Podcasts about nk news

Israel's dramatic strikes on Iran's nuclear program and Tehran's retaliation have dominated headlines in recent days, and North Korea is no doubt paying close attention. NK News CEO Chad O'Caroll joins the podcast to talk about what lessons North Korea might be drawing from the clashes and U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, including the importance of deterrence and missile capabilities and the value of secrecy in the face of foreign intelligence threats. He also discusses the shifting state of inter-Korean propaganda broadcasts and an unexpected report about a possible North Korean tourism re-opening. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

This week, Balazs Szalontai returns to the podcast to explore the overlooked history of North Korea's relationship with countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The expert discusses how Pyongyang navigated ideological contradictions, opportunistic diplomacy and shifting global alliances throughout the Cold War, touching on the DPRK's ties with Iran, Egypt, Algeria, Iraq and more. He also explains how North Korea often prioritized strategic survival and a symbolic presence in the region over ideological consistency.  Dr. Balazs Szalontai is a historian and professor at Korea University in the Division of Public Sociology and Korean Unification. He previously appeared on episode 106 of the podcast. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected a hospital construction site in Kusong on Monday, where he criticized the skills of the military conscripts he frequently mobilizes for major state construction projects. NK News Senior Analytic Correspondent Colin Zwirko joins the podcast to talk about Kim's comments, as well the voyage by North Korea's damaged destroyer to a shipyard in the northeast for repairs and Pyongyang's brief coverage of South Korea's election of Lee Jae-myung as president. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, NK News welcomes back Professor Moon Chung-in, one of South Korea's most influential scholars of inter-Korean relations to assess the landscape on the peninsula today and what prospects remain for diplomacy. He discusses why he believes North Korea has officially abandoned unification in its current form, how inter-Korean engagement has become increasingly constrained by global geopolitics, and what a presidency under Lee Jae-myung might mean for the peninsula. Moon Chung-in is a professor emeritus at Yonsei University and one of South Korea's most influential scholars of inter-Korean relations. He served as special adviser on unification, diplomacy and national security to former President Moon Jae-in, and has long been a key advocate for diplomatic engagement with North Korea. He previously appeared on episode 71 of the podcast. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korea's new warship remains submerged on its side more than 10 days after the embarrassing failure to side-launch the vessel last month, despite DPRK experts' confidence that they could right the ship. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth made only a passing mention of North Korea at the Shangri-La Dialogue over the weekend, even as officials talked behind the scenes about wanting U.S. Forces Korea to play a bigger role in countering China. And Lee Jae-myung appears poised to claim the South Korean presidency in Tuesday's snap election, setting up potential changes in inter-Korean policy. This week, NK News CEO Chad O'Caroll and Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy join the podcast to discuss all these events during a busy week on the peninsula, as the ROK prepares to finally fill a monthslong leadership vacuum since Yoon Suk-yeol's ill-fated declaration of martial law and subsequent impeachment. They also talk about why North Korea will likely do little in response to a new president in Seoul and explore why Kim Jong Un should worry about Ukrainian drones following Kyiv's stunning attack on Russian assets far from the front lines. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

A year and a half ago, North Korea made waves when it announced that it was abandoning the goal of inter-Korean reunification. Now, South Koreans are getting ready to head to the ballot box to elect a new president, with their pick set to shape Seoul's policy toward a neighbor that now views the South as a “hostile, enemy state.” On this week's episode, Dr. Tomasz Wierzbowski and Dr. J.R. Kim join the podcast to debate whether Seoul should formally abandon the national goal of unification with North Korea. They discuss the evolving generational and political attitudes toward unification, whether the Ministry of Unification should be overhauled or scrapped and the ethics of maintaining peaceful coexistence with an authoritarian neighbor. Dr. Tomasz Wierzbowski is an adjunct professor at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies and the Korea Representative of EURAXESS, a European Commission initiative supporting researcher mobility.  Dr. J.R. Kim retired as director-general at South Korea's Ministry of Unification and is still active as the president of the Korean Council for Peace and Cooperation.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

