Located at KIMEP University in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the DPRK Strategic Research Center is an independent, policy-oriented research institution dedicated to the study of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea). The Center monitors and analyzes developments in North Korea’s political, economic, and social landscape, and contributes to global understanding of the Korean conflict and prospects for long-term peace and stability on the Peninsula.

The Center closely monitors global political developments, shifting alliances, and international policy trends to assess their impact on the Korean Peninsula.By tracking geopolitical shifts, sanctions policies, and diplomatic developments, the Center offers timely insights into how global dynamics influence the DPRK’s strategic decisions. Through in-depth analysis, strategic foresight, and policy recommendations, we aim to inform both academic discourse and practical diplomacy.

To promote peace, security, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula by developing informed, pragmatic, and innovative policy recommendations grounded in economic reform, international cooperation, and a deep understanding of North Korea’s strategic context. Ultimately, our aim is to inform policy making that contributes to the denuclearization of North Korea, fostering long-term stability and peace.

The Center is led by Dr. Chan Young Bang, President of KIMEP University and Principal Investigator of the Center. Dr. Bang brings a wealth of experience in economic policy and strategic consultation, having served as Economic Advisor to former President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan during the country’s post-Soviet transition. He has also provided counsel to former USSR President Mikhail Gorbachev and North Korean Economic Advisor Kim Yong-sun.