10 Issues to Watch for on the Korean Peninsula in 2023
10 issues related to U.S.-Korea relations, South Korea’s relations in the region, and North Korea that will have an impact on the Korean peninsula in 2023.
2022 in Review: North Korea and the Pandemic
North Korea’s missile tests likely have less to do with any military threat, and much more to do with COVID and its domestic impacts.
It Could Be a Long, Hard Five Years Dealing with North Korea for the Yoon Administration
The Yoon administration will face significant challenges from North Korea related to its weapons programs, COVID, and more during its time in office.
Few Options to Help with North Korea’s COVID Outbreak
Despite these regular reports in North Korean state media about its COVID outbreak, Pyongyang has shown little interest in international aid.
President Yoon’s Economic Policies
President Yoon Suk Yeol campaigned on economic policies changes that could bring significant economic benefits to South Korea.
Pyongyang Acknowledges COVID Deaths and Orders Mobilization to Slow Spread
The mass mobilization of medical personnel suggests Pyongyang is deeply concerned about the outbreak but it may not be able to easily access outside help.
Can the Government and SMEs Reconcile?
Although small and medium enterprises (SMEs) welcomed the government’s decision to lift COVID-related restrictions, it comes after years of strained ties.
Pyongyang Continues to Struggle with COVID
A particularly noteworthy aspect of North Korea’s new budget law is that it included an increase of 33 percent on emergency pandemic prevention efforts.
2021 in Review: South Korea’s Economy and COVID-19
South Korea’s economy has recovered rapidly from COVID-19 and GDP caught up with its pre-pandemic level about a year ago.
2021 in Review: North Korea’s Handling of the Pandemic
The North Korean border continues to be closed since extensive quarantine conditions were imposed following the disclosure of COVID-19 in China.