Kim Chun Guk (Photo: European Institute of Asian Studies) DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Friday) that the Supreme People’s Assembly [SPA] Presidium appointed Kim Chun Guk as the country’s new ambassador to Italy.  Kim has served as the director of the DPRK Foreign Ministry’s European Bureau (department) for a number of years.  During  Full Article…

Location of fishing vessels capture on 8 May 2012. The yellow line estimates the unofficial DPRK-China maritime boundary Chinese state media reported on 21 May (Sunday) that three fishing vessels and 29 crew members detained for 12 days in the DPRK have been released.  The DPRK Foreign Ministry informed officials of the PRC Embassy in  Full Article…

Kim Jong Un (3rd L) attends an art performance by KPA Large Combined Units 639 and 534. Also in attendance are VMar Choe Ryong Hae (2nd L), Jang Song Taek (4th R) and VMar Hyon Chol Hae (3rd R) (Photo: Rodong Sinmun) DPRK state media reported on 19 May (Saturday) that Kim Jong Un (Kim  Full Article…

The Chinese fishing trawler Liaodanyu 23979, one of the vessels seized by DPRK operatives on 8 May 2012 (Photo: We54.com) Chinese state media reported on Friday (18 May) that the PRC Embassy in Pyongyang has taken the lead on discussions with DPRK officials over releasing 29 fishermen who were seized and detained on 8 May.  Full Article…

DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim inspects ongoing construction work on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 18 May 2012 (Photo: KCNA) DPRK state media reported on 18 May (Saturday) that DPRK Premier Choe Yong Rim visited ongoing construction on Nungra Islet in Pyongyang on 17 May.  KCNA reports: The project is making brisk headway at its  Full Article…