use, private wealth and rape

Legal changes outline new crimes and punishment but promote leniency for even worst offenders who repent

North Korea overhauls laws on drug use, private wealth and rape
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser February 27, 2023
New military promotions appear to underscore North Korea’s focus on missiles
NK PRO

New military promotions appear to underscore North Korea’s focus on missiles

Recently revealed ICBM units may have new commanders, while Politburo Presidium member a conspicuous no-show at parade

New military promotions appear to underscore North Korea’s focus on missiles
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser February 14, 2023
Vast new trove of North Korean laws shines light on developments in country
NK PRO

Vast new trove of North Korean laws shines light on developments in country

Texts acquired by ROK spy agency underscore construction push and greatly expand knowledge of legal system

Vast new trove of North Korean laws shines light on developments in country
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser January 31, 2023
North Korea’s parliament introduces first new speaker in nearly 2 years
NK PRO

North Korea’s parliament introduces first new speaker in nearly 2 years

Delayed appointment at recent Supreme People’s Assembly session may reflect crisis, while Kim Yo Jong notably absent

North Korea’s parliament introduces first new speaker in nearly 2 years
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser January 25, 2023
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