December 05, 2023

About the author

Yong Ja Hong

Yong Ja Hong is a doctoral candidate in North Korean society, culture and media at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. She also holds a master's in North Korean studies and a bachelor's in unification, diplomacy and security from Korea University. Her primary research area is DPRK athletics.

More articles by 'Yong Ja Hong'

Pyongyang’s playbook: How North Korea turned sports into tool for regime control

Pyongyang’s playbook: How North Korea turned sports into tool for regime control

DPRK’s athletic success is product of decades of effort to assert state power and boost military readiness through sport

Pyongyang’s playbook: How North Korea turned sports into tool for regime control
Yong Ja Hong
Yong Ja Hong December 1, 2023
The towering North Korean basketball star denied a shot at NBA glory

The towering North Korean basketball star denied a shot at NBA glory

7-foot-6 Ri Myong Hun would have been tallest player in league history, but sanctions and tensions scuppered his chances

The towering North Korean basketball star denied a shot at NBA glory
Yong Ja Hong
Yong Ja Hong October 16, 2023
North Korean women fall to Japan in Asian Games soccer final

North Korean women fall to Japan in Asian Games soccer final

Nadeshiko Japan pours it on after close first half to take gold, though DPRK athletes performed better in other sports

North Korean women fall to Japan in Asian Games soccer final
Yong Ja Hong
Yong Ja Hong October 9, 2023
North Korean women’s basketball team loses out on bronze to ROK at Asian Games

North Korean women’s basketball team loses out on bronze to ROK at Asian Games

Inter-Korean tensions palpable as rivals clash, but DPRK achieves best result in decades and shows off new star

North Korean women’s basketball team loses out on bronze to ROK at Asian Games
Yong Ja Hong
Yong Ja Hong October 6, 2023