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.
Change and Continuity: #Shigak no. 43
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
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.
Do Not Swear by the Moon: #Shigak no. 41
The election may be over, but #Shigak is not. In the first installment following Moon Jae-in’s election, we review new political developments, including the new administration’s reaction to North Korea’s latest missile test, profiles of those constituting the new administration, and the return of “March of the Beloved” to official status.
Buckling Down in Dandong
As Xi Jinping waxes poetic at the “One Belt, One Road” summit in Beijing, we investigate messy realities in the the Chinese border city that would be the ideal hub for any North Korean participation.
D-Day: #Shigak no. 40
Election day has arrived, the culmination of just two months of intense politics. As promised, Sino-NK published brand new #Shigak analyses three times a week between April 2 and today. And here is our final pre-election offering.
The Home Stretch: #Shigak no. 39
The South Korean presidential election may be mere days away, but it continues to throw up some fascinating stories. We look at some of the best in this, the penultimate pre-election edition of #Shigak.
North Korean Economic Change as Relinquishing of Party Control
To what extent is the opposition between market activity and Party control in North Korea overstated? Adam Cathcart presents a few caveats.
Vying for Second Place: #Shigak no. 38
With the election less than a week away, is it the beginning of the end for the Bareun Party and its charismatic leader, Yoo Seung-min? This question is on the slate in this edition of #Shigak.
THAAD, Ahn, and the Defector Vote: #Shigak no. 37
This edition of #Shigak adds the diverse voices of the defector community to the cacophony of election opinion, assess the reasons behind the current, potentially vital dip in Ahn Cheol-soo’s popularity, and reviews the THAAD-tinged fifth televised debate.
