North Korea is facing a blueberry dilemma as the ruling party pushes for increased production of fruit-based beverages. Chinese blueberries are being imported to meet demand, straying from the usual export trend. The call for more output came after Kim Jong Un’s inspection of a blueberry factory in Samjiyon, leading to factories in Ryanggang province struggling to keep up. The challenge lies in the higher cost of Chinese blueberries, cutting into profit margins and forcing factories to double prices on processed goods. State institutions also purchase large quantities of blueberry liquor at low prices, further hindering factory profits. Despite the…

In North Korea, authorities have implemented measures to mobilize citizens and limit market hours for flood recovery efforts, exacerbating economic hardship. Official markets in North Pyongan province now operate for only three hours a day due to a Cabinet order, impacting residents who rely on market activities for their livelihoods. With the flood recovery period extending indefinitely, residents are uncertain when market operations will return to normal. Some merchants have resorted to selling goods discreetly in hidden locations during early hours due to crackdowns on unofficial markets. Public discontent is on the rise as households struggle to make ends meet…

In response to recent floods in North Pyongan province, North Korea has deployed fire trucks to deliver drinking water to displaced residents in Sinuiju. Despite efforts to provide water twice a day, residents complain about the low water quality and insufficient supply. The lack of media coverage on this issue has led to speculation that the government is trying to conceal the extent of the crisis. Residents believe the authorities are using fire trucks as a temporary fix due to severe damage to water facilities caused by heavy rains. Despite the challenges, residents are grateful for the water but hope…

In a recent report from North Pyongan province, flood damage to border guard posts and fences along the North Korea-China border has put Pyongyang on high alert for defections and smuggling. Authorities have issued orders for rapid repairs, but a lack of materials is slowing progress. Border guards have been instructed to restore guard posts, fallen fences, and utility poles by the first-phase deadline of Sept. 9 and complete the repairs by the second-phase deadline on Oct. 10. However, the shortage of materials is hindering the reconstruction process. Interestingly, border guards are now turning to smugglers for help in procuring…

In North Korea, the government is cracking down on the sale and transport of pine mushrooms to monopolize foreign currency earnings from their exports. Management Office No. 5 has set up collection centers in key mushroom-picking areas to control transactions, under orders from Room 39, the Workers’ Party’s main foreign currency agency. Local party committees are warning against unauthorized mushroom picking to prevent private buyers from undercutting official collection centers. Anyone caught selling pine mushrooms independently could face harsh penalties, including labor camp sentences. Despite government efforts to control the market, private sales of mushrooms are likely to continue due…

North Korea Flood Aid Targeted in Specific Areas Despite Widespread Damage On August 1, 2024, aid supplies are being sent to special disaster emergency areas in North Korea. Source: Rodong Sinmun·News1 Despite severe flooding in North Korean provinces, recent reports indicate that aid efforts are primarily focused on Sinuiju and Uiju County following a visit by Kim Jong Un. Relief supplies, including food, medicine, and blankets, are being mobilized and sent to the affected areas, with an emphasis on quality resources from various organizations and regions within North Korea. However, concerns have been raised over the lack of aid reaching…

Trucks from China are waiting for opening the border between China and DPRK in 2011. (Wikimedia Commons) The Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea is cracking down on trading companies in North Pyongan Province, affecting the province’s trading agencies. The inspection follows the Ministry of State Security’s recent scrutiny, impacting trade in the region. Citing complaints from trading agencies about the intense inspections affecting trade recovery post-COVID, the source revealed that North Pyongan Province, known for its trade with China, is facing increased scrutiny. Government Concerns The inspection focused on ‘ttalbo,’ illicit items smuggled in with approved imports,…

FILE PHOTO: A border patrol checkpoint in Pungso County, Yanggang Province, can be seen in this photo, which was taken in February 2019. (Daily NK) North Korea’s strict crackdown on remittances is being challenged by the power of bribes. Despite the government’s efforts to control the flow of money, remittance brokers like “Kim” are finding ways to secure their release with hefty bribes. Kim, arrested in July for transferring money on behalf of a Chinese trader, managed to evade punishment by offering a significant bribe to state security agents. The incident has sparked rumors about the influence of bribes in…

Disabled Veterans in North Korea Forced into Debt Collection A groundbreaking ceremony for a local factory in North Korea, with Kim Jong Un in attendance. Source: Rodong Sinmun-News1 Disabled veterans in Pukchang County, South Pyongan Province, have been forced by circumstances to work as debt collectors for moneylenders, a recent report from Daily NK has revealed. These veterans, struggling to make ends meet amid economic challenges worsened by COVID-19, have resorted to aggressive debt collection tactics. Underpaid and Undervalued: The Plight of North Korean Veterans Due to shared interests, moneylenders pay disabled veterans to intimidate debtors, taking advantage of loopholes…

FILE PHOTO: A market official on patrol in Sunchon, South Pyongan Province. (Daily NK) North Korean administrative agencies are allowing more private business activities, but at the same time extorting money from these businesses through systematic methods. This shift comes after the enactment of laws regulating welfare services and public catering. Many privately-owned establishments like beauty salons, restaurants, and grocery shops have emerged across the country as the government aims to generate revenue for state projects. However, business owners face constant demands for money from officials who scrutinize their operations and enforce compliance with regulations. One beauty salon owner in…