Just one week remains until South Koreans head to the polls in the snap election to replace impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol, setting up potential changes in how Seoul approaches North Korea, the U.S. alliance and more. NK News Executive Director Jeongmin Kim joins the podcast to unpack where the major and minor candidates stand on DPRK policy — and whether they're avoiding the topic altogether. She discusses how North Korea was once a clear dividing line between conservative and progressive parties, with the former adopting hardline communist stances and the latter favoring engagement. And she explains why both major candidates in this election — Lee Jae-myung of the Democratic Party and Kim Moon-soo of the People Power Party — are taking a more subdued approach. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

This week, veteran North Korea negotiator Joel Wit joins the podcast to revisit his decades of experience negotiating with Pyongyang, what went wrong in efforts to stop the DPRK's nuclear development and what, if anything, can still be done. He shares insights from high-level talks, including surreal moments inside the DPRK, and discusses whether dialogue is still a viable path forward after the Trump-Kim summits. Joel Wit is distinguished fellow in Asian and Security Studies at the Stimson Center. As a U.S. State Department official, he helped negotiate the 1994 U.S.-DPRK Agreed Framework and was in charge of its implementation until he left government in 2002, holding numerous talks with North Korean officials. He is also the author of the forthcoming book "Fallout: The Inside Story Of How America Failed to Disarm North Korea,” published by Yale University Press. His work can be primarily found on the website 38 North, which he founded and formerly operated.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a series of military drills aimed at enhancing the country's ongoing “war preparations” last week, ahead of a gathering of thousands of military officers in Pyongyang for a rare conference on instigating a “revolution” in army training.  NK News Managing Editor Bryan Betts joins the podcast to discuss the DPRK's push to improve its air force and how the military events appear tied to the troop deployment to fight against Ukraine.  He also talks about Kim Jong Un's visit to a Pyongyang cemetery to pay tribute to late military official Hyon Chol Hae for the third consecutive year, as well as the appearance of sanctioned North Korean goods in Ukraine trade data despite the two sides' severed ties. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, scholars Immanuel Kim and Benoit Berthelier discuss their new book, “Hidden Heroes: An Anthology of North Korean Fiction,” which brings together 10 DPRK short stories from the last 30 years that focus on ordinary citizens who quietly contribute to society. Kim and Berthelier discuss their motivations for curating this anthology, their translation choices and the challenges of navigating the fine line between state-sanctioned propaganda and genuine storytelling. They also reflect on the ethical implications of translating and publishing North Korean literature for a global audience. Dr. Immanuel Kim is the Korea Foundation and Kim-Renaud Associate Professor of Korean Literature and Culture Studies at George Washington University. His research specializes in North Korean literature and cinema, including comedy films, some of which he previously discussed on episode 190 of the podcast. Dr. Benoit Berthelier is senior lecturer in Korean Studies at the University of Sydney. His research interests include North Korean literature, culture and society, as well as digital humanities and discourse analysis. ​ About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

Russian President Vladimir Putin met and embraced the North Korean general leading troops deployed to fight against Ukraine during a military parade in Moscow last week, but Kim Jong Un was a no show.  NK News Correspondent Jooheon Kim joins the podcast this week to discuss how the North Korean leader instead visited the Russian Embassy in Pyongyang, where he gave a speech justifying support for Moscow to mark Victory Day. The podcast also covers the official start of campaigning for South Korea's snap presidential election and celebrations to mark the 93rd founding anniversary of the Korean People's Revolutionary Army. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

This week, Dutch YouTuber Bart van Genuchten returns to the podcast to discuss his recent trip to North Korea for the 2024 Pyongyang International Marathon — the country's first major tourism-related event since before the pandemic. Van Genugten shares what it was like being among the first Westerners allowed back into Pyongyang, navigating both awkward influencer hype and deeply personal moments of connection with North Korean guides. He also discusses the ethics of content creation in authoritarian contexts and how Pyongyang seems to be subtly shifting its messaging on unification. Bart van Genugten is a Dutch YouTuber living in Seoul, releasing videos on the channel iGoBart. He first garnered fame for his videos on a trip to North Korea in 2018 About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a range of missile launches from the country's largest-ever warship last week, according to state media. NK News Deputy Managing Editor Alannah Hill joins the podcast to discuss the variety of weapons tested and the risk they pose, as well as the latest on the presidential race in South Korea and how North Korean beer made in the border city of Rason could soon be available for Russian consumers. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

