As noted by the magazine with reference to a Pentagon report, North Korea has two intelligence structures responsible for intelligence activities. The first is engaged in reconnaissance and secret operations abroad. The second agency is responsible for counterintelligence. However there are two other agencies operating in South Korea.

According to analysts, the General Staff Division of the North Korean Army, the main body for espionage abroad, was created in the image of the secret services of the armed forces of the Soviet Union. This department is made up of six units tasked with conducting covert operations, activities in cyberspace, intelligence gathering abroad in inter-Korean dialogue.

The magazine highlights that the intelligence services are one of the key pillars of North Korea's forces. Experts believe that North Korean agents are capable of operating successfully abroad. For example, Pyongyang's secret services were behind the murder of Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-un's older brother.

Summing up The National Interest calls North Korea's intelligence services ruthless and notes that they can be used successfully in the event of a conflict on the Korean Peninsula.