Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
Kim Jong Un inspects statues honoring North Korean soldiers who fought Ukraine
DPRK leader praises artwork destined for new war memorial, even as state media avoids mentioning Russia
January 26, 2026
Lee Hae-chan, politician who pushed to improve ties with North Korea, dies at 74
Former prime minister visited Pyongyang multiple times and played key roles in inter-Korean diplomacy
January 26, 2026
Meetings, parade training point to North Korean Party Congress by mid-February
NK Pro analysis finds provincial conferences typically end around a week before the main event under Kim Jong Un
January 26, 2026
US should send special envoy to North Korea, Seoul’s prime minister says
Kim Min-seok says he made proposal after JD Vance asked for advice on how to improve ties with Pyongyang
January 26, 2026
Kim Jong Un sacks vice premier while praising ‘reliable revolutionaries’
A recap of everything in state media this week, from the removal of a senior official to Youth League celebrations
January 23, 2026
Book review: The untold story of Kim Jong Un’s Japan-born mother
A Japanese book explores how Ko Yong Hui went from living in Osaka to becoming the mistress of North Korea’s leader
January 23, 2026
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
