Author: Lee Chae Eun

Amid the backdrop of food shortages in North Korea, a troubling trend has emerged – hungry soldiers are resorting to robbing civilian homes near military bases. Recently in Hyesan, ten families fell victim to burglaries in a single night, leaving residents terrified and struggling even more. Witnesses reported that the burglars were wearing military uniforms and carrying weapons, sparking public outrage. Livestock theft has also increased, further adding to the hardships faced by families in the outskirts of Hyesan who rely on their farm animals for livelihood. This resurgence of thefts is reminiscent of the severe famine in the late…

In a unique shift, North Koreans are embracing home-based ancestral rites over traditional hillside cemetery visits due to a government order to remove graves. Families now find convenience and freedom from societal judgment in performing ancestral rites at home. Initially, many were reluctant to comply, fearing misfortune or the financial burden of cremation. However, the ease of home-based ceremonies has won them over, with the wealthy preparing elaborate offerings and the less fortunate making do with what they have. One man, relieved from the burden of traveling miles to his father’s distant grave, now celebrates the newfound simplicity of honoring…

Residents in Hyesan, a city on the China-North Korea border, are envious of recent defectors to South Korea, a source in Ryanggang province revealed. The border residents long for the freedom that the defectors experienced, especially with the strict restrictions and surveillance in place. Smuggling, once prevalent in the area, has drastically decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened government control, making defection a dangerous prospect. The news of defections to South Korea on Aug. 8 and 20 has stirred envy among residents, who feel trapped and hopeless in their current situation. With the ban on smuggling causing hardships,…

In a heartbreaking incident in Hamhung, South Hamgyong province, a 5-year-old child died after being left alone at home without proper care. The child’s parents, who were struggling to make ends meet, left him at home as they had no money to send him to kindergarten. This tragic event sheds light on the challenges faced by many North Korean parents who cannot afford childcare options. The child, diagnosed with meningitis by doctors too late to be treated, passed away, leaving the community in sorrow. This incident has sparked criticism of the government’s lack of support for struggling families, with many…

In Chongjin, North Korea, residents are turning to energy-efficient “Notetels” as an alternative to power-hungry LCD televisions due to frequent power outages. These portable media players are in high demand despite market shortages, offering a practical solution for power-spotty situations. Notetels gained popularity for being affordable, easy to conceal, and versatile in playing various media formats, making them a sought-after commodity. With government restrictions on private smuggling during the pandemic, new Notetels are scarce in marketplaces, leading to a thriving secondhand market. Used Notetels, priced at 300 Chinese yuan (around $46), are selling well despite their high costs compared to…

Heavy rains in North Korea’s Ryanggang province have caused a surge in serious injuries among people harvesting pine nuts, with many Hyesan residents falling from trees in Kim Jong Suk and Samsu counties, resulting in potentially life-altering injuries. A man in his 50s from Hyesan broke several ribs and an ankle while picking pine nuts, requiring surgery that may leave him reliant on crutches for life. The cost of the surgery, 400 to 500 Chinese yuan, is a significant burden for his family. In a similar incident, a man in his 30s from Masan neighborhood injured his back while gathering…

North Korea has recently resumed state-sanctioned smuggling along the Hyesan border, allowing trading companies to capitalize on cross-border commerce. After a suspension that lasted longer than expected due to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s visit to Samjiyon last month, trading companies in Hyesan are now eagerly preparing for the resumption of state smuggling. The Trade Administration Office of Ryanggang Province received an order to resume smuggling, prompting companies to obtain items for export quickly. With the prices of export items expected to rise, companies are scrambling to secure goods like pine nuts, even taking out loans to purchase them…

Title: State-Led Smuggling Suspended Due to High Water Levels on Yalu River Summary: The suspension of state-led smuggling on the Yalu River in North Korea has caused a steep increase in the prices of imported goods in Hyesan. After heavy rains, cross-border smuggling remains off-limits, leading to a rise in prices across the board. State-led smuggling, overseen by North Korea’s Ministry of State Security, has not resumed since its suspension by Kim Jong Un. With high water levels making transport difficult, prices for goods like electronic devices and car parts have skyrocketed. The ban on smuggling has affected merchants and…

North Korea has heightened “wartime security efforts” in response to joint drills between South Korea and the United States. The city of Hoeryong has increased security at statues, battlefields, and historical sites as tensions rise during the military exercises. The country believes the drills are rehearsals for aggression. North Korea has ordered intensified security at key facilities as a precautionary measure to protect critical resources in case of conflict. The Hoeryong party committee has called for reinforced guard details and round-the-clock surveillance to safeguard sites from potential threats. However, these security measures have caused frustration among North Koreans, who feel…

North Koreans are facing financial strain as the regime refuses international aid for flood recovery, leading to discontent. Party organizations are collecting cash to buy relief supplies, putting a heavy burden on the public. Despite offers of aid from various countries and organizations, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un insists on relying on internal efforts. Critics question the refusal of outside aid, accusing the state of squeezing its people for resources. While the government’s aid efforts may win over some flood victims, many are left frustrated by the financial burden placed on them. The rejection of international assistance in favor…