Leadership
Information related to North Korea’s leadership and leadership structures
North Korea’s closer ties with China, Russia — and what Washington can do
Anton Sokolin explores diplomacy and trade networks, while Susan Thornton reflects on 2017 tensions and future US policy
July 15, 2026
How a rare public purge spotlights Kim Jong Un’s struggle to root out corruption
Experts say downfall of senior military official exposes limits of tackling graft in a system built on loyalty and fear
July 14, 2026
Xi Jinping’s top ideology architect to visit North Korea: state media
Wang Huning, ‘tutor to three emperors,’ has shaped the ideological doctrine of Chinese leaders for generations
July 14, 2026
North Korea tearing down gray markets and replacing with ‘20×10’ facilities
Satellite imagery shows reorganization of contentious ‘jangmadang’ markets under Kim Jong Un’s pet project
July 13, 2026
North Korea touts Kim Jong Un’s economy drive during founder anniversary week
A recap of everything in state media this week, from modernizing the coal industry to venerating DPRK’s founder
July 10, 2026
North Korean premier meets Chinese President Xi ahead of alliance anniversary
Cabinet chief Pak Thae Song’s talks with Xi came a day before the 65th anniversary of the two countries’ military pact
July 10, 2026
Kim Jong Un oversees military meeting on improving nukes, navy and intel agency
North Korean military brass gather for first Central Military Commission meeting of the year
July 10, 2026
North Korea’s premier to visit China to celebrate alliance treaty
North Korea’s premier will travel to China for a two-day visit starting Friday to mark the 65th anniversary of treaty
July 9, 2026
North Korea’s new destroyers, China border trade and Seoul’s coexistence dilemma
Colin Zwirko talks naval push and smuggling routes, while Gabriela Bernal explores lessons from Serbia and Kosovo
July 8, 2026
Kim Jong Un visits mausoleum to mark 32nd death anniversary of Kim Il Sung
Photos show Kim at Kumsusan Palace of the Sun after he stopped paying respects on former leaders’ birthdays
July 8, 2026
