New driving courses pop up in Pyongyang after Kim Jong Un allows private cars
Satellite imagery reveals facilities for training and testing as slew of new drivers hit the road
August 19, 2026
North Korean ‘trainees’ appear packaging Finnish-marketed pet food in Russia
Businessman at center of DPRK labor deals reveals DPRK workers handling Järvi Elämän animal food
August 19, 2026
How bribery became rooted in North Korea’s military and the challenges of reform
Bribes in the military can be used to avoid punishment or have disciplinary infractions overlooked.
August 19, 2026
US-South Korea cuts military exercise length by half after Trump’s demand
The announcement comes days after Trump ordered to ‘substantially’ reduce the military drills
August 19, 2026
South Korea considers mandatory military service for North Korean defectors
The push for reform reflects the shrinking pool of South Korean troops and changing attitudes toward multiculturalism
August 18, 2026
Trump revives playbook on North Korea diplomacy, but Kim holds more cards now
Reduced military drills may reopen the door to talks, but Pyongyang has fewer incentives to engage than in 2018
August 18, 2026
North Korea-China trade continues to slip as imports fall for third month
July trade dropped to $229.4 million, even as DPRK exports rebounded following two months of decline
August 18, 2026
Russia to unveil monument for North Korean soldiers in fall: defense chief
The unveiling is set to come amid Russia-DPRK’s comprehensive promotion of combat ties with awards and documentary films
August 18, 2026
Trump says Kim Jong Un responded ‘positively’ to downsized military drill talk
North Korean state media omitted any mention of Trump’s overtures on Tuesday
August 18, 2026
South Korean troops fire warning shots at North’s forces crossing border
Under South Korea’s rules of engagement, troops initially issue verbal warnings to approaching North Korean forces
August 17, 2026
