North Korea has released its doping test statistics for 2025. Analysts suggest that the country, which had previously suspended normal doping tests during the COVID-19 pandemic border closure, is now actively working to manage its image as a normal state ahead of increased participation in international competitions.
The North Korean Anti-Doping Agency recently published the 2025 Doping Test Annual Report on its website, containing statistics on doping tests conducted on athletes across various sports last year. This information was made public following censorship approval in accordance with Document No. 3 from the Central Statistical Office in January of this year.
In 2025, the North Korean Anti-Doping Agency conducted 110 tests, collecting 413 samples from 352 athletes. This marks increases of 36.8% in the number of tests, 30.9% in the number of athletes tested, and 29.1% in the number of samples compared to 2024 (81 tests, 269 athletes, 320 samples).
Of the 413 samples collected, 352 were urine samples, and 61 were blood samples. The breakdown of tests by type included 61 for erythropoiesis-stimulating agents, 52 for growth hormone-releasing factors, 52 for growth hormones, and 9 for athlete biological passports.
Weightlifting topped the list with 74 doping tests, followed by wrestling with 53. Five new sports were added to the testing program last year: rowing, soft tennis, handball, basketball, and skiing.
The range of tested sports also expanded. The previous skate category only included figure skating, but now a new ice sports category has been created, subdividing it into figure skating, short track speed skating, and speed skating, reflecting a more detailed classification of sports.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, North Korea did not comply with international doping tests, including visits from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). This led to its designation as a non-compliant country, resulting in various sanctions, such as a ban on flying its flag at international competitions.
However, as COVID-19 restrictions eased, North Korea allowed WADA inspectors to visit and regained compliance status in January 2024. In February of last year, North Korea also launched the official website for its Anti-Doping Agency, demonstrating its commitment to adhere to international standards.
According to the World Anti-Doping Code (WADC), national anti-doping organizations must conduct doping tests on athletes within their jurisdiction. Recently, they have also implemented unannounced tests outside specific competitions and seasons to raise awareness among athletes and deter doping effectively.
In professional sports, however, the entire regular season is considered in-competition period, which increases the temptation to dope. Therefore, in-competition testing should take priority.