November 27, 2025

North Korea’s Provocations, Power Plays, and Shifting Alliances

By: Dr. Go Myong-Hyun

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have reached a new and dangerous threshold. President Lee Jae Myung is warning of a real risk of accidental military clashes, as the situation has escalated to a point where even minor missteps could trigger a crisis. North Korea is fortifying the DMZ with triple barbed wire, expanding uranium enrichment at its Yongbyon nuclear facility, and advancing AI-powered surveillance technology. At the same time, Pyongyang is also showcasing Kim Jong-un's daughter as a rising figure, and aligning more visibly with China and Russia. With no remaining channels for deconfliction and provocations escalating, the region may be entering a new phase of strategic volatility. Dr. Go Myong-hyun, CNAS adjunct senior fellow, joined Arirang to discuss these issues.

Watch the full interview on Arirang.

More from CNAS

View All Reports View All Articles & Multimedia