Ask me about North Korea

19/09/2021

All things have to come to an end, and it applies to this podcast about in its current format too. Thank you for staying tuned for more than 50 episodes! In this last episode I talk about why it has to end and what my future plans are. Spoiler: Once I have more time, I will do my best to rebrand, reformat, and continue this podcast in mid-2022. To use a famous platitude - I am not saying “goodbye”, I am just saying “see you later!”

Read more below:

Hey guys, it’s Ildar, coming to you with what might be one of the last episodes of Ask me about North Korea. As you know, I have been running this podcast for the past year without any advertisemen…

12/09/2021

In this episode, I would like to talk about the Korean People’s Army or KPA – the military of North Korea, which is also the armed wing of the ruling party. Specifically, today we will look at the current structure, role, and significance of the North Korean army.

Listen to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms (Apple, Google, etc) - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

In this episode, I would like to talk about the Korean People’s Army or KPA – the military of North Korea, which is also the armed wing of the ruling party. Specifically, today we will look at the …

29/08/2021

This podcast episode today is unusually musical! Our guest today is Justin Martell, an American producer, and a co-founder of the Brooklyn-based record label Ship to Shore PhonoCo. Justin Martell in 2017 also founded Young Pioneer Tours's partner, Pioneer Media, offering production services across a wide variety of unique locations from Asia to Eastern Europe. He has worked extensively in the horror movie genre and has written the foremost authoritative book on 60s entertainer Tiny Tim.

Today's interview will focus on an album, which has been recently released by Ship to Shore PhonoCo. The album is called “Take On Us! Pyongyang Gold Stars Play the Great Popular Hits, Volume One” and is the result of intense international and intercultural cooperation between Norwegian artist Morten Traavik, and many North Korean artists. Justin has made the album available on special edition vinyl to audiences for the first time in the West.



Listen to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms (Apple, Google) - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

This podcast episode today is unusually musical. Our guest today is Justin Martell, an American producer, and a co-founder of the Brooklyn-based record label Ship to Shore PhonoCo. Justin Martell i…

22/08/2021

This episode will not be very analytical, but the topic that I will cover provides some important context for the previous episodes and your understanding of the North Korean socio-economic system and its place in the global trade streams. Today I will talk a bit more about North Korean exports – what the country focuses on in its production and external trade.



List to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

This episode will not be very analytical, but the topic that I will cover provides some important context for the previous episodes and your understanding of the North Korean socio-economic system …

15/08/2021

The notorious leader of , , has disappeared several times from the public eye in the course of 2020 and 2021, with both experts and media watchers wondering whether the leader is suffering from some sort of systemic health issue that could potentially be fatal. But what actually happens if Kim Jong-un dies? What will the immediate political ramifications look like? Let’s think about it together.



Listen to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

The notorious leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-un, has disappeared several times from the public eye in the course of 2020 and 2021, with both experts and media watchers wondering whether the North …

08/08/2021

Even before the pandemic hit, had a reputation as one of the most if not the most isolated societies on Earth. It was as if North was already living under the conditions of a permanent COVID-19 lockdown. Indeed, it was hard to imagine that the hermit nation could get any more reclusive than it had already been. Yet with COVID-19 raging all over the world, the seems to be rolling down the path of new unprecedented levels of isolationism. So, in this episode, I’ll answer the question: Why will North Korea remain under for much longer than initially expected?

Podcast available on Anchor and other platforms: https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, North Korea had a reputation as one of the most if not the most isolated societies on Earth. It was as if North Korea was already living under the conditions …

04/08/2021

Now comrade Jongun is wearing a weird adhesive bandage on his head...

Why? What do you think?

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un has appeared in recent days with a bandage about the size of a few postage stamps on the back of his head, in the latest episode to stoke speculation about the reclusive leader’s health.

01/08/2021

is infamous for all sorts of activities internationally. Today I am providing you with a broad overview of how uses various types of to cash in for the governing regime.



Listen to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms: https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

Quite some time ago I’ve received a couple of suggestions to cover the question of how North Korea earns money illicitly. Since this is a massive topic, it took me a while to figure out what kind o…

27/07/2021

Hello everyone! So, I have recently registered for the annual Podcast Awards competition in the category 'News & Politics'. I would be grateful, if you could use 2 minutes of your time and support my with your vote as a listener. Your help would mean a lot!

