iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

38 North

@38north.org

1.8K followers 21 following 362 posts

Informed analysis of events in and around the DPRK. A publication of the Stimson Center. Innovative Ideas Changing the World.

Posts Replies Media

38 North @38north.org · 7h

Clearance of agricultural land at North Korea’s main drone development and testing base could signal plans to expand the facility. This is just one of several projects underway, highlighting the importance of the Panghyon complex. @martynw.bsky.social www.38north.org/2026/09/land...

Land Clearance Could Signal Drone Base Expansion - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Clearance of agricultural land at North Korea’s main drone development and testing base could ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 29/09/2026

Unlike differing readouts from the May summit between Trump & Xi, last week's summit omitted mention of North Korean denuclearization from either side. Rachel Minyoung Lee notes this shift, although noting it's still unlikely to bring Kim back to the table. www.38north.org/2026/09/quic...

Quick Take: A Shift in US Messaging Amid North Korea’s Nuclear Signaling - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

When Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping met in May, the discrepancy between the two ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 03/09/2026

A recent shakeup of KPA high command personnel provides insight into decision-making processes of North Korean power institutions, in continued fallout from the Pak Hui Chol corruption scandal in the KPA General Political Bureau. Analysis by Michael Madden. www.38north.org/2026/09/chan...

Changes in the KPA High Command - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

On August 29, Kim Jong Un presided over both an awards ceremony for three defense industry ...

38 North @38north.org · 02/09/2026

North Korea has made significant progress on a trade crossing and immigration facility at the foot of the New Yalu Bridge in Sinuiju, suggesting the bridge, after years of delay, could finally open soon. Analysis by @martynw.bsky.social and Iliana Ragnone. www.38north.org/2026/09/nort...

38 North @38north.org · 01/09/2026

NBC News recently released their expose on North Korean IT workers. 38 North's Director, @jennytown.bsky.social and our good friend Michael (Barni) Barnhart were included in this great segment: www.nbcnews.com/now/video/a-...

He seemed like a perfect hire, until a U.S. firm exposed the likely North Korean operative

North Korea’s state-directed cyber program bypasses global sanctions, in part, through a sprawling remote worker scheme. North Korean operatives apply for jobs at American companies — earning hundreds...

38 North @38north.org · 27/08/2026

Upcoming Event! Join 38 North & NCNK on September 10, at 2pm ET, for a discussion with Jerome Sauvage and Esther Im about Jerome's experiences working in North Korea as the UN Resident Coordinator, detailed in his new memoir. In person & online: www.38north.org/events/engag...

Engaging North Korea On the Ground - 38 North

In his new memoir, “Witness to North Korea,” Jerome Sauvage provides a first-hand account of ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 26/08/2026

North Korea's continued material and troop support of Russia's war has short term transactional benefits for Pyongyang, but also appears to be part of a larger strategy to shape a favorable security architecture in the region, argue Jong Eun Lee and Eul-chul Lim. www.38north.org/2026/08/all-...

All the Way With Moscow? Pyongyang’s Strategic Calculations in Support of Russia’s War - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War in 2022, North Korea has contributed substantial arms ...

38 North @38north.org · 25/08/2026

The Russia-North Korea traffic bridge aimed to open in June, but the Russian side's immigration/customs complex was nowhere near complete. Imagery shows the main parts of the complex may be ready "enough" by the revised Sept deadline. @martynw.bsky.social www.38north.org/2026/08/nort...

North Korea-Russia Bridge Could Open on Revised Deadline - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Construction on the new road bridge linking North Korea and Russia has made significant ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 21/08/2026

While North Korea's messaging toward the US is studied, it's restrained messaging regarding China in recent weeks is notable. It seems China-DPRK relations are still more tenuous than recent high level exchanges suggest, says Rachel Minyoung Lee. www.38north.org/2026/08/nort...

North Korea's Restrained Signaling Toward China Continues - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Kim Yo Jong’s August 19 “stand on major international affairs” has been examined largely for ...

38 North @38north.org · 20/08/2026

North Korea's responses to Trump's unilateral reductions of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises reiterate its world view and reaffirm talks are possible, but only under very strict conditions. The door may not be locked, but is it really open? www.38north.org/2026/08/a-do...

