(Institute for the Study of War)
North Korean purges: Kim Jong Un publicly dismissed a senior economic official, possibly to limit the influence of a potential rival faction. The removal may reflect Kim’s efforts to manage factional influence ahead of the next WPK Congress.
Inter-Korean relations: South Korean President Lee appears to be prioritizing escalation management and diplomacy over denuclearization or unification efforts vis-à-vis North Korea. Pyongyang remains unlikely to accept Lee’s calls for dialogue.
US regional policy: The US 2026 NDS urged South Korea to take primary responsibility for defending itself without reaffirming US extended deterrence against North Korean nuclear threats. Pyongyang may feel emboldened by the rhetorical change.
