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2017.06.28
| Won | Pyongyang | Sinuiju | Hyesan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exchange Rate | 8,070 | 8,050 | 8,095 |
| Rice Price | 5,800 | 6,000 | 5,900 |
For North Korean workers dispatched overseas to earn foreign currency, the popularity of South Korean rice cookers and Japanese dining tables as bribes for senior cadres continues unabated. Less successful such foreign currency earners are at pains to prepare these kinds of bribes, a source has revealed, so that on those occasions when they return home they may be looked upon favorably.
The inside source told Daily NK on the 8th, “Upon their return home to the North, workers dispatched overseas to earn foreign currency must prepare the kind of items that wives would like. South Korean ‘Cuckoo’ rice cookers, the ‘Hera’ brand of makeup, and Japanese tables, for example. They get these bribes to present to cadres particularly if their results have not been good, since they really want to retain their positions overseas.”
“South Korean rice cookers and home appliances have always been popular, but recently there have been a growing number of people seeking out Japanese-made tables, too,” the source went on. A culture of dining out hasn’t developed yet in North Korea, partcularly outside Pyongyang, so gatherings of customers or other large events are usually held in people’s homes.
“If cadres get wind that a foreign currency worker has had dealings with ethnic Koreans who’re in partnership with South Koreans, they sometimes openly state the model and size of the table they require!" the source revealed. "The order to ‘never have contact with South Koreans under any circumstances’ is an empty threat.”
The source added, “Cadres want to display their wealth by laying out a spread on a nice table. Because the wives of North Korean cadres already know that South Korean rice cookers and Japanese tables are good, there is no sign that their popularity is on the wane.”
“The cheapest price for a good quality Japanese table is 500 Yuan, but they normally are priced over 1000 Yuan. It’s a significant burden for the workers. Also, the number of Chinese people who wish to invest in the North has recently declined, which is of concern to foreign currency earners, too.
“The workers know they have to present the state with a total of $20,000 per year. They work really hard because they also have to regularly get together bribes for cadres in order to continue operating.”
The inside source told Daily NK on the 8th, “Upon their return home to the North, workers dispatched overseas to earn foreign currency must prepare the kind of items that wives would like. South Korean ‘Cuckoo’ rice cookers, the ‘Hera’ brand of makeup, and Japanese tables, for example. They get these bribes to present to cadres particularly if their results have not been good, since they really want to retain their positions overseas.”
“South Korean rice cookers and home appliances have always been popular, but recently there have been a growing number of people seeking out Japanese-made tables, too,” the source went on. A culture of dining out hasn’t developed yet in North Korea, partcularly outside Pyongyang, so gatherings of customers or other large events are usually held in people’s homes.
“If cadres get wind that a foreign currency worker has had dealings with ethnic Koreans who’re in partnership with South Koreans, they sometimes openly state the model and size of the table they require!" the source revealed. "The order to ‘never have contact with South Koreans under any circumstances’ is an empty threat.”
The source added, “Cadres want to display their wealth by laying out a spread on a nice table. Because the wives of North Korean cadres already know that South Korean rice cookers and Japanese tables are good, there is no sign that their popularity is on the wane.”
“The cheapest price for a good quality Japanese table is 500 Yuan, but they normally are priced over 1000 Yuan. It’s a significant burden for the workers. Also, the number of Chinese people who wish to invest in the North has recently declined, which is of concern to foreign currency earners, too.
“The workers know they have to present the state with a total of $20,000 per year. They work really hard because they also have to regularly get together bribes for cadres in order to continue operating.”