A Door Ajar, a High Bar: Whither North Korea-US Relations? - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Regardless of what President Trump’s recent social media was intended to achieve or to whom it ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 14/08/2026

Vann Van Diepen digs into the various claims of improved KN-23 performance and potential Russian technical assistance. Sourcing matters, as does North Korea's own technical ability. Have the KN-23s been improved? Maybe. Here's what we can tell so far. www.38north.org/2026/08/the-...

The KN-23 Goes to War: Has It Improved North Korea's Missiles? - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

North Korean-made KN-23 solid-propellant, road-mobile short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) ...

38 North @38north.org · 10/08/2026

Upcoming Event! Join us on August 17 at 8PM ET for an online discussion examining disparities across a range of socio-economic indicators between Pyongyang and more remote or rural cities. Featuring @martynw.bsky.social & @ilianaragnone.bsky.social. www.38north.org/events/beyon...

Beyond Pyongyang: Regional Development, Modernization, and Inequality in North Korea - 38 North

Severe economic disparities between Pyongyang and other parts of the country have the potential ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 05/08/2026

Construction on the Russian side of the new Russia-North Korea bridge has picked up since missing the original opening date in June. The main buildings at the customs complex appear nearly finished and road work is underway, writes @martynw.bsky.social . www.38north.org/2026/08/russ...

Russian Construction Makes Progress Toward Bridge Opening - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Commercial satellite imagery shows increased activity on the Russian side of the new road ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 03/08/2026

Could Lee Jae-myung's Arctic ambitions form the basis for a broader regional peace initiative? Lyle Goldstein and Vitaly Kozyrev discuss the geoeconomic rationale for South Korea's Arctic Activity Strategy and the potential to build regional cooperation around it. www.38north.org/2026/08/brea...

Breaking the Ice in Northeast Asia: President Lee’s Brazen Bet on the Arctic - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

At a time of grave world tensions and rising defense preparations, including in Northeast Asia, ...

38 North @38north.org · 30/07/2026

North Korea is doubling down on naval modernization and expansion. While the commissioning and deployment of the Choe Hyon destroyer will bolster capabilities around the NLL, Bomi Kim suggests broader mission change is underway for the KPN beyond coastal defense. www.38north.org/2026/07/more...

More Than a Destroyer: What Choe Hyon Reveals About North Korea's Maritime Strategy - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK or North Korea) officially commissioned its new ...

38 North @38north.org · 28/07/2026

Not all of North Korea's income generation is alike. North Korean overseas medical workers illustrate how the practice may do good but may still be exploitative for the North Korean workers. George Grech offers some guidelines for rethinking blanket bans. www.38north.org/2026/07/not-...

Not All Overseas Income Is Alike: DPRK Medical Workers and the Limits of Sanctions Equivalence - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The international community should not treat every form of overseas Democratic People’s ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 28/07/2026

North Korea's nuclear strategy - now codified in its laws and constitution - requires the US and ROK to update its defensive architecture. Yongsup Han argues this should include nuclear sharing, integrated deterrence, and technical innovation. www.38north.org/2026/07/nort...

North Korea’s Nuclear Doctrine: Implications and Strategic Countermeasures for the US-ROK Alliance - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Revisions made to North Korea’s constitution formally codify its self-proclaimed “responsible ...

38 North @38north.org · 21/07/2026

hina-North Korea high level exchanges are on a roll, but so is North Korea's messaging about the permanence of its nuclear program and status. Rachel Minyoung Lee discusses how these trends help us better understand how China-NK relations are shaping up. www.38north.org/2026/07/nort...

North Korea’s Subdued Signaling Toward China During Treaty Anniversary - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

As anticipated by Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping’s June agreement, North Korea and China gave ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 17/07/2026

North Korean smartphones have typically utilized Chinese-manufactured hardware & North Korean software. But a new model from Phurunhanal Electronics appears to utilize the Lava Agni 3 from India's Lava International. @martynw.bsky.social discusses this new find. www.38north.org/2026/07/nort...

North Korea Taps India for Smartphones - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

North Korean smartphone brand Phurunhanal Electronics appears to have sourced one of its latest ...

38 North @38north.org · 16/07/2026

Although Pyongyang has never used the term nuclear triad, its current naval upgrades and expansion and looming air force modernization seem to be moving in that direction. Vann Van Diepen examines its potential for building credible naval and air "legs". www.38north.org/2026/07/is-n...

Is North Korea Pursuing a "Juche-Oriented" Nuclear Triad? - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Cold War strategic culture has emphasized the importance of having a “triad” of ...

