The September issue features eight articles on recent trends and future challenges in North Korean economic research, along with a retrospective on Dr. Lee Seok’s 20-year contributions, who retired in August 2024 as editor-in-chief of the KDI Review of the North Korean Economy and head of the research division. North Korean economic studies currently face significant challenges, including strained inter-Korean relations, North Korea's isolationist policies, and waning domestic interest. The research focuses on three core areas: North Korea’s domestic economy, inter-Korean cooperation, and reunification readiness. The increasing use of big data and recent data disclosures from the Ministry of Unification have been positively received. Scholars are encouraged to investigate the regime’s structural changes and their wider implications, while also adopting a global perspective on policy. Although satellite-based research is expected to expand, careful interpretation remains crucial. The foremost challenge is securing reliable data, particularly given the suspension of economic cooperation, pandemic-related border closures, and China’s anti-espionage law. Ongoing efforts to gather and validate data, along with international collaboration, are vital for deepening analysis and sharing insights into North Korea’s economy.