Please find the instructions attached.

27/07/2021

Today’s podcast episode is an with an organizer of North Korea tours. Nicolas Platt is a travel guide, who works with the Young Pioneer Tours, one of the most renown DPRK tour organizers internationally. The YPT website describes Nic as a “North Korea wunderkind and tour guide par extraordinaire. Whilst he’s not touring you may usually find him at a North Korean restaurant in China, studying Korean or travelling unique parts of the world”.



Listen to the episode on Anchor and other platforms (Apple, Google, Spotify) - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

Today’s podcast episode is an interview with an organizer of North Korea tours. Nicolas Platt is a travel guide, who works with the Young Pioneers’ Tours, one of the most renown DPRK tour organizer…

18/07/2021

Back in the days, was one of the key players in the non-aligned movement or the so-called Third World. used to position itself as a leader of the opposition to international imperialism and even tried to project its juche ideology on other countries. However, now the country is largely seen as an international pariah sponging off the remaining economic and political ties it has with the developing nations. Why did the situation change so dramatically? Well, I am going to talk about that in today’s episode.

Listen to the podcast on Anchor or other platforms (Apple, Google) - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

Back in the Cold War days, North Korea was one of the key players in the non-aligned movement or the so-called Third World. Pyongyang used to position itself as a leader of the opposition to intern…

13/07/2021

That's what you get when you offer the DPRK humanitarian assistance...

Why do you think is the US making this gesture?

"Many countries have undergone bitter tastes as a result of pinning much hope on the American 'aid' and 'humanitarian assistance.'"

11/07/2021

North Korean animation is not really renowned world-wide, but you might have seen some of its products without even realizing it. Indeed, its quality can be surprisingly good! For example, North Korean animators drew some of the scenes in “The Lion King”, one of Disney's biggest bestsellers. On the other hand, it is also responsible for some extremely funny, cringy or violent series too. If you are curious about North Korea’s cultural exploits in this area, make sure to check out this episode.



Listen to the podcast on Anchor, Apple, Google or other platforms - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

North Korean animation is not really renowned world-wide, but you might have seen some of its products without even realizing it. Indeed, its quality can be surprisingly good! For example, North Ko…

06/07/2021

This webinar will discuss Pyongyang’s relationship with Damascus in the context of its broader involvement in the Middle East, from the 1967 and 1973 wars with Israel to Pyongyang’s contemporary support for the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War. It will look at how Pyongyang’s relationship with Damascus fits into the broader context of North Korea’s engagement with the Middle East, and examine the continuing value the relationship has for both countries.

Featuring: Dr. Samuel RamaniPolitics and International Relations Tutor,University of Oxford Mr. Ross Tokola (Moderator)Executive Associate to the Director,East-West Center in Washington Mr. Ke…

05/07/2021

If someone told me that as a political scientist I would have to follow news about 's weight... *sigh*

If rogue state’s leader ill, power struggle for nuclear and chemical weapons may arise

04/07/2021

It was quite a sudden bit of news when , speaking at a high-level meeting at the end of June of 2021, warned of “grave consequences” as a result of senior officials neglecting the country’s prevention measures. This statement caused a lot of interest and controversy in the international mass-media with North experts divided on what sort of event could have happened. Was it really that the detected its first COVID-19 case? Was there a breach of quarantine measures? Or was it something completely different?

Listen on Anchor and other platforms - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

It was quite a sudden bit of news when Kim Jong-un, speaking at a high-level Party meeting at the end of June of 2021, warned of “grave consequences” as a result of senior officials neglecting the …

02/07/2021

Another positive milestone - 200 regular listeners. And that - after a hiatus! Thank you for listening and staying tuned, you are awesome!

Mt usual request: Please, if you can, like my posts, share the episodes, share a link to the podcast’s website or make a donation! All of that will be a great help.

The podcast has its own Facebook, Twitter, and Telegram pages. You can also subscribe to its updates on the website.

30/06/2021

Ever wanted to learn about through ? Well, make sure you check out 'No Motherland Without'!

Thanks to Comrade Pijus for his recommendation.