38 North @38north.org · 15/07/2026

Issue 5 of our "North Korea Briefing" is out! The 2nd quarter of 2026 provided the first clear picture of policy direction North Korea intends to pursue following the Ninth Party Congress. Check out analysis across six key themes. www.38north.org/nk-briefing/...

North Korea Briefing: Vol. 5, Summer 2026 - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The second quarter of 2026 provided the first clear picture of policy direction North Korea ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 09/07/2026

E-payments are ever more common in North Korea, especially in Pyongyang. @martynw.bsky.social discusses what we've learned about how the system works, the legal and physical infrastructure, and the approx. conversion rates for FX won for smartphone e-payments. www.38north.org/2026/07/the-...

The Logistics of Funding North Korean E-Wallets - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Smartphone-based e-payment systems appear to be growing quickly in Pyongyang. Several competing ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 01/07/2026

Join us on July 9 for a panel discussion with accomplished next-gen leaders discussing the psychological evolution of North Korean youth, cutting-edge strategies for information influx, and how these internal dynamics are challenging totalitarian control. www.stimson.org/event/north-...

North Korea's Digital Generation: Information Influx, Regime Control, and the Architects of Tomorrow • Stimson Center

Today, a new generation of North Koreans who grew up with a hybrid awareness of markets and illicit foreign media is driving a quiet paradigm shift against the regime’s extreme tightening of ideologic...

38 North @38north.org · 23/06/2026

Pyunghwa Park and Uri Kidron examine how the varied willingness of states facing a regional nuclearizing rival to absorb the costs of war as a counterproliferation strategy has played into North Korea's nuclear advancements versus Iran's restraints. www.38north.org/2026/06/why-...

Why North Korea Got the Bomb (And Iran Did Not, for Now) - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Why did North Korea get nuclear weapons when other states with similar nuclear ambitions like ...

38 North @38north.org · 18/06/2026

North Korea dropped anti-American rhetoric in its external messaging during the summit period but kept it in classrooms. As it reemerges in KCNA, educational efforts are also being intensified according to new research by Gabriella Wangmu Zhaxi. www.38north.org/2026/06/nort...

North Korea Rebuilds Anti-American Rhetoric and Education - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This commentary draws on a corpus of Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) state ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 17/06/2026

Big changes have been underway for North Korea's WPK General Affairs Department, including the appointment of Kim Yo Jong as director. Michael Madden digs into what appears to be its elevated and evolving role within the party and decision making processes. www.38north.org/2026/06/on-a...

On a Mission From General Affairs Department - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

One significant outcome from North Korea’s Ninth Party Congress was the appointment of Kim Yo ...

38 North @38north.org · 16/06/2026

We are pleased to announce the 2026-2027 cohort of our 38 North Emerging Fellows Program and excited to introduce them to the Korea watcher field. Meet our new fellows: www.38north.org/2026/06/meet...

Meet the 2026-2027 Cohort for the 38 North Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The 38 North Program at the Henry L. Stimson Center is excited to welcome our 2026-2027 cohort ...

38 North @38north.org · 11/06/2026

As highlighted in recent media reports and tourists accounts, North Korea is modernizing. GWU's Yonho Kim chronicles one aspect of this modernization push: North Korea's remote learning capabilities and infrastructure from 2011 to today. www.38north.org/2026/05/buil...

Building a State-Controlled Knowledge Infrastructure: The Evolution of Distance Education in North Korea - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

More often than not, the outside world dismisses North Korean digital education as ...

38 North @38north.org · 11/06/2026

Check out a few perspectives about the Xi-Kim summit from 38 North and Stimson Center experts. Short takes from @jennytown.bsky.social, Rachel Minyoung Lee, James Kim, Michael Cunningham, and Andrew Oros. bit.ly/43tagHf

Xi Jinping's Visit to Pyongyang: Regional Roundup - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Stimson experts weigh in on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s June 8-9 visit to North Korea ...

38 North @38north.org · 13/05/2026

Sean Corbett conducts an imagery survey of North Korea's possible nuclear, chemical and biological defense battalions, as part of Project Anthracite. Several sites of interest were analyzed as part of this baseline study, however only one was located. www.38north.org/2026/05/proj...

Project Anthracite: Imagery Search for Possible Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Defense Battalions - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The research in this article stems from Project Anthracite, a multiyear initiative funded by ...

