Analysis
Latest NK Pro analysis related to the DPRK
Why it matters if South Koreans personally know a North Korean defector
Few in ROK have met escapee, but personal contact influences views on defector support, inter-Korean issues and more
November 28, 2023
Reopening in slow motion: The growing risks of North Korea’s two-tiered scheme
DPRK is playing favorites with Russia and China, suggesting full return of diplomats and tourists could be long way off
November 27, 2023
North Korea’s election reforms are not the first time voters have had a choice
Single-candidate polls are the norm, but past examples of competitive elections provide precedent for making changes
November 24, 2023
How North Korea’s move to scrap military deal raises risk of conflict with South
DPRK set to resume array of military activities near border, though experts differ on whether ROK should respond in kind
November 23, 2023
State media review: North Korea extols ‘heroic’ moms raising soldiers for regime
An in-depth analysis of Mother’s Day celebrations, criticism of US weapons sales and silence about a new missile holiday
November 23, 2023
How North Korea’s successful satellite launch could raise tensions in near term
Seoul has suspended military pact and will soon launch own satellite, but will be wary of undermining World Expo bid
November 22, 2023
North Korea’s new spy satellite could prevent conflict, but also abet attacks
Eyes in sky may give DPRK better idea of allied force movements, reducing uncertainty in crisis but improving targeting
November 22, 2023
No signs North Korea testing advanced drones months after propaganda reveal
Evidence yet to emerge DPRK is producing or deploying UAVs, a sign the aircraft used in flyovers were prototypes
November 20, 2023
Why North Korea dropped a reference to ‘defending’ Kim Jong Un from constitution
Surprise deletion of phrase introduced in 2019 is sign leader has eliminated perceived military threats to his rule
November 20, 2023
Great wall of Pyongyang: Why North Korea is building a fence around its capital
Satellite imagery reveals construction of 63 km barrier and guard posts in massive effort to control access to city
November 17, 2023
