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Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU)

The Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU): A prominent Seoul-based, state-funded research institute and think tank, KINU was established in 1990 to contribute to South Korea’s national unification policy. Its primary mission involves comprehensive research and analysis on issues concerning Korean unification, inter-Korean relations, and North Korean studies, including human rights. KINU publishes significant reports, such as the annual "White Paper on Human Rights in North Korea," and organises forums to foster understanding and support for unification, positioning itself as a leading authority in the field.

Korea Institute for National Unification (KINU)

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

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

‘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.

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’.

‘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.

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.

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.

Chanel cosmetics, fur coats expose North Korea’s widening wealth chasm

Wealthy residents living near the border with China are buying high-end luxury items brought in by ethnic Chinese traders.

‘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.

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 Korean soldier crosses DMZ, defects to South: Seoul

Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to South Korea since the 1950-53 war ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

South Korea urged to stay ‘pragmatic’ amid US pressure over China

Leaning too far towards the US under Trump could trap South Korea diplomatically amid global uncertainty, analysts warn.

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.

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’.

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.

How North Korea’s missile breakthrough could make it world’s ‘fourth ICBM power’

Analysts speculate Russia is providing technical assistance to help Pyongyang perfect multi-warhead missiles capable of striking the US.

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.