Policy Research Materials

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Do North Korean People Truly Want Nuclear Weapons?: Threats, Ideology, and Everyday Experiences

[Policy] Do North Korean People Truly Want Nuclear Weapons?: Threats, Ideology, and Everyday Experiences

Abstract

North Korea has continued to pursue the development of nuclear weapons over the past several decades despite unprecedentedly strong economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation from the ...

2025
Kim, Taek bin | Korea Institute for National Unification
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Assessment of the 12th Session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea: A Focus on Economic Projects and the Budget Report

[Policy] Assessment of the 12th Session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly of North Korea: A Focus on Economic Projects and the Budget Report

Abstract

The 12th Session of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA) of North Korea was held over two days from January 22 to 23, 2025. This year, the attention of the outside world was focused on ...

2025
Choi, Ji Young | Korea Institute for National Unification
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The Oncheon County and Usi County Incidents and the Politics of Corruption in North Korea

[Policy] The Oncheon County and Usi County Incidents and the Politics of Corruption in North Korea

Abstract

On January 27, 2025, the 30th Enlarged Meeting of the Secretariat of the 8th Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party (KWP) was held, during which two recent incidents were addressed. ...

2025
Oh,Kyeong Seob | Korea Institute for National Unification
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Human Rights Implications of Shock Brigades (Dolgyeokdae) under the Kim Jong Un Regime in 2024: Forced Labor

[Policy] Human Rights Implications of Shock Brigades (Dolgyeokdae) under the Kim Jong Un Regime in 2024: Forced Labor

Abstract

Since the early days of his rule, Kim Jong Un has aggressively promoted mass mobilization under the pretext of a public movement to build a “strong and prosperous nation.” In particular, ...

2025
Cho, Hyun Jung | Korea Institute for National Unification
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[KLI Brief 2025-01] 2024 Labor Market Review and 2025 Outlook

[Etc] [KLI Brief 2025-01] 2024 Labor Market Review and 2025 Outlook

Abstract

Employment growth, which averaged 336,000 from January to October last year, slowed to 184,000 during the same period in 2024. Employment growth has slowed, the unemployment rate has increased ...

2025
Center for Labor Trends Analysis | Korea Labor Institute
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Outlook for North Korea Policy under the Second Trump Administration: A Focus on Statements from Trump and Key Foreign Policy and National Security Officials

[Policy] Outlook for North Korea Policy under the Second Trump Administration: A Focus on Statements from Trump and Key Foreign Policy and National Security Officials

Abstract

The prevailing opinion is that the second Trump administration’s North Korea policy is unpredictable due to Trump’s personal characteristics. However, with appointments in the administration ...

2025
Oh, Kyeong Seob | Korea Institute for National Unification
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The Significance of Designating 2025 as the Year of Friendship between North Korea and Vietnam

[Policy] The Significance of Designating 2025 as the Year of Friendship between North Korea and Vietnam

Abstract

On January 31, 2025, Kim Jong Un, the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam, and Vietnamese President Luong Cuong exchanged congratulatory messages to commemorate the 75th ...

2025
Hwang, Soo Hwan | Korea Institute for National Unification
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The Re-Emergence of Trump and Inter-Korean Relations

[Policy] The Re-Emergence of Trump and Inter-Korean Relations

Abstract

The second Trump administration’s coercive diplomacy, which combines diplomatic negotiations with military threats, economic sanctions, and political pressure, has significantly impacted ...

2025
Chung, Sung Yoon | Korea Institute for National Unification
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Implications of the Disappearance of the “Day of the Sun” and April 15

[Policy] Implications of the Disappearance of the “Day of the Sun” and April 15

Abstract

The term “Day of the Sun” which was used to refer to the birthday of Kim Il-sung disappeared. “Day of the Sun” was celebrated lavishly just a year ago, so why did it suddenly disappear ...

2024
이지순 | Korea Institute for National Unification
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Analysis of Kim Jong-un’s Guidance of Defense Industry Enterprises and the New 240mm Rocket Launcher

[Policy] Analysis of Kim Jong-un’s Guidance of Defense Industry Enterprises and the New 240mm Rocket Launcher

Abstract

On May 13, North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun reported on Kim Jong-un’s on-site guidance of key defense industry enterprises established under the Second Economic Committee, which took place on May ...

2024
홍민 | Korea Institute for National Unification
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