Cho Han-bum

(趙漢範)

Cho Han-bum

趙漢範

The latest news and top stories on Cho Han-bum. Known for his cautious interpretation of North Korea's actions as 'reflexive', he is a prominent expert on North Korean affairs and unification. As a Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification since 1995, he researches socialist system transition and unification issues. He holds a PhD in Sociology and lectures at Korea University. His responsibilities include directing the Research Council on Unification Policy and overseeing the DMZ world eco-peace park project. He has advised presidential and government committees, and authored works on economic system transition and unification costs.

Cho Han-bum

(趙漢範)

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

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

South Korea gets wake-up call as US diverts military assets to Middle East

President Lee Jae Myung urges South Korea to boost its own defence amid reports of US military assets being redeployed to the Middle East.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why North Korea’s Kim is hailing ‘invincible’ Russia ties in new year message

Kim praised North Korean troops fighting in the Ukraine war for their unwavering bravery for the sake of ‘the brotherly Russian people’.

North Korea’s nuclear arsenal shows ‘exponential growth’ in new satellite images

Renovations at Yongbyon seemingly prove Kim Jong-un is serious about expanding his arsenal – but Seoul has a bunker-busting response.

‘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.

Reign check: is North Korea’s Kim Jong-un preparing daughter to take power?

South Korea’s intelligence agency says the 12-year-old Ju-ae is consolidating her position as a potential heir but analysts are doubtful.

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.

US-North Korea flash summit remains long shot despite Trump’s open offer

Though a meeting with Trump would look good for Kim, the North Korean leader’s focus is on alliances with China and Russia, analysts say.

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.

North Korea’s Kim Jong-un signals nuclear clout to US before China visit

Kim’s visit to several nuclear and engine facilities is to show the North can launch missiles all the way to the US, analysts say.

Trump tests South Korea’s Lee by demanding ownership of US military base land

The lack of a joint statement after Lee’s summit with Trump highlights unresolved issues between the two allies, analysts say.

As Lee meets Trump, what can a ‘turtle ship’ do for the US-South Korea alliance?

Seoul’s shipbuilding expertise is expected to be a key bargaining chip when the two presidents meet on Monday.

Unpacking North Korea’s ‘unusual’ reaction to this year’s US-South Korea drills

Observers say they’re surprised by Pyongyang’s shift in tone towards the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which begin on August 18.