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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)

Why North Korea is ‘keeping the door open for dialogue’ with Trump

Analysts say Kim Yo-jong’s statement reflects North Korea’s emphasis on setting the preconditions for resuming dialogue.

South Korea accelerates military self-reliance over Trump’s ‘unpredictability’

North Korea missile launch hints at upgraded weapons exports to Russia

North Korea paves way for possible Kim trip to Moscow

Pyongyang’s top diplomat met Putin to discuss the Ukraine war, munition shipments and a likely Kim visit, analysts say.

A purge among North Korean generals – and why Kim wants everyone to see

As the army’s economic roles grow, Kim Jong-un seeks to remind the generals who really holds power in Pyongyang.

Why North Korea prefers a ‘hostile’ neighbour to Seoul’s peace efforts

One way to break the deadlock is to revive talks between the two Koreas, China and the US to end the Korean war, an analyst suggests.

Will Lee Jae Myung’s G7 gamble preserve future diplomacy with North Korea?

Analysts say Lee’s outreach could help preserve prospects for future diplomacy, but Pyongyang has ‘little incentive’ to pursue dialogue.

What does North Korea get from its blossoming ties with Russia?

Kim’s Russia Day message seeks to reassure Putin that ties are evolving beyond transactional into a firm military alliance, experts say.

North Korea drops reunification from constitution to formalise ‘two-state’ ties

Pyongyang has dropped references to ‘national reunification’ and redefined borders in its revised constitution.

Pitch perfect diplomacy? North Korean footballers head to South Korea

The visit by Naegohyang Women’s FC to South Korea’s Suwon for a competitive match does not signal a thaw in inter-Korea ties, analysts say.

North Korea, Russia boost anti-West ‘powerful bulwark’ as Ukraine war drags on

At a memorial for fallen North Korean soldiers who fought in Ukraine, Moscow offers to renew a military pact with Pyongyang.

‘Intelligence leak’ claims expose trust gap in US-South Korea ties

Unification Minister Chung Dong-young rejects accusations he leaked sensitive information about North Korea’s Kusong nuclear facility.

Nuclear defiance: North Korea’s Kim signals he won’t be the next Iran

Kim Jong-un’s increased appearances at military drills show his confidence in Pyongyang’s nuclear deterrence, analysts say.

‘No one loses’: why North Korea’s Kim may shake hands with Trump again

At the US-China summit, Beijing may act as a go-between to bring Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un to the negotiating table, analysts say.

North Korea launches fifth missile test after dousing South’s peace hopes

A top Pyongyang official says the designation of the South as a hostile state ‘can never change with any words or conduct’.

Hidden meaning behind North Korea’s warm response to South’s drone apology

While North Korea praised the South’s actions as a ‘wise move’, it continues to rebuff any attempts at reconciliation dialogues.

North Korea’s Kim slams US ‘state terror’ but spares Trump in third-term address

Mindful of the fate of Iran and Venezuela’s leaders, Kim Jong-un used his speech to cast nuclear weapons as a non-negotiable shield.

Iran may team up again with North Korea to defy ‘gangster-like’ US. Here’s why

North Korea has long been suspected of supplying missile technology to Iran and providing technical help on uranium enrichment.

North Korea’s hostage strategy packs more bite in post-Iran US shake-up

The Pentagon wants Seoul to shoulder more of its defence burden. Analysts say it may have strengthened Kim Jong-un’s hand instead.

Why US strikes on Iran just made North Korea less likely to play ball

Iran’s nuclear programme was aspirational. North Korea’s is not. That distinction explains everything, analysts say.

Dress for succession? Why ‘twin look’ of Kim Jong-un, daughter is sparking talk

The appearance of the Kims in near-identical leather coats at a military parade is seen by some that Pyongyang’s succession plan is in place.

North Korea’s Kim warns of ‘eternal confrontation’ without US dialogue

As long as Washington acknowledges Pyongyang as a nuclear power, there is ‘no reason not to get along’, the North Korean leader says.

‘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

The five-year defence plan will be aimed at bolstering North Korea’s strategic and tactical nuclear capabilities, analysts say.

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

The official’s remarks come amid speculation that US President Donald Trump could seek a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

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.