On March 20, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights presented a report on “promoting accountability” for DPRK violations at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council.  This week, Eleonor Fernandez of the U.N. OHCHR joins the podcast to unpack the report and what accountability really means for North Korea, the evidence behind the U.N.'s work and the challenges of investigating abuses in one of the world's most closed societies. She also discusses what role South Korea, Japan, the U.S. and European countries play in advancing human rights in North Korea and some of the main concerns regarding escapees who are forcibly repatriated to the DPRK.  Eleonor Fernandez is a human rights officer in the Seoul Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN OHCHR). About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korea confirmed for the first time this week that it deployed troops to support Russia's war efforts against Ukraine, two days after Moscow's military chief openly acknowledged Pyongyang's involvement. Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim joins the podcast to discuss the reasoning behind the shift in the two countries' official positions, as well as South Korean opposition lawmaker Lee Jae-myung's victory in the primary to be the Democratic Party's presidential nominee and North Korea's launch of the first of its largest new warship class. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Bruce Bennet, a senior researcher at the RAND Corporation, joins the podcast to discuss just how ironclad the U.S.-South Korea alliance really is, the growing plausibility of limited nuclear use by Pyongyang and the risks of miscalculation in a changing security environment. He also delves into what North Korea military is learning from the war in Ukraine, its chemical and biological weapons posture and his insights from years of wargaming Korean conflict scenarios. Dr. Bruce Bennett is a senior international and defense researcher at the RAND Corporation and a specialist in Northeast Asian security, military strategy and asymmetric threats — particularly weapons of mass destruction. He has conducted extensive research on deterrence, Korean Peninsula conflict scenarios and regime collapse planning for North Korea. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un presided over a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week for another new 10,000-home skyscraper street in Pyongyang, coinciding with the April 15 “Day of the Sun” holiday celebrating the birth of state founder Kim Il Sung. NK News Correspondent Joon Ha Park joins the podcast to discuss the significance of the project, as well as the U.N.'s aviation body's dismissal of a North Korean complaint about an alleged South Korean drone intrusion last year. He also talks about the number of North Korean refugees that arrived in South Korea in the first quarter of 2025. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

This week, Cathi Choi, co-director of Women Cross DMZ, joins the podcast to discuss the group's efforts to formally end the Korean War, reunite divided families and place women at the forefront of peacebuilding on the Korean Peninsula. Cathi discusses the group's latest report, “Women's Rights Under the Division System in Korea,” and the political, social and human rights implications of inter-Korean compact. She also talks about what she regards as the destabilizing impact of U.S. troops on the peninsula, as well as what steps can be taken to reunite families on either side of the DMZ.  Cathi Choi is the executive director of Women Cross DMZ. She previously worked as a civil rights lawyer.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean state media coverage of the first international marathon in Pyongyang since 2019 underscored ongoing inconsistencies in how state propaganda mythologizes Kim ll Sung, changing the name of the event to remove reference to the founding leader's birthplace Mangyongdae. NK News founder and CEO Chad O'Carroll joins the podcast to discuss the ideological tensions surrounding the event's new name and how it relates to trends that started last year. He also discusses the recent death of one of the most extraordinary North Koreans to ever cross the inter-Korean border — Kim Shin-jo — as well as the future of efforts by Voice of America and Radio Free Asia to broadcast uncensored information into the DPRK following budget cuts by the Trump administration. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Fyodor Tertitskiy, a longtime Seoul-based scholar of North Korean history and author of “Accidental Tyrant: The Life of Kim Il-sung,” a new biography of Kim Il Sung. Drawing on sources in Korean, Russian, Chinese and Japanese, Tertitskiy offers a fresh and deeply researched account of the man who founded one of the world's most enduring authoritarian regimes. We explore Kim's improbable rise from guerrilla fighter to head of state at just 33, how he consolidated power and created a system of hereditary rule, and why his legacy still looms large over North Korea today. Tertitskiy also discusses the mythmaking around Kim's persona, from teleportation to pine cone grenades, and examines the broader implications of his rule for global security and the study of dictatorship. Fyodor Tertitskiy has been residing in South Korea since 2011. He earned his PhD from Seoul National University in 2017 and is currently a lecturer at Korea University. His works can be found on his ResearchGate profile. He has recently published “Accidental Tyrant: The Life of Kim Il-sung,” a biography of Kim Il Sung.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

