What are they afraid of? Why are some of America’s leading experts on Korea scared of criticizing the South Korean government?
Sign up here. Something rather unusual - and frankly welcome - occurred in late April 2026: the rare shattering of a Washington, D.C., taboo. A group...
North Korea links rising delinquency to foreign culture
North Korea has reportedly launched a sweeping ideological education campaign aimed at eradicating various illegal activities that have recently emerged among young people. Analysts say...
“Set your eyes upon the world” the regime said, so why does watching a TV drama carry a 10-year sentence?
Sign up here. What is life? For me, it is a journey of discovery, of understanding what I am good at and enjoy, and then engaging...
Blood alliance or mistrust? The uncomfortable update to China–North Korea relations
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang on April 10, in what analysts describe as a significant moment for the two...
North Korea’s new cybercriminals
For decades, North Korea sent workers abroad to build buildings, cut timber and slave in factories. Their wages in dollars flowed back to Pyongyang. Then...
The Korean paradox: Why giving up on reunification could make it happen
Sign up here. For decades, reunification has been the central, sacred objective of both Koreas. It has shaped constitutions, justified policies, and defined national identity. And...
Is a purge or at least a crackdown in the offing in North Korea?
Even the best of the previous century's Kremlinologists who monitored trends in the former Soviet Union, and “China Hands” who followed developments in Communist China,...
North Korea and its money-making overseas workers
With turmoil spread across the Middle East in recent weeks, international attention is drawn once again to the familiar specter of North Korea. The connection...
Kim says new main battle tank capable of “neutralizing almost all” existing anti‑tank weapons
Supreme Leader Kim Jong‑un observed a performance evaluation test of a new man battle tank, the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported March 29....
Why North Koreans are unable to understand South Korea
Born and raised in North Korean society, for many years my world was confined within its borders. I lived, breathed, and believed in the narratives...
Life in the country without taxes
In North Korea, the word “tax” does not exist. Instead, we talk of a “usage fee.” Why the euphemism? To be frank, I don’t know....
Border security units ordered to ensure no “breaches” by defectors and smugglers
The Ministry of Social Security, the main law enforcement agency, has instructed units in the northern provinces to strengthen the already intense blockade along the...