The North Korean Wave Was Never a Symbol of Liberalization
North Korea’s increasingly diverse offerings in music, TV programs, cosmetics, and others were never indicators of broader liberalization.
The Two Koreas and the Olympic Games—Tokyo and Beyond
Thomas Bach, current Chairman of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), published a lengthy opinion piece about the Olympic Games last October. In a strong defense…
Seoul’s Response to Pyongyang’s Views on Human Rights
South Korea has foregone co-authoring a United Nations resolution condemning North Korea’s human rights abuses for the third year in a row.
North Korea’s Search for Leverage
Despite the tone and veiled threat, Pyongyang’s recent criticism of U.S.–ROK joint military drills may not necessarily signal an escalation of tensions.
Mental Health Access for Vulnerable Populations
The high rate of mental illness among North Korean refugees suggests that more resources should be directed to other vulnerable communities.
Economic Leverage Hits A Dead End in North Korea
North Korea continues to rebuff South Korea’s overtures for diplomatic engagement despite promises of economic assistance.
Cabinet Reshuffle to Reflect Focus on North Korea
Moon Jae-in’s former special envoy to North Korea is expected to coordinate Pyongyang engagement with the Biden administration.
The Outlook for Inter-Korean Relations after North Korea’s 8th Party Congress
A three-hour military parade and a fireworks display in Pyongyang on January 14 punctuated the end of the 8th Congress of the Workers Party of…
Challenges and Successes on the Korean Peninsula in 2020
South Korea in 2020 faced difficult challenges both off and on the Korean Peninsula. As in other states, the coronavirus pandemic took center stage by…
United Nations Questions North and South Korea on Forced Return of Fishermen to the North
On November 7, 2019, the South Korean government delivered two North Korean fishermen to North Korean officials at the Demilitarized Zone at Panmunjom.