December 30, 2025

North Korea and Russia’s Deepening Axis

2025 was the year North Korea turned a corner, not just through provocations, but by actively repositioning itself in the global power game. Its military partnership with Russia has gone from symbolic to strategic, marked by troop deployments, munitions transfers, and a shared front against the West. At home, Kim Jong-un showcased more public activity than any year in the last decade, pairing missile tests and submarine showcases with patriotic messaging and party discipline. Dr. Go Myong-hyun, CNAS adjunct senior fellow, joined Arirang to discuss these issues and more.

Watch the full interview on Arirang News.

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