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September 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mintaro Oba

Mintaro Oba

Mintaro Oba is a contributing analyst to NK Pro. He is a former Korea Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State and has served in governmental roles in the Biden-Harris and Obama-Biden Administrations, as well as at the International Monetary Fund.

Analysis

What comes next? Six upcoming North Korea events to watch out for

From the Asia Games to the UN General Assembly, there's plenty to keep an eye on

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaAugust 3, 2018
Analysis

Understanding the North Korea remains recovery issue, post Singapore Summit

Mutual benefits for U.S. and DPRK leaders in securing progress, but hurdles remain

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaJuly 17, 2018
Analysis

The June 12 Kim-Trump summit: what to expect

Much will depend on how the two sides manage expectations

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaJune 10, 2018
Analysis

With the Singapore summit cancelled, what next for U.S.-North Korea relations?

Cool heads will need to prevail if military action is to be avoided

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaMay 25, 2018
Opinion

What Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran deal means for North Korea

While not a game-changer, the decision to scuttle the JCPOA sends the wrong message to Pyongyang

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaMay 8, 2018
Analysis

The inter-Korean summit: what lies ahead

The diplomacy of the coming months will be shaped by what Moon and Kim agreed on Friday

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaMay 2, 2018
Analysis

How Japan can stay relevant on North Korea

Tokyo can hedge its bets by siding with Trump - or position itself as a more moderating force

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaApril 26, 2018
Analysis

How U.S. planning for a Kim-Trump summit might pan out

Ahead of the historic meeting, White House officials must make sure the President is ready - and that expectations are managed

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaApril 13, 2018
Opinion

Why Trump firing Tillerson is bad news for North Korea policy

With a DPRK-U.S. summit on the horizon, the State Department finds itself without a leader

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaMarch 14, 2018
Opinion

Who can replace Joe Yun, Washington’s top North Korea diplomat?

The President will have a tough time filling the shoes of a consummate negotiator

Mintaro ObaMintaro ObaFebruary 27, 2018