Informed analysis of events in and around the DPRK. A publication of the Stimson Center. Innovative Ideas Changing the World.https://bsky.app/profile/38north.orghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mk7f3gxi622gThe US ability to fight a multi-front war, especially across multiple theaters, is increasingly in question. Ju Hyung Kim examines how prepared South Korea is to defend itself in a potential dual contingency scenario and where greater attention is needed. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/how-south-korea-might-fight-a-north-korean-invasion-in-a-dual-contingency-scenario/24 Apr 2026 01:34 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk7f3gxi622ghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mk7eg2qz4k2gNorth Korea's 20x10 policy implementation is going strong, but its sustainability is already in question. Moreover, the structural changes its promoting could further undermine economic development. Chan Young Bang and Samuel Han discuss theses challenges. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/evaluating-the-limits-of-the-dprks-20x10-regional-development-policy/24 Apr 2026 01:22 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk7eg2qz4k2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mk42iaiauk27North Korea's claimed to have recently tested "cluster bomb warheads" (submunitions). Vann Van Diepen discusses why these are important to the country's arsenals and how the timing capitalizes on Iran's recent battlefield usage of this type of warhead. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/cluster-warhead-tests-underscore-the-important-conventional-role-of-north-koreas-srbms/22 Apr 2026 17:46 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mk42iaiauk27https://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mjnfnif2ys2nNorth Korea's Sinpo-B class (Gorae-class) ballistic missile submarine appears to have been moved to the dry dock at the Sinpo South Shipyard, likely for maintenance; while the cargo vessel is now fully inside the construction hall. Analysis by @jennytown.bsky.social . https://www.38north.org/2026/04/quick-take-north-koreas-sinpo-b-class-submarine-drydocked/16 Apr 2026 21:56 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjnfnif2ys2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mjkmqwn6qk2tIn this quarter's "North Korea Briefing," experts break down the key takeaways the past three months, including insights from the 9th Party Congress, the SPA elections and meeting, and early movements on implementing the new five-year plan. https://38north.org/nk-briefing/north-korea-briefing-vol-4-spring-2026/15 Apr 2026 19:25 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjkmqwn6qk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mjfcdric3c2q38 North is now accepting applications for the 2026-7 Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program. The program pairs Fellows with mentors to receive guidance on specific research areas or methodologies for studying North Korea. Applications due by May 13. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/call-for-applications-38-north-emerging-scholars-fellowship-program-2026-2027/13 Apr 2026 16:35 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjfcdric3c2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mjfbp2j7bc2qWang Yi's visit to Pyongyang signals a positive shift in North Korea's relations with China, but North Korean coverage of the visit still lacked the warmth and respect used in reference to Russia. Rachel Minyoung Lee breaks down the significance of language. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/wang-yis-pyongyang-visit-kim-jong-un-signals-renewed-efforts-to-improve-ties-but-alignment-still-lacking/13 Apr 2026 16:24 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mjfbp2j7bc2qhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mizgpkyim22qKim Yo Jong's recent statement responding to Lee Jae Myung's apology was interesting in message (clarified by VFM Jang) and in her reference to Kim Jong Un's informal reaction. @nkleadershipwatch.wordpress.com.web.brid.gy provides some context on this subtle change. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/quick-take-kim-yo-jongs-evolving-messaging/08 Apr 2026 23:22 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mizgpkyim22qhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3miw4l4aqxs2tNorth Korea’s heightened focus on drones/UAVs displays a serious commitment to the integration of emerging technologies on the battlefield. 38 North Emerging Scholar Michael Aldeman examines how Pyongyang reconciles new technology and legacy doctrine. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/drones-and-operational-shift-north-koreas-adaptation-to-a-changing-warfare-environment/07 Apr 2026 15:42 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3miw4l4aqxs2thttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3miw3vh2ezs2tSouth Korea's policy on North Korea undergoes predictable shifts depending on which party is in power. 