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January 19, 2025

Defector Issues

Information related to North Korean defector issues

North Korean soldiers’ testimony from Ukraine and Kim Jong Un’s development push
Podcast

North Korean soldiers’ testimony from Ukraine and Kim Jong Un’s development push

NK News’ Colin Zwirko discusses offers to exchange POWs and why mounting casualties in Kursk are a problem for Pyongyang

North Korean soldiers’ testimony from Ukraine and Kim Jong Un’s development push
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko | Jacco Zwetsloot | NK News January 14, 2025
Forecast 2025: Why Kim Jong Un’s market crackdowns will spark social unrest
NK PRO

Forecast 2025: Why Kim Jong Un’s market crackdowns will spark social unrest

In second of two-part series, NK Pro predicts economic crisis, AI in state media, a U-turn on foreign tourists and more

Forecast 2025: Why Kim Jong Un’s market crackdowns will spark social unrest
NK Pro
NK Pro January 10, 2025
Why some say ‘Squid Game’ misses the mark with its North Korean characters

Why some say ‘Squid Game’ misses the mark with its North Korean characters

While show provides mainstream visibility, critics say Netflix hit fails to move beyond defector cliches

Why some say ‘Squid Game’ misses the mark with its North Korean characters
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer January 9, 2025
A window into division: Where to catch a glimpse of North Korea near Seoul
COLUMN

A window into division: Where to catch a glimpse of North Korea near Seoul

While the JSA is currently off-limits, there are many other inter-Korean sites worth visiting not far from ROK capital

A window into division: Where to catch a glimpse of North Korea near Seoul
Chad O'Carroll
Chad O'Carroll January 8, 2025
UN demands North Korea clarify if it executed two women repatriated from China

UN demands North Korea clarify if it executed two women repatriated from China

Envoys express ‘grave concern’ over reports of harsh sentences for 11 women, including life in prison and death penalty

UN demands North Korea clarify if it executed two women repatriated from China
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer January 7, 2025
North Korea in December 2024: A month in review and what’s ahead
NK PRO

North Korea in December 2024: A month in review and what’s ahead

An analytical look at the main developments from December 1 to December 31, 2024

North Korea in December 2024: A month in review and what’s ahead
Arius Derr
Arius Derr | NK Pro January 3, 2025
Ask a North Korean: How did you experience the seasons in the DPRK?

Ask a North Korean: How did you experience the seasons in the DPRK?

Each season brings new challenges, especially for farmers, as the state promotes ‘battles’ to achieve grain targets

Ask a North Korean: How did you experience the seasons in the DPRK?
Joshua Kim January 3, 2025
Jingwu Fang: How a ‘third’ Korea formed on the North Korea-China border
Podcast

Jingwu Fang: How a ‘third’ Korea formed on the North Korea-China border

Chinese YouTuber discusses Yanbian prefecture's complicated ties with the peninsula and what locals think of defectors

Jingwu Fang: How a ‘third’ Korea formed on the North Korea-China border
Jacco Zwetsloot
Jacco Zwetsloot January 2, 2025
Beyond Russia: The overlooked developments set to define North Korea in 2025

Beyond Russia: The overlooked developments set to define North Korea in 2025

Economic troubles could increase pressure on regime, while selective reopening is redefining ties with outside world

Beyond Russia: The overlooked developments set to define North Korea in 2025
Gabriela Bernal
Gabriela Bernal January 1, 2025
North Korean defectors report highest-ever life satisfaction in 2024: Survey

North Korean defectors report highest-ever life satisfaction in 2024: Survey

But ROK government also finds rising unemployment among female escapees, underscoring persistent economic challenges

North Korean defectors report highest-ever life satisfaction in 2024: Survey
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer December 27, 2024
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