Analysis
Latest NK Pro analysis related to the DPRK
North Korea’s official oil imports tick up but remain far below its needs
Sanctions and the pandemic have battered imports of refined petroleum, but smuggling may cover part of the gap
October 6, 2021
Naughty or nice? How North Korea can change the game up to Christmas and beyond
Moon's term in office may end in Olympic and summit glory, but Kim could spoil it all with more and bigger missile tests
October 5, 2021
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
October 4, 2021
Have your cake and eat it too: North Korea combines talks and ‘provocations’
DPRK to dangle opportunities for peace while continuing weapons tests in effort to push Seoul in the direction it wants
October 4, 2021
How Cuban cigars bankroll North Korean overseas missions
Slinging stogies has long been a reliable side hustle for DPRK envoys, who regularly abuse their diplomatic privileges
October 4, 2021
North Korea’s new hypersonic missile and its likely implications
Ampulized missiles, if widely deployed, would represent a significant upgrade to North Korea's weapon arsenal
October 1, 2021
North Korea-China trade may be on the up and up, says South Korean association
Trade group says some DPRK factories are seeing pre-pandemic demand levels, though COVID still a limiting factor
October 1, 2021
Timeline: From North and South Korean missile tests to offer to resume hotlines
NK Pro timeline charts the key events from September 1 to September 30
October 1, 2021
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
October 1, 2021
Flip-flop: Why Kim Jong Un wants to reactivate the inter-Korean hotlines
U-turn on communication channels allows North Korea to test US and ROK approach, while appearing as a responsible actor
September 30, 2021
