38 North: Informed Analysis of North Korea

Saturday April 22nd 2017

38 North offers informed analysis of events in and around the DPRK.

Satellite Imagery

North Korea’s Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site: Back to Work We Go

A 38 North exclusive with analysis by Joseph S. Bermudez Jr. and Jack Liu. Commercial satellite imagery of the Punggye-ri Nuclear Test Site from April 19 indicates probable trailers near the North Portal, the tunnel that North Korea appears to have been preparing for a nuclear test. While no recent dumping is observed, there are at least five mining carts along the tracks leading to the spoil pile and one probable small equipment trailer [Read More]

Domestic Affairs

Catch Me If You Can: North »

North Korean scientists have developed a quantum encryption device—the basis for a communications system that is completely secure from hackers and eavesdroppers. The [Read More]

Consumerism in North Korea: »

During my last trip to North Korea in February 2017, I noted a number of interesting developments that have taken place since my previous visit in May 2016. They include the [Read More]

WMD

How to Hack and Not Hack a Missile »

With a shortage of good options on the table for dealing with North Korea’s strategic weapons, there is an understandable temptation to look for [Read More]

Commentary

North Korea and »

(Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People’s Republic of China) Whether measured in [Read More]

The Myth of »

On February 18, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce announced the suspension of coal imports [Read More]

A Eulogy to Women »

“I want to go into business,” she said, “to show that women can be good business [Read More]

Military Affairs

Much Ado About Nothing: DPRK’s »

(Photo: Rodong Sinmun) As the United States and South Korea began their annual “Foal Eagle” joint training exercise this past week, North Korea conducted an exercise of its own. Four medium-range ballistic missiles were fired from North Korea’s west coast in a [Read More]