Hundreds of runners took to the streets of Pyongyang as North Korea hosted its premier international marathon race for the first time in six years on Sunday.  NK News Senior Analytic Correspondent Colin Zwirko joins the podcast to discuss what this means for the future of tourism in the country as the event marked the first time that non-Russian visitors were allowed to visit Pyongyang for leisure since the DPRK shut its borders in Jan. 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  He also discusses how North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was reportedly busy watching military drills simulating an attack on his neighbor to the south as the Constitutional Court announced its decision to uphold the impeachment of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

South Korea's Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday for his controversial declaration of martial law citing “pro-North” domestic forces, raising questions about the future of inter-Korean relations.  This week's episode discusses Yoon's justification of martial law as a response to perceived North Korean threats, why North Korea may be taking a relatively cautious approach in its reaction to the ROK president's impeachment and what to expect from both Koreas in the coming months.  This episode features: Christopher Green, a consulting analyst with International Crisis Group Shreyas Reddy, Lead Correspondent at NK News About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

North Korean defectors face a huge information gap upon arrival in South Korea and in this week's episode we're joined by Dae-hyeon Park, the founder and CEO of Woorion, an NGO that supports North Korean defectors in their resettlement and integration into South Korean society. He discusses the events and personal motivations that led him to establish Woorion, the various services the organization provides, including financial assistance, educational programs and mentorship and some of the success stories from Woorion's programs that showcase the resilience and achievements of North Korean defectors as they adapt to their new lives in the South.  Dae-hyeon Park is the founder and CEO of Woorion, an NGO dedicated to supporting North Korean defectors in their resettlement and integration into South Korean society. Established in 2015, Woorion offers a comprehensive online platform providing essential services to bridge the information gap and empower defectors towards self-reliance. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

In this week's episode, Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy discusses an NK News investigation that revealed a minor Russian construction company with links to a notorious Chechen strongman is behind a $100 million vehicle bridge designed to link Russia's Far East with North Korea. He also covers South Korea's acting president's call for heightened military readiness against North Korean nuclear and missile “provocations” as well as what's to come in the week ahead.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Donald Trump's return to the White House has dramatically reshaped Washington in just two short months, including the world of North Korea policy. But while many in the U.S. expect that Trump will return to the unfinished business of diplomacy with Kim Jong Un, few in the Beltway are willing to speak openly about the new administration's policies or how the U.S. should approach the DPRK — apparently fearful of drawing Trump's wrath. That's the conclusion that several members of the NK News team drew after visiting the U.S. last week, where they had dozens of discussions with interlocutors across the U.S. government, nonprofit sector, think tanks and more.  This week, three NK News journalists join the podcast to discuss their trip to New York and Washington and the unprecedented turbulence affecting the North Korea watcher community. They talk about how the administration still appears to be in “listening mode” on DPRK issues, why Pyongyang isn't at the top of Trump's priorities right now and what would need to happen for that to change. They also explore what their interlocutors in the U.S. wanted to know about the ongoing political chaos in South Korea, and explain why few are impressed with the current state of the U.S.-ROK alliance.  This week's podcast features the following members of the NK News team: CEO Chad O'Carroll Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy Correspondent and Korea Pro Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu made a surprise visit to Pyongyang on Friday to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, a trip that came as DPRK troops fight against Ukraine and the U.S. pushes peace talks to end the war. This week, NK News Data Correspondent Anton Sokolin joins the podcast to discuss what we know about Shoigu's brief visit and whether Kim Jong Un will attend a large-scale military parade in Moscow in May. He also talks about North Korea's recent test of an upgraded missile defense system and Ukraine's claim that it destroyed three DPRK self-propelled guns in Russia's Kursk region. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

