Author: Jeong Tae Joo
North Korea plans to enhance its mobile network security system by incorporating domestic technology and upgrading to international standards by the end of the year. The country aims to invest in cloud systems and quantum encryption technology to achieve this goal. Experts gathered in Pyongyang recently to discuss upgrading the national mobile communication network, citing vulnerabilities in the current system due to reliance on Chinese technology. The Cabinet plans to replace Chinese technology with domestic solutions to boost security. A technical development team has been formed to work on implementing the plan, which faces some skepticism about the ambitious timeline.…
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed a test-firing of a new land-to-sea missile, the Padasuri-6, on Feb. 14, 2024, the Korean Central News Agency reported on Feb. 15. (KCNA) The North Korean military is intensifying preparations ahead of summer exercises, focusing on nuclear weapons maintenance, command and control, and drills to enhance operational capabilities. Amid expectations of increased military aid from Russia for nuclear development, North Korea is striving to optimize its nuclear arsenal management and readiness for field deployment. Orders have been issued to review the nuclear trigger system and conduct joint maneuvers to streamline command structure and…
North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Project Group Sends Professionals Abroad to Earn Foreign Currency The Eighth Plenary Session of the Ninth Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) was held at the headquarters of the party’s Central Committee from Dec. 26 to 30, 2023, according to the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of Korea. (Rodong Sinmun-News1) North Korea’s Mansudae Overseas Project Group of Companies has initiated the deployment of professionals overseas to generate foreign income, as reported by Daily NK. The group, known for its involvement in international artistic and architectural projects, is part of…
Remnants of North Korea’s balloons filled with trash are scattered in front of the Incheon Meteorological Observatory in Jeonjeon, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea, on June 2, 2024. (Yonhap News) The current tensions between North and South Korea have escalated with the South Korean military restarting loudspeaker broadcasts towards the North in response to North Korea sending trash-laden balloons across the border. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has issued threats of new retaliatory actions. Daily NK conducted interviews with North Korean workers and defectors to gauge their reactions and opinions. Opinions on Kim’s Statements: Daily NK:…
A meeting between Kim Jong Un and his military leaders on Dec. 31, 2023, as reported by state-run media on Jan. 1, 2024 (Rodong Sinmun – News1) The North Korean military’s General Staff Department is conducting a series of tactical drills and inspections from June 10 to 30, aimed at assessing combat readiness and enhancing military capabilities. The exercises are part of efforts to strengthen the military’s ability to handle current tensions on the Korean Peninsula and improve operational effectiveness. Key objectives include evaluating command structures, tactical maneuvers, joint operations, and the ability to respond rapidly to potential military clashes.…
Remnants of North Korea’s balloons filled with trash are scattered in front of the Incheon Meteorological Observatory in Jeonjeon, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea, on June 2, 2024. (Yonhap News) In late May, North Korea responded to South Korean propaganda leaflets by sending balloons filled with trash across the border. The garbage-filled balloons caused fatigue and annoyance in South Korea, resulting in damage in some cases. South Korea threatened propaganda broadcasts in return, prompting North Korea to halt the trash balloon launches while issuing warnings. Amidst this tension, Daily NK reached out to North Korean residents for their views on current…
Members of North Korea’s Samjiyon String Orchestra perform during a concert at the Haeoreum Theater of the National Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul, South Korea, on Feb. 11, 2018. (Yonhap News) Central Committee officials in North Korea are increasingly favoring female instrumentalists as potential daughters-in-law, leading to a rise in engagements between their sons and these talented musicians. A recent trend has seen officials invite female instrumentalists to perform, assess their backgrounds, and potentially set them up with their sons. Initially reluctant due to social class differences, officials now value instrumentalists for their cultural sophistication, creating a win-win…
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the Second Amphibious Ship Squadron of the East Sea Fleet of the Korean People’s Army Navy, Rodong Sinmun reported on August 21, 2023. (Rodong Sinmun-News1) North Korea is ramping up its oil supplies to naval units in Nampo and Nason as it imports large amounts of petroleum from China and Russia. The regime is expanding oil storage facilities in Nampo to accommodate this increase. According to a military source, the authorities have been supplying oil to naval units intensively since mid-April and are building additional storage tanks in Nampo. These actions are in…
A photo taken of the North Korea – China border in 2014. (Lawrence Wang, Flickr, Creative Commons) Jilin Province authorities recently sentenced a North Korean defector to 10 years in prison for human trafficking. The verdict came after an investigation led by police in Songyuan and Baishan, resulting in two Chinese men receiving three-year sentences. The crackdown discovered a list of trafficked North Korean women and their Chinese buyers, prompting police requests in various regions for criminal action. With fears of repatriation among defectors rising, the situation highlights ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and border control issues. Authorities stress…