NEW: The U.N. special envoy for #NorthKorean human rights said the U.N. is “analyzing multiple sources” to determine if China is forcibly repatriating #NorthKoreans detained in the country as the DPRK opens its borders.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/un-working-to-confirm-forced-repatriations-of-north-koreans-special-envoy-says/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

BREAKING: #NorthKorean leader Kim Jong Un is on his way to Russia with military and other officials, according to state media, after departing Pyongyang on Sunday via his private train. More NK NEWS soon https://t.co/Cq2L5Tkj4t

ANALYSIS: #NorthKorean state media delivered two recent surprises:

Pak Jong Chon returned after a six-month absence, accompanying Kim Jong Un on inspections, while Premier Kim Tok Hun remains despite sharp criticism, sparking dismissal speculations. https://www.nknews.org/pro/what-north-koreas-militia-parade-reveals-about-kim-jong-uns-inner-circle/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

STORY UPDATED: #NorthKorean leader Kim Jong Un is set to visit Russia in the coming days at Vladimir Putin’s invitation, the Kremlin’s press service and #NorthKorean state media reported late Monday.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/putin-has-no-plans-to-meet-north-korean-leader-at-eef-according-to-spokesman/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK: #NorthKorean participation in military exercises with China and Russia would be an “appropriate” response to U.S.-led naval and aerial drills around the #Korean Peninsula, according to Russia’s ambassador to the DPRK.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/north-korean-military-drills-with-china-and-russia-would-be-appropriate-envoy/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

TOP NEWS OF THE WEEK: What are some of the challenges of making music in #NorthKorea?

"A musician’s monthly salary is barely enough to buy a couple pounds of rice, and this makes it difficult to continue making music," writes #NorthKorean defector, Jin.https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/ask-a-north-korean-what-is-it-like-to-be-a-musician-in-north-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW VIDEO: #NorthKorean tractors and water trucks outfitted with multiple rocket launchers roll past leader Kim Jong Un during latest "militia" parade in Pyongyang https://t.co/Pcqur1DFT9

ANALYSIS: Both domestic and outward-facing #NorthKorean propaganda outlets commemorated the 100th anniversary of the Kanto massacre, where ethnic #Koreans were killed in Japan amid hysteria following the 1923 Great Kanto earthquake. https://t.co/LETY6VRjci https://t.co/TmCXaKfWf3

ANALYSIS: From Putin’s first summit with a #NorthKorean leader in July 2000 to the rumored upcoming summit with Kim Jong Un, explore two decades of diplomatic intricacies between Putin and the Kims.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/when-putin-met-the-kims-20-years-of-armored-trains-and-opulence/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

@SocraticEthics Use Reaper drones to ‘cancel’ the deliveries of #NorthKorean weapons to #Russia before the trains they’re on reach the border. 💥🚂

ANALYSIS: #NorthKorean state media highlighted the upcoming festivities to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the country this Saturday, reporting that Kim Jong Un received messages and flowers from numerous foreign leaders. https://www.nknews.org/pro/state-media-review-chinese-delegation-to-visit-north-korea-for-military-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ANALYSIS: NK Pro analysis shows that soldiers, likely from the army-affiliated WPRG organization, are preparing for the #NorthKorean paramilitary parade longer than they did ahead of the Sept. 2021 paramilitary parade, possibly pointing to a larger event. https://www.nknews.org/pro/war-ready-nation-what-to-expect-at-upcoming-north-korean-paramilitary-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ANALYSIS: #NorthKorean state media highlights from Sept. 1 to 7, 2023

- Celebrations for 75th founding anniversary emphasized
- Victories of the DPRK taekwondo athletes celebrated
- Japan slammed for the Kanto massacre

https://www.nknews.org/pro/state-media-review-chinese-delegation-to-visit-north-korea-for-military-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

#DarkBrandon should have a standing order that any shipments of #NorthKorean weapons that are headed to #Russia should be completely obliterated by American bombers before they reach the border of #NorthKorea. 💥🚀💥

ICYMI: #NorthKorean participation in military exercises with China and Russia would be an “appropriate” response to U.S.-ROK Ulchi Freedom Shield (UFS) military exercises, according to Russia’s ambassador to the DPRK.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/north-korean-military-drills-with-china-and-russia-would-be-appropriate-envoy/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ANALYSIS: While some experts dismissed the notion that Russia badly needs #NorthKorean military support, others noted that Russia and the DPRK may seek a meeting to counter the growing U.S.-ROK-Japan military cooperation. https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/what-to-make-of-reports-that-kim-jong-un-will-visit-russia-for-summit-with-putin/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ICYMI: What does it take to be a musician in #NorthKorea, where music is used as a tool for propaganda?

"[Musicians] only played didactic propaganda tunes in accordance with predetermined programs," writes #NorthKorean defector, Jin. https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/ask-a-north-korean-what-is-it-like-to-be-a-musician-in-north-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW: #NorthKorean cybercriminals impersonated Liberty in #NorthKorea (LiNK), a prominent nonprofit organization that works with defectors, to target activists in a recent campaign, according to a South #Korean security firm.

https://www.nknews.org/pro/north-korean-hackers-impersonate-nonprofit-to-target-defectors-and-activists/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ASK A NORTH KOREAN: In #NorthKorea, singers cannot create melodies as they wish, and dancers cannot move freely.

"Musicians are known as 'trumpeters' and represent the voice of the government," writes #NorthKorean defector, Jin. https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/ask-a-north-korean-what-is-it-like-to-be-a-musician-in-north-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW: #NorthKorean participation in military exercises with China and Russia would be an “appropriate” response to U.S.-led naval and aerial drills around the #Korean Peninsula, according to Russia’s ambassador to the DPRK.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/north-korean-military-drills-with-china-and-russia-would-be-appropriate-envoy/?mtm_campaign=fediverse