Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
Putin secretly awarded North Korean generals in charge of Kursk fighting
President Vladimir Putin appears to have personally awarded DPRK generals last year, as April state media footage shows
May 7, 2026
North Korea appears to have transformed the social contract with its people
The constitution appears to have been revised to remove references to the country not having a tax
May 7, 2026
Seoul says North Korea constitution revision won’t change peace policy
South Korea pledges continued pursuit of inter-Korean co-existence after Pyongyang codifies ‘two-state’ framework
May 7, 2026
North Korea’s amended constitution redefines borders, but remains vague: source
Document seen by NK News drops unification language, elevates Kim’s authority and updates nuclear command rules
May 6, 2026
Lee Hong-koo, key official in inter-Korean negotiations, dies at 92
Architect of early engagement with Pyongyang helped lay groundwork for 1991 accord and planned 1994 summit
May 6, 2026
Drone strike near DPRK Embassy dims prospects for a Kim Jong Un visit to Moscow
While DPRK leader’s visit to Moscow's May 9 parade appears unlikely, he still may meet Russian president elsewhere
May 5, 2026
Jacco Zwetsloot: A look back and a new chapter for the NK News Podcast
Longtime host discusses memorable episodes, dream guests and how he is not leaving the podcast entirely
May 5, 2026
Vietnam appoints new ambassador to North Korea after envoy’s lengthy term
Doan Khanh Tam, a deputy director at the Foreign Ministry, previously served as Hanoi’s ambassador to Mongolia
May 4, 2026
North Korea in April 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from April 1 to April 30, 2026
May 1, 2026
North Korean youth vow to become the ‘militant reserve’ of country
Ruling party lauds young soldiers who became ‘living bombs’ in Kursk, linking war efforts to youth league activities
May 1, 2026
