Blog
The Koreas
Has Moon Jae-in’s North Korea Peace Process Failed?
By Mitch Shin
Conservatives – including President-elect Yoon – argue that the initiative damaged the South Korea-U.S. alliance. But would South Korea really have been better off without President Moon’s peace process?
Will BTS Join the Real Army?
By Brandon Valeriano and Aleydis Nissen
BTS joining the Korean military is a compulsory obligation, one with increased meaning as tension builds on the Korean Peninsula and around the world.
Kim Jong Un Underlines North Korea’s Nuclear Capabilities in Military Parade
By Mitch Shin
North Korea held a military parade to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army on Monday.
Moon and Kim Exchange Letters Amid Frozen Inter-Korea Relations
By Mitch Shin
Less than three weeks before Moon Jae-in leaves office, the leaders of the two Koreas exchanged hand-written letters talking up the efforts of the peace process.
Loyalty for Luxury: How the Kim Family Buys Support From North Korean Elites
By Jason Bartlett
Similar to his father and grandfather, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un uses a combination of fear tactics and gift giving to help secure his influence over members of the North Korean elite.
It’s Time for K-pop Stars to Speak Out on Human Rights
By Gi-Wook Shin, Haley M. Gordon, and Maleah Webster
With few exceptions, South Korea’s K-pop idols have been conspicuously silent on controversial subjects – including the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea Marks Key Anniversary But No Word on Military Parade
By Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung
Kim Il Sung’s birth anniversary, the most important national holiday in North Korea, passed without the expected military parade or any missile testing.
How Much Are South Koreans Willing to Pay Toward the US Alliance?
By Timothy S. Rich, Maggie Fields, Kierigan McEvoy, and Joe Black
South Koreans are generally supportive toward hosting U.S. troops, but their preferred cost-sharing levels are below what Seoul already pays.
Kim Gives North Korea’s Most Famous Newscaster a Luxury Home
By Hyung-jin Kim
Experts say Kim is providing special treatment to elite North Koreans to boost their loyalty as he grapples with myriad challenges.
What to Expect From Yoon Suk-yeol’s Policy on North Korea
By Mitch Shin
The incoming Yoon administration will change Seoul’s overtures on North Korea issues. As a result, the arms race will likely be intensified in the coming years.
3 North Koreans Provide a Glimpse of North Korea’s Worsening Economic Situation
By Jeong Tae Joo
Locals report increasing starvation deaths and disappearances among their neighbors, but Pyongyang is most concerned with preventing the harsh reality from souring planned celebrations.
Do South Koreans Support a Peace Treaty With the North?
By Timothy S. Rich
A recent survey finds a majority of Koreans approve of the idea -- even among supporters of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol.