Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
Kim Jong Un inspects missile factory, orders increased production
The DPRK leader called for a ‘2.5 times’ production capacity boost as missiles to be deployed to military units in 2026
January 4, 2026
Lee Jae Myung to seek China’s support on North Korea during upcoming visit: Wi
Seoul’s top security adviser voices hope that ROK president’s talks with Xi Jinping will help reduce peninsula tensions
January 2, 2026
Top Seoul officials warn of North Korean threats but back engagement in new year
Defense chief highlights DPRK’s nuclear sub development, as prime minister stresses efforts to reduce tensions
January 2, 2026
Kim Jong Un ramped up military activities in 2025 to highest level in a decade
North Korean leader also started taking his daughter to diplomatic events, building foreign support for succession
January 2, 2026
North Korea welcomes new year by extolling Kim Jong Un’s achievements in 2025
An in-depth analysis of leadership worship, New Year’s celebrations, irrigation improvements and an education app
January 2, 2026
North Korea in December 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from December 1 to December 31, 2025
January 2, 2026
Kim Jong Un takes daughter to past leaders’ mausoleum for the first time
New Year’s appearance alongside her parents presents family image rather than positioning her as successor, expert says
January 2, 2026
Yong Ja Hong: How sports and athletics play into North Korean statecraft
North Korea researcher discusses the history of sports in the DPRK and how politics plays a role in its popularity
January 1, 2026
Kim Jong Un’s vague New Year’s speech bucks clarity to avoid costly commitments
Articulating detailed foreign policy would lock Pyongyang into a specific framing at a moment when conditions are fluid
January 1, 2026
Lee Jae Myung frames peace with North Korea as key to long-term economic growth
In New Year’s address, South Korean leader vows to support US-DPRK dialogue and work to ease inter-Korean tensions
January 1, 2026