A White House order suspending funding for U.S. foreign assistance programs has precipitated an existential crisis for North Korean human rights organizations, likely forcing some to shutter entirely and raising concerns about other DPRK-related initiatives that rely on U.S. government support. This week, three women working in the field — Yoonhee Kim, Joanna Hosaniak and Hanna Song — join the podcast to delve into the impact of these funding cuts on NGOs, their operations and the future of human rights advocacy on North Korea. This episode features: Yoonhee Kim, program director at the National Democratic Institute  Joanna Hosaniak, deputy director general of the Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights  Hanna Song, executive director of the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean troops have played a pivotal role in Russia's successful counteroffensive in Kursk, shaping the lay of the land for peace negotiations and setting up a potential expansion of the DPRK's role. NK News Managing Editor Bryan Betts joins the podcast to discuss the latest developments from the war in Ukraine and how North Korea's participation could factor into talks. He also explores the potential impact of Trump's move to dismantle Voice of America and Radio Free Asia on efforts to spread information to North Koreans, and the curious case of a U.S. fitness-tracking app that banned users who traveled to the DPRK. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

March 17, 2025 - Join us for a discussion on the latest developments in Korea, including domestic politics north and south of the 38th parallel, inter-Korean relations, US-North Korea developments, Russia's role, and more, featuring team members from NK News, including Chad O'Carroll, Chief Executive Officer of Korea Risk Group, Jeongmin Kim, Lead Correspondent at NK News and Editorial Director at Korea Pro, Colin Zwirko, Senior Analytic Correspondent for NK News, and Shreyas Reddy, Lead Correspondent at NK News. This program is moderated by The Korea Society policy director Jonathan Corrado. This program is made possible by the generous support of our individual and corporate members and the Korea Foundation.   For more information, please visit the link below: https://www.koreasociety.org/policy-and-corporate-programs/item/1966-korean-peninsula-update-with-the-nk-news-team

Many prominent North Korean defectors who have resettled in South Korea are known for their alignment with conservative political causes, such as the former DPRK diplomat Tae Yong-ho, activist Yeonmi Park and defector lawmaker Park Choong-kwon. But author and political commentator Joh Kyeongil has built his reputation as a defector who supports progressive stances, advocating for peace-building efforts and criticizing activist tactics like leaflet balloons. This week, Joh joins the podcast to discuss his work fostering discussion about the DPRK and how he seeks to bridge the gap between the Koreas, as well as to share about the three attempts it took him to escape North Korea. Joh Kyeongil is the founder of the Peace Agora YouTube channel and the author of "To Aoji: The Country of a Boy Who Escaped from North Korea Three Times.” He fled the DPRK as a teenager. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

