The Jangmadang is Sino-NK’s marketplace for fresh ideas. In keeping with the tradition established by its eponymous counterpart in North Korea, our Jangmadang, managed by Sino-NK staff, provides short, snappy, but vital information on the latest documentary research and news. Unlike most English-language outlets, you will find that a majority of the sources are in Chinese or Korean, with cameo appearances from places like France, Germany and Japan. Jangmadang articles are a quick read, too. No introductions, just reliable translations and timely analysis.

Neighborhood Ajummas, Fabricated Smears: #Shigak no. 48

By | July 17, 2017

This edition of #Shigak, the last under the existing format, covers the decline of the People’s Party, the apparent solidity of the “blood relationship” between China and North Korea, and Moon Jae-in’s hopes for inter-Korean relations.

On Contradiction: The PRC Foreign Ministry and “China Responsibility Theory”

By | July 15, 2017

When a spokesman pushed back against the Trump administration assertions that China is in the driver’s seat with North Korea, Washington had no response. What was between the lines of this statement from Beijing?

From DC to Dandong: #Shigak no. 47

By | June 30, 2017

This installment of #Shigak covers the much anticipated ROK-US summit and a notification issued by the US Department of the Treasury of its intention to sanction the Bank of Dandong. We also report the most frequently tweeted words by South Korea’s most read conservative and progressive dailies in what will become a regular feature in #Shigak.

Language, Sports and Cultural Exchange: #Shigak no. 46

By | June 24, 2017

It’s an internationally-flavored #Shigak this week, featuring news that the linguistic talents of the new ROK Foreign Minister may be leaving a nasty taste in the mouths of some South Korean journalists, and much more.

Conditions for Dialogue: #Shigak no. 45

By | June 16, 2017

This installment of #Shigak looks at the conditions set by President Moon for the resumption of North-South dialogue during a recent speech to commemorate the 17th anniversary of the North-South Joint Declaration, recent North Korean defections, and the ongoing legislative battle over Moon’s nominee to lead the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

All Politics Is Local: #Shigak no. 44

By | June 09, 2017

This edition of #Shigak explores the link between national political concerns and their local implications. It looks at an industrial area in the southwest of South Korea, which fell foul of a bilateral spat over THAAD, and the difficulty of getting the National Assembly to confirm ministerial appointees. We also update the ongoing debate over THAAD and the variables driving the conservation domestically.

Change and Continuity: #Shigak no. 43

By | June 02, 2017

This issue of #Shigak looks at change and continuity under the new Moon government: a new vision for the country’s spy agency and a commitment to the installation of THAAD, the anti-missile defense system, despite controversy.

No Kettles, Just Cuddles: #Shigak no. 42

By | May 26, 2017

In this edition of #Shigak, we look at a week of rapid-fire personnel picks, with women making notable inroads in the ministries of Foreign Affairs and Veterans and Patriots Affairs. We’ve also got news of amended policing tactics, and the rise of diplomats in the Blue House national security sphere.