April 30, 2024

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John G. Grisafi

John G. Grisafi

John G. Grisafi is an analyst and Korean linguist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Having previously worked as an analyst for the United States Army in South Korea and studied Korean at the Defense Language Institute, he is now majoring in East Asian Languages & Civilization and History at the University of Pennsylvania.

News

Choe Ryong Hae not purged, but no longer No. 2

Kim's former second-in-command still around, but apparently changing role

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiMay 3, 2014
Analysis

North Korea emphasizes air force around Day of the Sun

Regime seeks to remind people of air force’s relevance, build institutional confidence

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 29, 2014
Analysis

Hwang Pyong So promoted to Vice-Marshal, elevated in Party

Close confidant of Kim Jong Un quickly rising in power and influence

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 28, 2014
Analysis

Military Foundation Day shows regime’s commitment to armed forces

Public holiday primarily propaganda to maintain military loyalty, national pride

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 23, 2014
Analysis

Supreme People’s Assembly session results in leadership changes

First session of new SPA gives Kim opportunity for biggest shakeup since coming to power

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 10, 2014
Analysis

North Korea appoints new Ambassador to Syria

Pariah states have controversial history of cooperating in military, nuclear arenas

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 8, 2014
Analysis

Political shuffling continues amid heightened military activity in March

Officials close to Kim, including his sister, continue rising in power and influence in regime

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 3, 2014
Analysis

Crashed drones reveal state of North’s drone program

Though unsophisticated, N. Korean UAVs useful for reconnaissance and observation

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 3, 2014
Analysis

North Korea suggests possible new form of nuclear test

Pyongyang response to missile tests condemnation may hint at uranium-based weapons

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiApril 2, 2014
Analysis

Two high-ranking party members promoted

Ruling party begins expected position shuffling following SPA elections

John G. GrisafiJohn G. GrisafiMarch 24, 2014