D-day is rapidly approaching for South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, with the Constitutional Court expected to rule on whether to uphold his impeachment in the next week. Whatever the court decides, it will have profound implications for not just domestic politics but also North Korea policy and peninsula security. To better understand what's on the horizon, NK Pro recently hosted a discussion with two experts on the Koreas: Andrei Lankov, a leading authority on North Korean studies, and Jumin Lee, a U.S.-based attorney and contributing analyst at Korea Pro. The experts explore a wide range of possible scenarios, from what a Lee Jae-myung presidency would look like to how North Korea would respond to the political chaos that would unfold if Yoon returns to power. Andrei Lankov is a director at NK News and writes for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. He is also a professor at Kookmin University. Jumin Lee is a native South Korean and a U.S. trial lawyer practicing at Los Angeles-based law firm Bird Marella. He is a contributing analyst at Korea Pro, where he provides analysis on legal and political issues, and his commentary has also been featured in domestic and international outlets. He is the author of “Why Anti-Discrimination Law?,” a book that examines proposals for comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation in South Korea. This podcast was originally recorded at a Korea Risk Group event in Seoul on March 5, 2025. Jeongmin Kim, editorial director at Korea Pro and correspondent at NK News, moderated the discussion. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, Jeongmin hosts a joint Korea Pro-NK Pro briefing with Andrei Lankov and Jumin Lee to analyze the political and security implications of President Yoon Suk-yeol's impeachment. Andrei discusses how North Korea, now economically buoyed by Chinese and Russian support, views South Korean politics with growing indifference — unless Donald Trump revives sanctions relief talks. He explains why Pyongyang sees South Korea as a “broken ATM” and why North Korea is more focused on military and strategic gains from Russia than engaging with Seoul. Jumin examines how a potential Lee Jae-myung presidency could reshape South Korea's domestic and foreign policy. He argues that Lee is more politically pragmatic than his progressive predecessors, likely focusing on consolidating power at home while managing a complex relationship with both the U.S. and China. The panel also explores how Trump's second administration could change the U.S.-ROK alliance, the likelihood of renewed nuclear talks with North Korea and whether South Korea might pursue a more independent foreign policy in response to growing tensions with China and Russia. Andrei Lankov is a Director at NK News and writes exclusively for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984 to 1985. In addition to his writing, he is also a Professor at Kookmin University. Jumin Lee is a Korean trial attorney and former ROK Air Force officer. He is the author of a book that argues why South Korea needs an anti-discrimination law. He is based in Los Angeles. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly 15-minute conversation hosted by Editorial Director Jeongmin Kim (@jeongminnkim) and Editor John Lee (@koreanforeigner), diving deep into the most pressing stories shaping South Korea — and dissecting the most complicated ones for professionals monitoring ROK politics, diplomacy, culture, society and technology. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 5, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

North Korea launched “multiple unidentified ballistic missiles” toward the Yellow Sea on Monday afternoon, according to the South Korean military, hours after the U.S. and ROK kicked off large-scale springtime joint exercises. NK News Deputy Managing Editor Alannah Hill discusses the DPRK's criticism of the U.S.-ROK Freedom Shield exercise as an “aggressive and confrontational war rehearsal.” She also talks about the ROK air force mishap that dropped bombs on a civilian area, Kim Jong Un's inspection of the country's first nuclear-powered missile submarine and the closure of Rason less than three weeks after its opening to non-Russian visitors. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, Russian scholar and former diplomat Georgy Toloraya offers his view on the evolving dynamic between Moscow and Pyongyang, exploring how economic cooperation, military ties and geopolitical circumstances are bringing the two closer together. He talks about why this relationship is not just a marriage of convenience but rather a convergence of values, with both sides aiming to change the current world order. He also discusses the dissolution of the U.N. Panel of Experts monitoring North Korea sanctions, on which he served, and its impact on future sanctions enforcement. Georgy Toloraya is a seasoned Russian diplomat and scholar with extensive experience in Korean affairs, having served in both North and South Korea, including roles as deputy chief of mission at the Russian Embassy in Seoul. He was Russia's representative on the U.N. Panel of Experts before it was dissolved in 2024. He currently directs Korean programs at the Institute of Economy of the Russian Academy of Sciences and serves as executive director of the Russian National Committee on BRICS Research. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's younger sister warned the U.S. that Pyongyang is “seriously considering” measures to “escalate” nuclear weapons-related actions in response to Washington sending an aircraft carrier to South Korea this week. NK News Correspondent Joon Ha Park joins the podcast to discuss the arrival of the USS Carl Vinson to the Korean Peninsula, as well as North Korea's test of a “strategic cruise missile” and impeached South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's final defense before the Constitutional Court. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

