North Korea
Explore our coverage of North Korea’s politics, economics, business and culture, in articles, charts, podcasts and video
Asia
Vladimir Putin’s dangerous bromance with Kim Jong Un
Russia’s dictator visits Pyongyang and signs a new strategic pact
Culture
Why South Korean pop culture rocks and North Korea’s does not
Dictatorship stifles creativity and joy
Asia
North Korea is arming Russia and threatening war with South Korea
Kim Jong Un likes to provoke. The risks of miscalculation are rising
China
Xi Jinping’s chaos-loving friends
Why is stability-obsessed China aligned with Iran, North Korea and Russia?
Asia
South Korea’s ban on praising the North is ridiculous
The government imprisons a dotty fan of Kim Jong Un
Asia
North Korea is getting new ships
Many come from China, which continues to enable sanctions violations
Asia
Will North Korea’s new spy satellite make the region safer?
The Korean space race has big implications for the peninsula’s security
Culture
North Korea’s secret sporting weapon
The women’s football team are an explosive propaganda tool
Leaders
The dangers posed by a deal between Russia and North Korea
It would make life harder for Ukraine—and heighten nuclear risks in Asia
Asia
Why is Vladimir Putin looking to North Korea for arms?
A deal would boost his war effort and bolster Kim Jong Un’s weapons programme
Asia
North Korea’s borders are creaking open
Thousands of defectors and exiles in China face a grim forced return
The Economist explains
Who is Kim Yo Jong, North Korea’s propagandist-in-chief?
Kim Jong Un’s sister is often the voice of his displeasure