Author: Jo Hyon, PhD, Kyungnam University

The recent flooding in North Korea has led to a stark contrast in the portrayal of relief efforts by Kim Jong Un and the Workers’ Party of Korea. While state media depicts flood victims as enjoying a comfortable stay in Pyongyang, sources reveal a different reality. Flood victims relocated to Pyongyang endure a regimented schedule, pressured expressions of gratitude, and exhaustion from study sessions and field trips. Despite receiving better food, many privately express a desire to return home to rebuild their lives. This approach to disaster management raises questions about the regime’s priorities and manipulation of public perception. By…

Insulators at the Gyongsong Insulator Factory in North Hamgyong Province. (Rodong Sinmun) North Korea has struggled economically for decades, leading to widespread famine and hardship. Despite efforts to build a strong nation, the reality of economic difficulties persists. Recent reports indicate a decline in fertilizer production in the country, with factories failing to meet quotas due to a lack of essential resources. The Workers’ Party of Korea continues to exert control over businesses, stifling innovation and market responsiveness. Business managers are pressured to prioritize loyalty to the party over effective management practices, resulting in decreased productivity and economic growth. To…

North Korea’s ruling party recently emphasized monitoring public trends with a focus on students and young people. Officials in South Pyongan Province were instructed to prioritize tracking movements among this demographic and conduct spot checks of mobile phones at schools and workplaces. During a seminar, the Workers’ Party of Korea highlighted the need for officials to enhance their political consciousness and skills to uphold ideological standards and foster psychological growth in the youth. The party’s concerns stem from young people prioritizing money over party loyalty, attributed to exposure to outside cultures. The WPK has introduced stringent laws like the Reactionary…