Rachel Minyoung Lee analyzes DPRK state media's portrayal of Kim's visit to Beiing.

What did Kim Jong Un's visit to Beijing signal about the status of DPRK-China relations? Feng Zhang analyzes the event and both state media readouts.

This week on 38 North, David Hong discusses findings from the Korea Health Policy Project's webinar series on the DPRK's approach to public health and international engagement. bit.ly/4mSLAPV

Following the opening of Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort, Rüdiger Frank explores DPRK's shift from foreign to domestic tourism, its similarity to tourism policies in other authoritarian states, and the move toward domestic consumption as an economic driver.

Commercial satellite imagery of Sohae Satellite Launching Station shows that more than two years after construction on its seaport began, the jetty now includes a docking slip for large vessels.

Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov's visit to Wonsan marked a shift in the Russia-DPRK relationship, showcasing that the war in Ukraine is not the only driver of cooperation. @dcsneider.bsky.social discusses what else is at play.

Commercial satellite imagery shows activity at Wonsan Kalma Beach Resort following a high-level visit from Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov. Analysis by Martyn Williams, Peter Makowsky & Iliana Ragnone. bit.ly/3UlmdtO

In the final article in our 20x10 regional development policy series, Rachel Minyoung Lee analyzes the strategy behind the policy and how it is discussed in North Korean state media.

In a study based on 38 North's report on the DPRK's health app, Heeje Lee & Angie Sohn examine available disease-specific treatments, their costs, and the integration of Western and Koryo medicine.

Demolition of Mt. Kumgang Tourist Area continues, but not with any apparent urgency. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social & @ilianaragnone.bsky.social

@thedailynk.bsky.social's Sang Yong Lee discusses how the DPRK's new car rental system reflects deeper tensions between state control and individual autonomy in North Korean society.

If reengaging with the DPRK, the US "should focus on building a more stable relationship through small, concrete steps: practical measures that reduce military tensions and manage hostile relations." Analysis by Shawn Rostker.

38 North's NK TechLab project obtained a database of North Korean laws updated through mid-2024. Learn more below:

How big is North Korea's ICBM force? Vann Van Diepen responds to the DIA's recent estimate that the DPRK deploys "10 or fewer" ICBMs.

38 North is excited to welcome the second cohort for our Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program! Read more about our 2025-2026 fellows here:

Rachel Minyoung Lee analyzes North Korea's Foreign Ministry statements on the Israel-Iran conflict, and what they might reveal about Pyongyang's strategy. bit.ly/3HXiKyQ

Nika Pasko discusses how "Moscow and Pyongyang’s bilateral ties in non-military sectors have been largely overlooked or dismissed, although have been driven by both governments under the guidance of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty."

New North Korean laws obtained by 38 North "paint a picture of a food system that is undergoing significant changes." Peter Ward analyzes changes to the DPRK's Farms Act & Food Administration Act. bit.ly/4liwpPy

Commercial imagery of DPRK's Yongbyon supports IAEA assessments that the country is expanding uranium enrichment capabilities at the site. Recent signatures anlso indicate a new waste storage site & further dismantlement of the 50 MWe reactor.

Preparations for a ceremonial relaunch of North Korea's Choe Hyon destroyer appear to be underway at Rajin Shipyard. Analysis by @ilianaragnone.bsky.social & @martynw.bsky.social.

DPRK's Ministry of Health has launched a mobile app allowing users to consult practitioners, order medications, and read about medical conditions. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social.

The DPRK's failed Choe Hyon destroyer launch calls into question North Korea’s shipbuilding capacity, future developments in its naval capabilities, and broader naval ambitions. Vann Van Diepen, J. James Kim, & Rachel Minyoung Lee discuss its implications.

@frankaum.bsky.social outlines how President Lee Jae-myung's North Korea policy should position South Korea to shape its own security.

