Gabriela Bernal
Biography
Publications
Gabriela Bernal is a North Korea analyst based in Seoul, South Korea. She is also a PhD candidate at the University of North Korean Studies. Her writing and analyses have appeared in Nikkei Asia, Chatham House, Korea Herald, BBC, NK News, Asia Times, East Asia Forum, and more.
North Korea undeterred – to Putin’s pleasure
Kim Jong-un sent a message in his summit with Vladimir Putin, not only about military cooperation but also regime survival.
The curious tales of defectors to North Korea
Why would anyone choose to live in or return to a repressive hermit state? The answers are complex and include regret.
“Solidarity with Russia”: North Korea cements an anti-US bloc
With friends like these, you can stand against the pressure of enemies.
It’s time for South Korea to refocus on multilateral diplomacy
A new national security strategy stresses values-based diplomacy, but that can’t be at the expense of talking to China.
North Korea keeps building more powerful weapons, with no end in sight
Diplomacy is desperately needed to avoid an irreversible escalation in nuclear capability and the excuse to use it.
North Korea remains a hermit even as food runs short
With a population cut off behind a border, Kim Jong-un sees ideology as the answer to warnings about empty plates.
“If the problem becomes more serious”: South Korea talks going nuclear
The high stakes on Korean Peninsula have quickly become even more acute in 2023.
Worth a thousand words: what Kim Jong‑un’s daughter photo tells
The leader’s strategy is long-term, both for the continued rule of North Korea and its nuclear ambition.
The Korean Peninsula still poses major risks
Escalating tensions and vicious cycles. We’ve heard this story before. That doesn’t make the situation less dangerous.
