Analysis
Latest NK PRO analysis related to the DPRK
Kim Yo Jong’s latest tirade keeps South Korea out of its strategy for Trump
Her recent statements leave room for leader-level diplomacy with Washington but sidelines Seoul.
August 24, 2026
The Kremlin veteran tasked with keeping Russia-North Korea’s alliance on track
Andrei Podelyshev returns to Pyongyang as weapons, troops and wartime demands reshape bilateral ties
August 24, 2026
Pro-North Korea newspaper chief in Japan returns to foreign-policy polemics
Choson Sinbo editor Kim Ji Yong resumed writing about Pyongyang’s harder line on nuclear weapons
August 21, 2026
What to make of Trump’s oddly specific claim that North Korea has 57 nukes
US president’s count broadly fits many estimates, but Seoul’s higher tally highlights uncertainty over the DPRK arsenal
August 20, 2026
Kim Jong Un positioned in the driver’s seat as Trump races for a summit
Experts say the prospect of a meeting grows, but Pyongyang will demand sustained U.S. concessions long beforehand
August 20, 2026
North Korea’s imports of sanctioned goods rise as China trade slows
July customs data show more banned machinery and metal products, while wig trade drives rebound in exports
August 20, 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
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
Growing Russia-North Korea trade may not yet transform DPRK’s economy
DPRK-Russia commercial ties are becoming more visible, but the data shows gains so far remain in heavy industries
August 17, 2026
North Korea is China’s biggest foreign wine market for fourth year in a row
DPRK sources wine through bulk imports at low cost, which likely makes its way to domestic bottlers and distributors