DailyNK's Robert Lauler reviews Kim Yu-kyung's latest collection of short stories and their contribution to our understanding of contemporary life in the DPRK.

The latest in our 20x10 regional development series explores the types of goods produced from the initiative. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social & @ilianaragnone.bsky.social.

Imagery from June 5 shows North Korea's second Choe Hyun Class destroyer is floating at Chongjin Port.

Commercial satellite imagery shows that the Choe Hyun class destroyer at Chongjin has been returned to an upright position.

Work on the road leading to the new Russia-DPRK bridge progresses, in line with reports that the deadline for the project's conclusion has been moved forward. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social & Peter Makowsky.

At Chongjin, efforts continue to lift the Choe Hyun Class vessel out of the water after last week's failed launch attempt. Analysis by @ilianaragnone.bsky.social and Peter Makowsky.

How North Korean soldiers captured in the Russia-Ukraine war will be handled largely relies on the DPRK's involvement in the conflict. Capt. Sukjoon Yoon outlines the legal ins and outs.

North Korea launched its newest warship in Chongjin and apparently, it did not go well. With Kim Jong Un looking on, this happened:

Tianran Xu analyzes North Korea's latest air drills and potential implcations for the country's land-based air defence capabilities. bit.ly/3FlKI6u

Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort appears to be in final preparation stages ahead of its planned June 2025 opening. Anaylsis by @martynw.bsky.social & @ilianaragnone.bsky.social.

Joel S. Wit outlines a new direction for US policy on North Korea in the second Trump administration.

"The trilateral relationship between China, North Korea, and Russia is increasing Pyongyang’s and Moscow’s dependence on Beijing. This shows that China, not the United States, is the constant in this triangle equation." Analysis by Jaewoo Choo.

Commercial satellite imagery indicates the new vessel at Chongjin has been moved along the quay to a launching position. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social and Peter Makowsky.

Commercial satellite imagery provides indications that North Korea's Chongjin Port could be taking on a more important role in the country's military warship production. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social & Peter Makowsky. bit.ly/4k8IWEy

At North Korea's Sohae Satellite Launching Station, work on the site's rail infrastructure expansion progresses. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social. bit.ly/4372TVu

Work continues on the expected customs & immigration area on the North Korean side of the New Yalu River Bridge. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social.

Coal piles at two of North Korea's major ports--Nampho and Rason--are higher than observed in the past several years. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social.

North Korean state media acknowledged its troop deployment to Russia for the first time—but why now? Rachel Minyoung Lee outlines the announcement and what it may mean for the DPRK-Russia relationship. bit.ly/42O6CHa

Days after the ceremony at Nampho, North Korea's newest naval destroyer has been moved back to the drydock. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social

In a summary of Michael Madden's recent articles, 38 North unpacks North Korea's latest elite reshuffling.

Demolition of infrastructure of prominent sites at Mt. Kumgang Tourist Area continues. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social. bit.ly/44K2OZY

Rüdiger Frank discusses the geopolitical & economic aspects of a "New" North Korea facing the next ROK president.

In the wake of the UN Panel of Expert's end, the MSMT emerged as an alternative sanctions montioring body. How effective will it be? Analysis by Christopher Watterson. bit.ly/3XZ7N55

As Kim Jong Un's May 2025 deadline nears, work at Wonsan-Kalma Beach Resort progresses. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social

Hanbyeol Sohn & Changwoo Kang explore the #DPRK's evolving strategy of nuclear-cognitive warfare and the dilemmas it poses for US-ROK efforts to deter and respond to nuclear threats.

Commercial satellite imagery indicates the #DPRK's newest naval combatant has likely left the construction hall. bit.ly/43GQzNw

🚨WEBINAR: Join us APRIL 9, 10 AM ET for a conversation on Yoon’s impeachment decision and its implications for domestic stability and regional geopolitics. Featuring Rachel Minyoung Lee, Frank Jannuzi, Yun Sun & Jenny Town