Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
North Korea installing large Kim Jong Un murals in city centers across country
NK News analysis has identified new murals in 8 of 14 major cities as leader expands cult of personality
July 7, 2026
Why Kim Jong Un is paranoid about South Korean media in his country
It makes sense that the DPRK leader would be nervous about the spread and consumption of foreign values and ideas
July 7, 2026
Ping-pong diplomacy: When North Korea tried to woo the US with table tennis
Pyongyang looked to a 1979 tournament to improve ties, only to run up against limits of sports diplomacy
July 6, 2026
Kim Jong Un watches cruise missile tests from new 5,000-ton destroyer
Leader vows to commission Kang Kon destroyer within two months after missile, guns and electronic warfare system tests
July 5, 2026
North Korea in June 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from June 1 to June 30, 2026
July 3, 2026
North Korea reviews first-half economy as coal sector takes center stage
A recap of everything in state media this week, from mining town modernization and production targets to diplomacy
July 3, 2026
Kim Jong Un orders work on at least 9 of his mansions in June: satellite imagery
The simultaneous roofwork took place on a variety of the North Korean leader’s luxurious compounds across the country
July 1, 2026
Destroyer deployment, missile tests, drone warfare and North Korea’s near misses
Joon Ha Park talks DPRK military modernization, while author Fyodor Tertitskiy explores crises that shaped Kim dynasty
July 1, 2026
New North Korean warship still at civilian port a week after deployment ceremony
NK Pro analysis also reveals movement of new east coast naval destroyer, including to base near nuke submarine factory
June 30, 2026
Talks with North Korea could restart fast after conditions shift: ex-Trump aide
Former officials from Washington, Stockholm and Seoul agree the moment for diplomacy has passed for now
June 29, 2026
