Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
In a turbulent world, Kim Jong Un’s regime looks more secure than ever
Great power competition and US retreat from exporting democracy have quashed hope for radical change in North Korea
January 22, 2026
How Takaichi’s military push is reshaping Japan’s posture toward North Korea
Record defense spending aligns with Trump’s priorities, while growing nuclear talk has alarmed Pyongyang and Beijing
January 21, 2026
On cautious footing: Where North Korea-China ties stand after a year of detente
Kim Jong Un’s high-profile trip to Beijing underscored a push to normalize relations, but practical limits remain
January 20, 2026
North Korea’s youth outreach, Party Congress signals and prison demolition
NK News’ Colin Zwirko discusses Kim Jong Un’s stark message to young people and when to expect the 9th congress
January 20, 2026
‘Leave while you still can’: Kim Jong Un fires vice premier at factory ceremony
North Korean leader warns of chronic incompetence among party officials, disrupting his hopes for economic development
January 20, 2026
Kim Jong Un urges youth to abandon ‘dreams’ to go to war, hard labor sites
North Korean leader draws contrast with ‘moral depravity’ of young people in other countries in speech to Youth League
January 19, 2026
How North Korea gave citizens a one-sided view of alleged ROK drone intrusions
A recap of everything in state media this week, from partial coverage of drone news to Kim Jong Un’s reduced visibility
January 16, 2026
Investors in inter-Korean projects call for Seoul to lift North Korea sanctions
South Korean business groups criticize May 24 Measures for hampering trade, even as Pyongyang spurns cooperation
January 15, 2026
ROK military finds general guilty of treason over North Korea drone incursions
Committee says ex-chief of counterintelligence command aimed to provoke DPRK retaliation in 2024 to justify martial law
January 15, 2026
Lee orders review of scrapped military pact with North Korea after drone claims
Drone flights into the DPRK by South Korean civilians would be an armistice breach subject to punishment, Seoul says
January 14, 2026
