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University of North Korean Studies (UNKS)

The University of North Korean Studies (UNKS), a prominent graduate institution based in Seoul, South Korea, is dedicated to the comprehensive study of North Korea and unification. Established in 2005, it offers Master’s and PhD programmes, fostering future leaders and experts in the field. UNKS focuses on interdisciplinary research, policy analysis, and academic activities, including publishing the "Review of North Korean Studies". Recognised as the sole dedicated institution for North Korean studies, it significantly contributes to understanding the country’s political and social dynamics, aiming to facilitate peace and future unification on the Korean Peninsula.

University of North Korean Studies (UNKS)

‘Heroic era’: why North Korea’s Kim is lauding Ukraine war sacrifices

The new homes for families of fallen soldiers are part of a push to showcase tangible achievements before the party congress, analysts say.

Kim Jong-un vows ‘outstanding’ military role in new 5-year North Korea arms plan

Hope for thaw? Seoul hints at ‘new progress’ in US-North Korea ties

Kim Jong-un set to signal stronger nuclear deterrence posture at congress

After viewing a test of a multiple rocket launcher system, Kim is likely to unveil ICBM plans capable of hitting the US, analysts say.

‘Goat yoked to an ox cart’: Kim Jong-un fires minister amid factory delay

By firing vice-minister Yang Sung-ho on the spot, Kim appears to be asserting his authority ahead of a crucial party congress, experts say.

Crossing a line: did military spies help a student fly drones into North Korea?

What began as a student’s claim of hunting radioactive waste has spiralled into a scandal linking military spies to dangerous border flights.

‘Gang of hooligans’: rebuke from North Korea signals icy ties with South

The unusually coarse language from Kim Jong-un’s sister shows that Pyongyang has no intention of reconciling with Seoul, experts say.

North Korea revives drone claims in rebuff to Seoul’s outreach

Analysts dismiss the ‘implausible’ breach involving low-tech devices as a ploy, backing Seoul’s denial that its military was involved.

North Korea doubles down with missile test, slams ‘US hegemony’ over Maduro

The test also appears to indicate Pyongyang’s objection to South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s visit to Beijing.

‘Maximum deterrence’: why North Korea just revealed its new nuclear submarine

The unprecedented transparency from the normally secretive country shows a shift in North Korean defence strategy, analysts say.

What North Korea’s war dead tribute reveals about Kim’s endgame

In Kim Jong-un’s public grief for fallen mine-clearers, observers see a strategic play to lock in a role in Russia’s post-war rebuilding.

Martial law plot was Yoon’s plan all along, South Korean prosecutors say

Announcing the results of a massive 180-day inquiry on Monday, special prosecutors said Yoon Suk-yeol aimed to form a military junta.

North Korea unveils new missiles, angles for Russian jets amid Ukraine war deal

Analysts say the event served a dual purpose: grooming Kim’s potential successor and angling for Russian jets as payment for Ukraine war aid.

‘Hostile to the end’: North Korea’s shock at US subs approval sinks talk hopes

Now the North sees the South as a ‘quasi-nuclear weapons state’ with US help, a fourth Trump-Kim summit appears less likely than ever.

Seoul’s backing of UN resolution tests limits of inter-Korean dialogue

Lee Jae-myung’s liberal government defies expectations of a retreat, in a move likely to trigger an angry reaction from Pyongyang.

North Korea slams US for ‘wicked’ hostility over sanctions linked to cybercrime

The sanctions are part of US President Donald Trump’s strategy of applying pressure before negotiations, an analyst says.

Pyongyang warns denuclearisation ‘a pipe dream’ before Seoul-Beijing Apec talks

North Korea’s statement aimed to prevent China and South Korea from placing denuclearisation on top of their summit agenda, according to analysts.

North Korea welcomes Trump to Apec with a nuclear-capable ‘Fire Arrow’ launch

Analysts view the ‘Fire Arrow’ missile launch, timed just before Apec, as a calculated bid to strengthen Pyongyang’s negotiating position.

Can South Korea and US seal a trade deal? Chances look slim

Trump has offered to cut tariffs if Seoul commits US$350 billion in investment.

North Korea prepares for Apec – with a ballistic missile launch

The launch, Pyongyang’s first in months, is seen by some as an invite for Trump to meet, by others as a test run for a Russian arms deal.

Why a Trump-Kim summit 4.0 would be on North Korea’s terms

Trump seems keen to rekindle their ‘bromance’ but a nuclear-emboldened Kim Jong-un has little reason to rush into talks, analysts say.

Seoul is building its first public nuclear bunker as North Korea’s threats grow

The 1,000-person bunker, being built under a new public housing complex in South Korea’s capital city, is intended as a pilot project.

North Korea set to ‘flaunt’ its growing arsenal at massive military parade

Analysts expect a never-before-seen solid-fuel ICBM and hypersonic weapons designed to threaten American military targets.

As Apec summit nears, analysts see ‘possibility’ of a fourth Trump-Kim meeting

Pyongyang’s UN delegation is a ‘positive signal’ that the US and North Korea could initiate contact for high-level talks, analysts say.

South Korea’s Lee unveils ‘realistic’ peace plan – will Kim reciprocate?

President Lee Jae-myung told the UN General Assembly that ‘denuclearisation cannot be achieved in the short term’.

Will Kim Jong-un’s ‘good memory’ of Trump lead to their fourth summit?

Huge differences over denuclearisation remain the key hurdle between the two leaders to reach a deal.

South Korea moves to quell anti-China protests amid efforts to reset ties

The rallies in Myeongdong, where the Chinese embassy is located, have become increasingly disruptive to residents and local businesses.

Russia suspected of supplying North Korea with key nuclear submarine technology

Analysts said such a technology transfer was plausible given Pyongyang’s support for Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.