38 North Emerging Scholar Se Young Hwang suggests a "Blue Ribbon Commission" could help break this cycle, building a bipartisan agenda to guide future policy. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/over-three-decades-of-north-korea-policy-divide-south-korea-should-give-bipartisanship-a-chance/07 Apr 2026 15:30 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3miw3vh2ezs2thttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3miw3dtlduk2tWhile Kim Ju Ae has an increasing public profile, there are reasons to question where this is leading. 38 North Emerging Scholar Haruka Chunhyang Satake assesses the debate over Ju Ae's role and the prospects of female leadership in North Korea's future. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/assessing-the-limits-of-female-leadership-in-north-korea/07 Apr 2026 15:20 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3miw3dtlduk2thttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mimas2qs622dUnusual activity underway at North Korea's Sinpho South Shipyard. It appears conversion work is being done on a coastal freighter but to what end is unclear. Analysis by Peter Makowsky. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/sinpho-south-shipyard-unusual-ship-repurposing-effort/03 Apr 2026 17:31 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mimas2qs622dhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mik6hgpjek2gNorth Korea's "inminban" or neighborhood units are part of the country's extensive human surveillance system. Recently obtained data shows how pervasive they are, and how risky it is for North Koreans to violate laws even in their own homes. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/visualizing-the-inminban/02 Apr 2026 21:44 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mik6hgpjek2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mijxvy5wac2gNorth Korea's recent solid fuel engine test claims to be ~20% more powerful than the engine tested in Sept 2025, but doesn't clarify for what system. Is it to increase HS-20 payload? Is there yet another ICBM in the works? Read Vann Van Diepen's analysis. https://www.38north.org/2026/04/a-new-rocket-motor-further-muddles-north-koreas-solid-propellant-icbm-outlook/02 Apr 2026 19:47 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijxvy5wac2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mijp3hyndc2gSometime between February and April this year, the two small coastal villages outside the Sohae Satellite Launching Station were razed. For what purpose is unclear, but may signal plans to expand the Sohae complex. Analysis by @martyn_williams https://www.38north.org/2026/04/villages-bordering-sohae-satellite-launching-station-razed/02 Apr 2026 17:09 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mijp3hyndc2ghttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mif5vynl4c2pOur Emerging Scholar Fellow Donghyuk (David) Shin examines how Kim Yo Jong's role has evolved to provide authoritative warnings and threats, manage expectations, and convey doctrine externally, while giving Kim Jong Un maximum flexibility to change course as needed. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/kim-yo-jongs-discourse-as-signaling-managing-external-interpretation-in-dprk-foreign-policy/31 Mar 2026 21:51 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mif5vynl4c2phttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mif5jw4re22pOur Emerging Scholar Fellow Donghyuk (David) Shin examines how Kim Yo Jong's role has evolved to provide authoritative warnings and threats, manage expectations, and convey doctrine, while still giving Kim Jong Un maximum flexibility to change course as needed. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/kim-yo-jongs-discourse-as-signaling-managing-external-interpretation-in-dprk-foreign-policy/31 Mar 2026 21:44 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mif5jw4re22phttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mif4fyyw522pChanging climate conditions impact everyone, North Korea included. Building cooperation around these "low-politics" issues benefits both DPRK and regional ecosystems. Our Emerging Scholar Fellow Chan Mo Ku examines how Europe may cultivate this cooperation. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/examining-european-engagement-with-north-korea/31 Mar 2026 21:24 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mif4fyyw522phttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mif3gmyvhc2pImproving health care in North Korea has been a growing priority and is highlighted in the new 5 year plan. Our Emerging Scholar Fellow Miriam Ali examines the potential value of resuming health cooperation with DPRK, especially maternal & child health. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/maternal-and-child-health-in-north-korea-a-strategic-channel-for-humanitarian-engagement/31 Mar 2026 21:07 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mif3gmyvhc2phttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3midddoxpnk2nNorth Korea's cyber and crypto heists have been enormously successful in recent years, however, former Acting Coordinator for the UN Panel of Experts Jonathan Brewer suggests there are ways to limit what it can "cash out" of those illicit earnings. