A homegrown version of pepper spray has
become the latest item carried by female merchants in North Korea, namely to
combat sexual harassment and theft. For others, however, it plays an increasingly integral part in the perpetual struggle they face in trying to get by on a daily basis.
In most of the world, pepper spray, also
known as oleoresin capsicum or OC, is derived from the same chemical that gives
chili peppers their heat–but at much higher concentrations. North Koreaβs
version of pepper spray forgoes any complex chemical processes; in fact,
instead of a spray, North Koreaβs deterrent consists of pulverized chili
peppers tucked into an easily accessible sack, which residents have coined the “chili powder bomb.β
βWomen in Chongjin, Hamheung, Pyongsong,
and other cities are carrying around βchili powder bombsβ for protection,β a
source from Hamkyung North Province told Daily NK on the 28th. βWomen merchants
as well as travelers are using bags of ground chili pepper as a means of
self-protection.β
Many North Korean women play the role of
βwholesale runnerβ for market activities, purchasing specialty and ordinary
goods from other regions and transporting them to vendors at markets spanning significant distances and varied terrains. Naturally, this line of work requires the βrunnerβ to keep a considerable
amount of money on her person, thus making her a likely target for thieves
hoping to run off with the cash. This situation prompted many women to take
matters into their own hands and find an innovative solution, according to the
source.
βA man who stole a high-end razor at the
market in the Hwesang District of Hamgeung City was brought down thanks to the
βchili powder bomb,β she explained. βThe vendor pointed to the running thief
and shouted βCatch him!β. The other vendors around there proceeded to throw the
spicy powder in his face to stop him.β
Conversely, these βchili powder bombsβ have
also been used by some to get a leg up by whatever means necessary–however ruthless. βA few days
ago, a mother living in Chongjin in her 30s hurled one of those βchili powder
bombsβ at a man riding his bicycle along the alleyways leading to and from
Sunam Market. As he writhed around in pain and struggled to open his eyes she
took off on his bicycle,β the source explained.
She added that upon her arrest days later,
the perpetrator confessed that she stole the bike to sell off and use the
profits to throw a birthday party for her 1-year-old son; without committing
the crime, she contested, affording any type of celebration for her child would have
been impossible.
Unfortunately, the source lamented, these
crimes show no signs of abating. βAll kinds of crimes are being committed
because of the perpetual struggle residents face to make ends meet,β she said. βItβs like
someone could swoop in and cut off your nose as soon as you close your eyes.β
