Our history
Launched in 2004 and now part of a consortium headed by the Unification Media Group, Daily NK is a Seoul-based news organization covering North Korea through a wide range of sources inside and outside the country. This page highlights key milestones in our history.
Launched Korean and English language websites.
Began publishing a regular column by Hwang Jang Yop, the former international secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Broke news about footage of a public execution in North Korea — the first-ever confirmation of a public execution in the country. First footage and reporting on public executions.
Launched Chinese and Japanese language websites, expanding Daily NK’s reach across East Asia.
Broke news of North Korea’s currency redenomination and provided comprehensive coverage of its devastating impact on ordinary North Koreans.
Published North Korea’s New Year’s Statement a full day in advance of its release by the official Korea Central News Agency (KCNA).
Published a series of exclusive interviews in a book entitled NK People Speak.
Established a news sharing partnership with Bloomberg.
Broke news of the “6.28 Policy” — North Korean economic reforms ordered by the Kim Jong Un regime.
Published North Korea in 2012, a bilingual Korean and English report.
Held an academic forum entitled “Lifting the Fog” at the British Embassy, bringing together leading North Korea experts.
Obtained and published exclusive video documenting daily life in the Rason special economic zone — rare footage from inside one of North Korea’s most restricted areas.
Reported on the conditions of North Koreans in China with funding from the Korea Press Foundation.
Conducted a survey on North Korea’s agricultural conditions in collaboration with the Korea Rural Community Corporation.
Broke news of Kim Jong-un’s surprise visit to China. Former high-level diplomat Thae Yong-ho also began writing columns for Daily NK.
Daily NK/UMG released a report surveying 200 North Koreans and defectors on the country’s shifting media landscape.
Published first reports on emergency bond issuance and broke news of Kim Jong-un’s health crisis.
Partnered with BBC on exclusive video interviews with three North Korean citizens.
Acquired and published multiple legal texts including the Self-Defense Security Law and the revised Public Reporting Law.
Launched investigative series exposing conditions facing North Korean overseas workers and IT personnel.
