March 29, 2024

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'

North Korean insurance data points to small business growth despite pandemic
NK PRO

North Korean insurance data points to small business growth despite pandemic

Data from five insurers suggests they’re weathering the downturn and that the economy has declined less than thought

North Korean insurance data points to small business growth despite pandemic
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser December 16, 2021
Why North Korea’s politburo held a secret meeting in recent months
NK PRO

Why North Korea’s politburo held a secret meeting in recent months

Change in rank of a key department director hints at reasons and timing of first unpublicized gathering since last year

Why North Korea’s politburo held a secret meeting in recent months
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser December 9, 2021
North Korea may have quietly launched a new arts and culture department
NK PRO

North Korea may have quietly launched a new arts and culture department

New ruling party organization may tie to greater efforts to promote Kim Jong Un and state ideology in popular media

North Korea may have quietly launched a new arts and culture department
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser November 22, 2021
Reshuffles at North Korea’s parliament session suggest volatility at the top
NK PRO

Reshuffles at North Korea’s parliament session suggest volatility at the top

The latest round of promotions and demotions highlights major changes in DPRK leadership since January

Reshuffles at North Korea’s parliament session suggest volatility at the top
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser October 4, 2021
Fake news? North Korea quickly recalled Rodong Sinmun after name mix-up
NK PRO

Fake news? North Korea quickly recalled Rodong Sinmun after name mix-up

DPRK propagandists made a rare mistake that could have been a misprint, or a sign of behind-the-scenes power struggles

Fake news? North Korea quickly recalled Rodong Sinmun after name mix-up
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser October 1, 2021
Changes to North Korea’s Foreign Trade Law point to tightening of state control
NK PRO

Changes to North Korea’s Foreign Trade Law point to tightening of state control

Latest revisions amid pandemic lockdown also suggest efforts to diversify trade and protect domestic production

Changes to North Korea’s Foreign Trade Law point to tightening of state control
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser September 20, 2021
Bureaucratic flip-flop: former propaganda head back in post months after leaving
NK PRO

Bureaucratic flip-flop: former propaganda head back in post months after leaving

Reappointment of Ri Il Hwan suggests dissatisfaction with his replacement, or a behind-the-scenes power struggle

Bureaucratic flip-flop: former propaganda head back in post months after leaving
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser August 26, 2021
Kim Jong Un, in naming a successor, follows a similar precedent to Mao
NK PRO

Kim Jong Un, in naming a successor, follows a similar precedent to Mao

North Korea's creation of an immediate deputy to leader resembles China's plan to name a successor for ailing Mao Zedong

Kim Jong Un, in naming a successor, follows a similar precedent to Mao
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser August 12, 2021
Changes to North Korea’s military leadership on display during mausoleum visit
NK PRO

Changes to North Korea’s military leadership on display during mausoleum visit

Kim Jong Un’s visit to Kumsusan last week showcased changes suggesting military’s role in 'grave' COVID-19 incident

Changes to North Korea’s military leadership on display during mausoleum visit
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser July 12, 2021
Was there a major shakeup of top officials at North Korea’s politburo meeting?
NK PRO

Was there a major shakeup of top officials at North Korea’s politburo meeting?

Empty seats, voting abstentions may indicate demotions among Kim Jong Un’s top military and other officials

Was there a major shakeup of top officials at North Korea’s politburo meeting?
Martin Weiser
Martin Weiser July 1, 2021
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