Kim Jong-un

Much attention is focused on whether Kim Ju Ae will succeed her father, but North Korean officials have other explanations for her increased visibility.

Expect North Korea to continue to advance military ties with Russia, push forward key advanced weapons programs (like nuclear subs), and generally shun diplomacy with the U.S. and South Korea.

There are shifting dynamics in North Korea’s diplomatic strategy, particularly concerning its relationships with the U.S. and Russia. 

Kim Jong Un is in Russia, his first foreign destination since the pandemic started. What will be on the agenda when he meets with Putin?

The trip could be like his 2019 journey: 20 hours on his armored train.

Kim Jong Un reportedly observed the launch of strategic cruise missiles from a patrol vessel.

Kim Jong Un toured factories producing tactical missiles, mobile launch platforms, armored vehicles, and artillery shells, ordering them to “drastically boost” production capacity.

And the fading prominence of his sister Kim Yo Jong.

Kim Jong Un inspected the National Aerospace Development Administration and urged technicians to launch the military reconnaissance satellite at the planned (but unspecified) date.

While ghosting daily calls with South Korea, North Korea reaffirmed its clear intention to beef up its nuclear capabilities. 

The resumption of inbound tourism is a barometer of the situation in the hermit kingdom.

Kim Jong Un told officials and scientists at a state nuclear weapons institute they must ramp up bomb fuel production to meet his goals to expand his nuclear arsenal “exponentially.”