38 North @38north.org · 13/05/2026

North Korea's latest constitution expands the power of the State Affairs Commission, consolidating power under Kim Jong Un. Read more about these changes from Michael Madden www.38north.org/2026/05/quic...

Quick Take: The Leader Gets a Strong Constitution - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The most recent North Korean (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) constitution was ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 24/04/2026

The 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/how-...

How South Korea Might Fight a North Korean Invasion in a Dual-Contingency Scenario - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

For decades, deterrence on the Korean Peninsula has rested on a single fundamental assumption: ...

38 North @38north.org · 24/04/2026

North 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/eval...

North Korea's 20x10 Policy and the Challenges of Regional Development - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

The “20×10” regional development policy, introduced in January 2024, represents Kim Jong Un’s ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 22/04/2026

North 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/clus...

Cluster Warhead Tests Underscore the Important Conventional Role of North Korea's SRBMs - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

North Korea claimed that launches of KN-23/Hwasong-11A and Hwasong-11D short-range ballistic ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 16/04/2026

North 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 . www.38north.org/2026/04/quic...

Quick Take: North Korea’s Sinpo-B Class Submarine Drydocked - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

On commercial satellite imagery of North Korea’s Sinpho South Shipyard, it appears that the ...

38 North @38north.org · 15/04/2026

In 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. 38north.org/nk-briefing/...

North Korea Briefing: Vol. 4, Spring 2026 - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This volume covers events and developments in North Korea during the first quarter of 2026 ...

38 North @38north.org · 13/04/2026

38 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/call...

Call for Applications: 38 North Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program 2026-2027 - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

38 NORTH EMERGING SCHOLARS FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM 2026-2027 Application Open: April 13, 2025 ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 13/04/2026

Wang 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/wang...

Wang Yi's Pyongyang Visit: Kim Jong Un Signals Renewed Efforts to Improve Ties but Alignment Still Lacking - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Notably, North Korea’s summary report of the Ninth Party Congress made no mention of China or ...

38 North @38north.org · 09/04/2026

Kim 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/quic...

Quick Take: Kim Yo Jong’s Evolving Messaging - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Kim Yo Jong’s April 6 communiqué replying to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s apology for ...

38 North @38north.org · 07/04/2026

North 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/dron...

Drones and Operational Shift: North Korea’s Adaptation to a Changing Warfare Environment - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

38 North @38north.org · 07/04/2026

South 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/over...

Over Three Decades of North Korea Policy Divide: South Korea Should Give Bipartisanship a Chance - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 07/04/2026

While 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/asse...

Assessing the Limits of Female Leadership in North Korea - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 03/04/2026

Unusual 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/sinp...

Sinpho South Shipyard: Unusual Ship Repurposing Effort - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Recent commercial satellite imagery indicates an ongoing effort to repurpose a coastal cargo ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 02/04/2026

North 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/visu...

Visualizing the Inminban - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

In the lives of North Koreans, there are few organizations as inescapable as the “inminban” ...

38 North @38north.org · 02/04/2026

North 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. www.38north.org/2026/04/a-ne...

A New Rocket Motor Further Muddles North Korea’s Solid-Propellant ICBM Outlook - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

North Korea claims to have ground-tested a “newly upgraded” solid-propellant rocket motor about ...

38 North @38north.org · 02/04/2026

Sometime 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 www.38north.org/2026/04/vill...

Villages Bordering Sohae Satellite Launching Station Razed - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Commercial satellite imagery shows North Korea completely demolished two small communities ...

38 North @38north.org · 31/03/2026

Our 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. www.38north.org/2026/03/kim-...

Kim Yo Jong’s Discourse as Signaling: Managing External Interpretation in DPRK Foreign Policy - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

38 North @38north.org · 31/03/2026

Our 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. www.38north.org/2026/03/kim-...

Kim Yo Jong’s Discourse as Signaling: Managing External Interpretation in DPRK Foreign Policy - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

000

38 North @38north.org · 31/03/2026

Changing 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. www.38north.org/2026/03/exam...

Examining European Engagement With North Korea - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...

38 North @38north.org · 31/03/2026

Improving 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. www.38north.org/2026/03/mate...

Maternal and Child Health in North Korea: A Strategic Channel for Humanitarian Engagement - 38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

This article was written and researched as part of the second cohort of 38 North’s Emerging ...