North Korea

Explore our coverage of North Korea’s politics, economics, business and culture, in articles, charts, podcasts and video


Asia

South Korea’s ban on praising the North is ridiculous

The government imprisons a dotty fan of Kim Jong Un

Asia

The Korean peninsula is as divided as ever

But rumours of war are overblown

Graphic detail

China is sending escapers back to North Korea

And probably to their doom

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

Asia

North Korea is shutting embassies

China and Russia are the only friends it needs

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

Asia

South Korea has given up on talking to the North

The conservative government prefers emphasising its military superiority