Economy
Information related to the North Korea economic sector
North Korean weapons firms set to export beer and drugs to Russia: records
Missile parts supplier Ryongsong and sanctioned panacea peddler Pugang seek to expand commercial presence in Russia
December 26, 2025
YouTubers, K-pop defectors and Trump: The top North Korea stories of 2025
From a radioactive Russian delivery to influencers in Pyongyang, NK News revisits our best reporting from this year
December 26, 2025
North Korea’s record year of crypto theft lays bare a ‘modern-day pirate state’
Embrace of AI and cooperation with Chinese networks have turned DPRK threat groups into financial juggernaut for regime
December 24, 2025
North Korean defectors report record-high life satisfaction, but concerns linger
Data also showing improved employment rate comes after ROK official warned escapee suicides have reached serious level
December 23, 2025
Kim Jong Un advertises new luxury hotels near China for North Korean elites
State media promotes Samjiyon primarily for domestic tourism despite past focus on attracting foreign visitors
December 23, 2025
Few sanctioned items appear in North Korea-China trade data despite smuggling
Beijing reports usual suspects of fabrics, soybean oil and hair led exchange in November, omitting sensitive goods
December 22, 2025
Belarusian exchange says it established partnership with North Korean firm
Unnamed DPRK company reportedly seeks to import dairy products from Russian ally as two countries expand commercial ties
December 19, 2025
North Korean crypto theft hits new high in 2025 on back of Bybit heist: Reports
Researchers say DPRK actors stole up to $2B this year, accounting for over half of all global crypto theft
December 19, 2025
Kim Jong Un opens more new regional factories, promising a ‘socialist paradise’
Ceremony on west coast comes as authorities race to finish projects for 20×10 rural development initiative by year’s end
December 19, 2025
Kim Jong Un and family tour new factories, leisure complex in Pyongyang suburb
Opening comes as North Korea has increasingly prioritized Kangdong over other areas under regional development push
December 16, 2025
