Recent Stories
Russian spy chief visits North Korea, holds talks with head of secret police
Two sides reportedly discussed countering espionage during trip, which expert calls sign of preparations for Putin visit
Analysis, Opinion & More
State media review: North Korea dissolves one of its oldest unification groups
An in-depth analysis of the death of a 77-year-old organization, Vietnam ties, human rights criticism and more
Into the lion’s den: Japan’s tense World Cup qualifier in North Korea, in photos
Politics turned a dead rubber match into a heated encounter the last time the archrivals met on the pitch in Pyongyang
How North Korea rinses the dirty proceeds of its cyber heists – Ep. 335
Geoff White discusses the DPRK’s use of the dark web, Nigerian influencers and crypto mixers to launder stolen funds
How dictatorship shapes the politics of the North Korean diaspora – Ep. 334
Sheena Chestnut Greitens discusses how defectors navigate democracy and the regime’s efforts to control those who leave
North Korea’s unexpected response to US-ROK military exercises – Ep. 333
The NK News team talks Freedom Shield drills, the status of the DPRK’s social media accounts and more
What the UN’s role in North Korea will look like going forward – Ep. 332
Former UN resident coordinator Frode Mauring discusses dealing with the DPRK during the pandemic and what comes next
How a ‘new Cold War’ is making North Korea more risk-averse – Ep. 331
Professor Ruediger Frank discusses why the DPRK is closing embassies but may not actually have abandoned reunification
What Kim Jong Un’s appearances can tell us about the DPRK regime – Ep. 330
Researcher Martin Weiser discusses his work tracking North Korean officials, Kim Jong Un’s daughter and more
Get Behind The Headlines
Own goal: Why North Korea suddenly axed plans for World Cup qualifier vs Japan
Experts say reversal points to incoherent decision-making by a divided leadership weighing the future of COVID policies
Why North Korea has little reason to meddle in South Korea’s upcoming election
While Seoul has warned of ‘provocations,’ experts say DPRK has limited influence and doesn’t really care who wins
North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
Continued activity at pandemic-era facilities suggests authorities see political value in strong inspection regime
State media review: Kim Jong Un, daughter exalted as ‘great persons of guidance’
An in-depth analysis of daughter’s idolization, a new housing law, Pyongyang’s diplomatic outreach and more
Book review: A realist appraisal of North Korea’s ‘nuclear obsession’
In ‘North Korea in 100 Questions,’ two French experts push past stereotypes to shine light on all things DPRK
Patterns of behavior: Decoding North Korea’s responses to recent US-ROK drills
NK Pro analysis suggests DPRK usually waits until after exercises to launch missiles — unless major US assets involved
How North Korea can exploit Russian puppet states to operate in the shadows
Breakaway Georgian republics provide haven for sanctions evasion schemes as DPRK bolsters ties with Moscow, experts say
North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
Claims about bulldozing major military bases to build ‘world’s largest’ farm mislead public about project, NK Pro finds