May 09, 2024

About the author

Mintaro Oba

Mintaro Oba is a contributing analyst to NK Pro. He was worked as a political speechwriter and is a former Korea Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State.

More articles by 'Mintaro Oba'

Preparing for the Kim-Trump summit: early signs of a maturing process
NK PRO

Preparing for the Kim-Trump summit: early signs of a maturing process

U.S. diplomats appear to be fleshing out a more effective strategy — with more realistic goals

Preparing for the Kim-Trump summit: early signs of a maturing process
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba February 21, 2019
Biegun at Stanford: baby steps forward on U.S. North Korea policy
NK PRO

Biegun at Stanford: baby steps forward on U.S. North Korea policy

The Special Representative's speech offered important clarity on a range of administration objectives

Biegun at Stanford: baby steps forward on U.S. North Korea policy
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba February 4, 2019
The year of the North Korea “moon shot”: 2018 diplomacy in review
NK PRO

The year of the North Korea “moon shot”: 2018 diplomacy in review

The year was marked by both historic summitry and deep frustration

The year of the North Korea “moon shot”: 2018 diplomacy in review
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba December 30, 2018
U.S.-North Korea talks: how to break the impasse with a temporary agreement

U.S.-North Korea talks: how to break the impasse with a temporary agreement

It’s increasingly clear that American diplomats should take a fresh approach

U.S.-North Korea talks: how to break the impasse with a temporary agreement
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba December 26, 2018
Pompeo’s trip to North Korea: a shifting U.S. approach?
NK PRO

Pompeo’s trip to North Korea: a shifting U.S. approach?

Sunday's talks moved the ball forward significantly - but also exposed some key American weaknesses

Pompeo’s trip to North Korea: a shifting U.S. approach?
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba October 8, 2018
North Korea at the UN General Assembly: making sense of diplomatic whiplash
NK PRO

North Korea at the UN General Assembly: making sense of diplomatic whiplash

Events at the UNGA have provided a burst of energy to U.S.-DPRK diplomacy

North Korea at the UN General Assembly: making sense of diplomatic whiplash
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba October 2, 2018
Six ways Stephen Biegun could make an impact as special representative
NK PRO

Six ways Stephen Biegun could make an impact as special representative

The new top U.S. diplomat on North Korea stands to inherit a flexible brief

Six ways Stephen Biegun could make an impact as special representative
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba August 24, 2018
What to expect from a third Moon-Kim summit
NK PRO

What to expect from a third Moon-Kim summit

Next month's meeting will see both Koreas seek to restore momentum to a faltering diplomatic process

What to expect from a third Moon-Kim summit
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba August 16, 2018
What comes next? Six upcoming North Korea events to watch out for
NK PRO

What comes next? Six upcoming North Korea events to watch out for

From the Asia Games to the UN General Assembly, there's plenty to keep an eye on

What comes next? Six upcoming North Korea events to watch out for
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba August 3, 2018
Understanding the North Korea remains recovery issue, post Singapore Summit
NK PRO

Understanding the North Korea remains recovery issue, post Singapore Summit

Mutual benefits for U.S. and DPRK leaders in securing progress, but hurdles remain

Understanding the North Korea remains recovery issue, post Singapore Summit
Mintaro Oba
Mintaro Oba July 17, 2018