A publication on a very different topic today! Thanks to comrade Pijus Kruminas, I became aware of this board game and now it’s officially on my wish-list. If you like board games, make sure …

28/06/2021

Indeed, poor Kim Jong-un...

State media air unprecedented footage of one citizen expressing concern for the leader's weight loss.

27/06/2021

And here I am, back again to talk about . Today, I am discussing the significant political changes that happened in the with the amendment of the WPK rulebook. If you are curious why on Earth would that matter, check out the new episode below

#북한

Listen to the podcast on Anchor and other platforms - https://anchor.fm/ask-me-about-dprk

Today I am discussing one of the most important recent political developments in North Korea. Specifically, I will talk about the revisions to the rules of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). They w…

26/06/2021

Well, as promised, today I am announcing the lottery winner that was scheduled during the hiatus period. Alas, it was not that many people, who participated, but still!

And the winner is … Vervecken. Congratulations, Yves! I’ll be sending you a copy of the book shortly. Since I might be in Belgium some time soon, I could also send you a hard copy.

Cheers! Updates: I will be publishing the new episode tomorrow about the most recent political developments in the . Stay tuned.

23/06/2021

Above all, Kim warned women to protect their children from “alien ideology, culture and lifestyles.”

Things as seemingly minor as unusual clothing and speaking styles were, in fact, a “malignant tumor that threatens the life and future of our descendants.”

Kim's renewed efforts to regulate how North Korean citizens think and look comes as South Korean and Western pop culture continue to seep into the country.

20/06/2021

Today I am reviewing one of my most favorite, if not the most favorite book about North Korea – The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia by Andrei Lankov. Check it out, if you have time!

Andrei Lankov has gone where few outsiders have ever been. A native of the former Soviet Union, he lived as an exchange student in North Korea in the 1980s. He has studied it for his entire career, using his fluency in Korean and personal contacts to build a rich, nuanced understanding.

Today I am reviewing one of my most favorite, if not the most favorite book about North Korea – The Real North Korea: Life and Politics in the Failed Stalinist Utopia by Andrei Lankov. Check it out…

18/06/2021

Hey, guys, I hope you've been well! A small request to you out there - please, let me know what topics you would like me to cover in the upcoming months.

I also remind you about the ongoing lottery - https://askmeaboutdprk.wordpress.com/2021/06/10/book-lottery-reminder-win-a-free-copy-of-kim-jong-uns-biography/

Cheers,
Ildar

16/06/2021

Just an interesting couple of photos...

Poor Kim. He gets fatter - people say he'll die from being overweight. He gets thinner - people say he'll die from some mysterious illness.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — The health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has long been a source of morbid fascination in rival South Korea, which sits in the shadow of Kim's 1.2-million-strong army and his growing arsenal of nuclear-armed missiles.

14/06/2021

If you have some spare time, make sure to check out this webinar this week – "Nurturing Negotiations: How to Jumpstart and Sustain Diplomacy with North Korea"

Short description: Following the conclusion of the Biden administration’s North Korea policy review and the U.S.-ROK Summit between Presidents Joe Biden and Moon Jae-in, it is clear that both Washi…

13/06/2021

An absolutely mind-blowing film directed by Mads Brügger about and its networks. If you want to check out a real-life James Bond , look no further. #북한

The Mole: Undercover in North Korea is a real-life undercover thriller about how two ordinary men embark on a dangerous mission to pe*****te the North Korean political system. Ulrich Larsen, a Dani…

11/06/2021

Hey! This is just a friendly reminder about the ongoing e-book lottery. Kim Jong-un’s new biography by Ms. Anna Fifield called “The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrade Kim Jong Un” is the prize!

Hey! This is just a friendly reminder about the ongoing e-book lottery. Kim Jong-un’s new biography by Ms. Anna Fifield called “The Great Successor: The Divinely Perfect Destiny of Brilliant Comrad…

10/06/2021

The absolute power of Kim Jong-un might not be as absolute as it seems. The ‘Supreme Leader’ is believed to have created a post of ‘first secretary’ to operate as his second-in-command, relieving him from tedious office work and freeing him up to concentrate on more pressing strategic policy concerns

The ‘Supreme Leader’ is believed to have created a post of ‘first secretary’ to operate as his second-in-command, relieving him from tedious office work.