Andrei Lankov on DPRK’s new doctrine – North Korea Unpacked with Jacco Zwetsloot

In the first episode of North Korea Unpacked with Jacco Zwetsloot, Jacco sits down with Professor Andrei Lankov of Kookmin University and a director of Korea Risk Group — the first-ever guest on the original NK News Podcast back in 2018 — to discuss North Korea’s newly revealed constitutional changes and what they mean for Pyongyang’s worldview. Lankov explains how the revised constitution reframes South Korea not as part of a divided nation, but as a separate and hostile state — a move he argues is designed to reduce the political danger posed by South Korea’s far greater wealth and living standards. The conversation also explores what this change could mean for inter-Korean relations, including whether it lowers the chances of war or opens the door to more state-to-state exchanges.  Lankov then talks about North Korea’s deepening relationship with Russia, before reflecting on his recent removal from Latvia, saying the incident reflects the heightened suspicion around Russia-related events in parts of Europe.  About the podcast: North Korea Unpacked with Jacco Zwetsloot is a monthly long-form interview series from the NK News Podcast, featuring in-depth conversations with experts and specialists on North Korea. The regular weekly NK News Podcast, hosted by Alannah Hill, continues to cover the latest developments in the North Korea news cycle.