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James Church (a pseudonym) is the author of the detective novels, Hidden Moon and A Corpse in the Koryo. In this essay, Church meets Inspector O, the primary fictional character in his books, and discusses the anticipated New York Philharmonic concert in Pyongyang in February.

Rudiger Frank, Professor of East Asian Economy and Society at the University of Vienna, an Adjunct Professor at Korea University, and Director of the Vienna School of Governance, writes, “The current South Korean efforts at the rehabilitation of the North’s economy and transportation networks, combined with a future relaxation of international trade and investment restrictions and a relaxed, open-minded government in Pyongyang might be just what the trading women at North Korea’s markets need when they are praying for more customers.”

Mark J. Valencia, a maritime security analyst in Kaneohe, Hawaii and Nautilus Institute Senior Associate, writes: “This spat may be the tip of an iceberg that expands into freedom of navigation issues and deepens the growing rift in already brittle relations. Both nations should tread lightly and sort out their differences through negotiations less they open a Pandora’s Box of maritime controversies.”