On this week's episode, NK News Correspondent Jeongmin Kim discusses her time at the Munich Security Conference, an annual meeting on international security policy that has been held in the German city since 1963. She discusses the conference's focus on the war in Ukraine and North Korean security threats relating to its ties with Russia. She also talks about the fallout from Washington's backchannel talks with Moscow and concerns in South Korean circles that the Trump administration could cut a deal with Pyongyang without Seoul's involvement.  Jeongmin attended the Munich Security Conference as part of the Munich Young Leaders 2025 delegation through partial funding by the Körber-Stiftung Foundation. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korea is testing a larger version of its state-of-the-art reconnaissance drone, according to exclusive NK Pro analysis, showing that it is continuing to copy U.S. designs. NK News Data Correspondent Anton Sokolin joins the podcast to discuss the advantages of introducing the new unmanned aerial vehicle with a 40-meter wingspan, as well as the challenges that the DPRK could face in deploying the system. He also discusses the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and how North Korea's participation in the war is evolving, after Kyiv warned that Pyongyang is set to send more weapons to augment its deployment of troops. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Representatives from Young Pioneer Tours and Koryo Tours crossed over the Chinese border to the Rason Special Economic Zone last week as part of preparatory efforts to resume full-fledged tours to the DPRK in the near future, marking a first since before the pandemic. Rowan Beard and Greg Vaczi join the podcast shortly upon their return from North Korea to discuss how their trips came about, the highlights of their visits and the changes they observed in the country in the five years since its borders were shut to Western travelers. Rowan Beard is the co-founder of Young Pioneers Tours. Greg Vaczi is a tour manager at Koryo Tours. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un announced that old and deteriorating neighborhoods of Pyongyang will be redeveloped in the coming years, according to state media this week. NK News Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy joins the podcast to discuss Kim's revelation that major annual residential construction projects in Pyongyang won't end when the current 50,000-home project wraps up next year, as well as the impact the Trump administration's freeze of National Endowment for Democracy (NED) funds has on DPRK human rights groups and the return of Western tour companies to North Korea for the first time since before the pandemic. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

On today's episode, intellectual historian Thomas Stock discusses his paper "Polyphonic Peace: The 1989 World Festival of Youth and Students in Pyongyang," which explores North Korea's hosting of the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students. This massive event, which brought together 15,000 young people from over 150 countries, was North Korea's attempt to counter South Korea's global influence after the 1988 Olympics and reinforce its ideological authority. The episode also delves into East Germany's key role, the festival's propaganda impact and its significance in North Korea's rivalry with South Korea. Dr Thomas Stock is an intellectual historian of Korea and the Cold War, specialized in the evolution of North Korean ideology. He is currently a history teacher in Massachusetts, USA. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

The leader of South Korea's main opposition party called for renewed dialogue with North Korea this week, while emphasizing the need to maintain strong military readiness amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.  NK New' Correspondent Jeongmin Kim joins the podcast to discuss what Lee Jae-myung, the current frontrunner in multiple presidential polls, has to say about DPRK engagement, as well as a wide-ranging interview Russia's ambassador to North Korea gave to Russian media and a meeting between the leaders of the U.S. and Japan during which they vowed to push for the “complete denuclearization” of the DPRK. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, we speak with Dan Gudgeon, a post-doctoral researcher at the University of Vienna, about how peace narratives shape inter-Korean relations. Drawing from his research on South Korea's Sunshine Policy era, Dan explains how national identity and "ontological security" influence public and political willingness to engage in peace building.  He then discusses whether peace narratives can coexist with military deterrence, how global powers like the U.S. influence inter-Korean diplomacy, and what lessons South Korea should take if peace with the DPRK talks resume.  Dan Gudgeon is a post-doctoral researcher and lecturer in the Department of East Asian Studies at the University of Vienna. He attained his Ph.D. from the University of North Korean Studies and previously worked for the Korean Sharing Movement, an inter-Korean cooperation NGO in Seoul. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korea issued its first statement directed at U.S. President Donald Trump and his DPRK policy since his inauguration two weeks ago. NK News founder Chad O'Carroll joins the podcast to discuss Pyongyang's remarks as well as reports that Ukraine killed multiple North Korean officers in a strike on a command post in Russia's Kursk region and DPRK troops undergoing “error correction” training. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

Researcher Kap Seol, a frequent contributor to the leftist magazine Jacobin, joins the podcast to discuss his recent article about how the deployment of DPRK troops to fight in Ukraine could lead South Korea to respond by escalating its own involvement.  The self-described former socialist also talks about the similarities between Kim Il Sung and Romania's Nicolae Ceaușescu, while touching on historical topics like the life of a revolutionary Korean in 1930s China and the persistent allegations of North Korean involvement in the 1980 Gwangju Uprising Kap Seol is a Korean writer and researcher based in New York. His writings have appeared in Jacobin, Labor Notes, In These Times, Business Insider and other publications.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