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/a-focus-on-cashing-out-one-way-to-combat-dprks-crypto-thefts/31 Mar 2026 04:23 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3midddoxpnk2nhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mi2mpsawkk2cNorth Korea's urban development push in Pyongyang continues. @martynw.bsky.social notes a new housing construction push in Pyongyang's Hwasong district. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/pyongyang-housing-push-marches-on/27 Mar 2026 17:17 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mi2mpsawkk2chttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhwf4ikobs2bNorth Korea's recent SPA session covered constitutional revisions, budget matters and overall priorities going forward, building on the 9th Party Congress. 38 North's NK Briefing authors provide highlights from the session and what to watch going forward. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/expert-takes-on-opening-session-of-the-15th-supreme-peoples-assembly/26 Mar 2026 00:50 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhwf4ikobs2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhweete6ck2bStrengthening North Korea's public health system has been of growing importance post-pandemic. Health & medical cooperation could have numerous benefits for the people and broader diplomatic goals, but may be difficult to navigate under current sanctions. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/north-koreas-pursuit-of-medical-cooperation-opportunities-and-challenges/26 Mar 2026 00:37 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhweete6ck2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhwdmsea7c2bIt's unclear if or when North Korea may invite humanitarian organizations back into the country. But Austin Headrick argues that actively blocking potential US aid efforts and opportunities is a policy choice counterproductive to broader diplomatic goals. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/the-case-for-enabling-nongovernmental-engagement-with-north-korea/26 Mar 2026 00:23 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhwdmsea7c2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhvkgytsxs2bKusong has been in the news lately for questions about potential (past) links to North Korea's uranium enrichment program. But this area is most known for its military aviation facilities, and is becoming a important base for an expanding drone program. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/new-fabrication-buildings-at-kusong-facility/25 Mar 2026 16:53 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhvkgytsxs2bhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhgoyxu7os2zSmartphones are everywhere in North Korea and changing how people acquire goods and services, enabling the potential for pervasive data collection on individuals' daily activities, while making rent seeking and corruption more difficult. A new report by 38 North's @martynw.bsky.social bit.ly/4rxiGXz https://bit.ly/4rxiGXz19 Mar 2026 19:04 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhgoyxu7os2zhttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mhdwen5f522iICYMI: Great discussion today about North Korea's tightened surveillance, internal controls and external repression reinforce each other, and what this means for accountability, protection, and policy responses moving forward. https://www.38north.org/events/new-frontiers-for-north-korean-surveillance-and-repression/18 Mar 2026 16:38 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mhdwen5f522ihttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mh7dek556k2oNorth Korea may not be saying much publicly about Iran these days, but it surely is watching closely. Vann Van Diepen discusses 8 lessons that Pyongyang is likely learning from the current conflict in the Middle East. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/eight-lessons-for-north-koreas-nuclear-and-missile-forces-from-the-ongoing-iran-conflict/16 Mar 2026 20:47 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh7dek556k2ohttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mh5fzoxgp22oDon't miss our next event examining how North Korea's internal controls and external repression reinforce one another, and what this means for accountability, protection, and policy responses moving forward. Join us March 18, 10am ET, in person or online! https://www.38north.org/events/new-frontiers-for-north-korean-surveillance-and-repression/16 Mar 2026 02:30 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mh5fzoxgp22ohttps://bsky.app/profile/38north.org/post/3mgvkrthp6k2pImagery shows construction progress on the traffic bridge connecting Russia and North Korea, with the decking now seemingly complete. https://www.38north.org/2026/03/russian-bridge-construction-work-meets-in-the-middle/12 Mar 2026 23:33 +0000at://did:plc:7e2r625bgcbyinv5yl6f6l6k/app.bsky.feed.post/3mgvkrthp6k2p