North Korea launched multiple sea-to-surface strategic cruise missiles on Saturday, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the first weapons test since Donald Trump assumed the U.S. presidency. NK News Correspondent Joon Ha Park joins the podcast to discuss the launch, as well as a former ROK spy likening President Yoon Suk-yeol's alleged order to arrest lawmakers to the tactics of North Korean secret police. He also discusses new revelations about the fate of the DPRK's United Front Department. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

North Korea-Russia ties have grown by leaps and bounds since Moscow launched its invasion of Ukraine, while its relationship with China appears to have suffered as a result. This week, expert Lyle Goldstein joins the podcast to share insights into Pyongyang's strategic partnerships with its neighbors and the complex dynamics that shape its nuclear ambitions. He also discusses what could come now that Donald Trump has been inaugurated and why he believes that Trump-Kim engagement 2.0 could help deescalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.  Lyle J. Goldstein is the director of the Asia Program at Defense Priorities, a nonprofit think tank. He is also director of the China Initiative and senior fellow at the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University. He is wrapping up a book length project that examines China-Russia relations in the 21st century. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

In this episode, NK News Deputy Managing Editor Alannah Hill dives into the latest evidence of North Korea's military involvement in the war in Ukraine, focusing on recently recovered handwritten notes detailing Kim Jong Un's message to North Korean soldiers fighting alongside Russian forces. She also talks about how Kyiv's decision to reveal the identities of captured DPRK soldiers has raised ethnical concerns. Then, she discusses North Korean state media's coverage of impeached ROK President Yoon Suk-yeol's arrest last week and the first statement by the leader's sister Kim Yo Jong in some two months, rejecting the Belarusian leader's assertion that Pyongyang reached out to request a top-level summit.  About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this special roundtable episode, NK News journalists evaluate the accuracy of their predictions for 2024 and share what they expect from North Korea in the year to come. The team discusses how the DPRK's relations with South Korea, China and Russia have evolved and allegations that Seoul sought to provoke Pyongyang last year. They also anticipate what Donald Trump and Lee Jae-myung will do after taking power, as well as the possibility that North Korea will meddle in the upcoming ROK election and create its own internet with social media services. This episode features the following members of the NK News team: Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy Data Correspondent Anton Sokolin  Correspondent Jeongmin Kim The full NK Pro series laying out predictions for the year can be read here: Part 1 and Part 2. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.

Ukraine released the first testimony from North Korean soldiers captured fighting for Russia in the Kursk region on Saturday, providing the latest evidence of the DPRK's involvement in the war. NK News Senior Analytic Correspondent Colin Zwirko joins the podcast to discuss the footage and photos of the two soldiers released by the Ukrainian government and President Volodymyr Zelensky's offer to “hand over Kim Jong Un's soldiers” in return for Ukrainian prisoners of war captured by Russia.  He also talks about what the DPRK might be telling the families of dead soldiers, as well as the latest on Kim Jong Un's Regional Development 20×10 Policy. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists.

In this episode, Andrei Lankov returns to the podcast to discuss key developments in and around North Korea over the last year, including the deployment of DPRK weapons and soldiers to aid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He also discusses the impact of Pyongyang's increasing alignment with Moscow, the current state of China-DPRK ties and why North Korea is in no hurry to allow Western visitors to return.  Andrei Lankov is a director at Korea Risk Group and writes for the site as one of the world's leading authorities on North Korea. A graduate of Leningrad State University, he attended Pyongyang's Kim Il Sung University from 1984-5. In addition to his writing, he is also a professor at Kookmin University. About the podcast: The North Korea News Podcast is a weekly podcast hosted by Jacco Zwetsloot exclusively for NK News, covering all things DPRK — from news to extended interviews with leading experts and analysts in the field, along with insight from our very own journalists. NK News subscribers can listen to this and other exclusive episodes from their preferred podcast player by accessing the private podcast feed. For more detailed instructions, please see the step-by-step guide at nknews.org/private-feed.