North Korea’s Defense Security Command dispatches surveillance teams to military bases before election
In advance of the 14th Supreme People’s Assembly election on March 10, Defense Security Command (DSC) inspection teams have been dispatched to military bases...
“Plowing Battle” aims to increase food supplies in North Korea
The North Korean authorities are focused on increasing agricultural production through a “manure battle” to ensure the achievement of goals laid out in Kim...
North Korea faces declining birth rates and student numbers
As the birth rate in North Korea continues to decline, some elementary schools in the country are merging with middle schools in the rural,...
De facto private enterprises offer relative wealth for ordinary North Koreans
State-run enterprises, one of the key elements in nationalized production strategies emphasized in socialist societies, are eroding in North Korea as de facto private...
Many churches assisting North Korean defectors in China close, missionaries say
Heightened restrictions on religious organizations in China are taking their toll on the activities of missionaries in China, many of whom engage in rescue...
Tenfold increase in private education cost over last decade in North Korea
Private education is booming in North Korea, as demand grows for private tuition in arts subjects including music and dance.
Until the early 2000s,...
State-run factories in Pyongsong languish as private investors cash in
North Korea’s nouveau riche, in Pyongsong, South Pyongan Province, are reported to be actively investing in commercial facilities. This comes as many of the...
North Korea issues new national identification cards with electronic chips
The North Korean government has almost completed the rollout of its new microchip registration cards to its citizens, with the exception of some residents...
North Korean calendars sport new designs
A new calendar featuring North Korean movie stars published by the Shining Star Publishing House and Korean Film Import & Export Corporation is proving...
Demand rises for nutritional supplements and therapeutic massages in North Korea
There has been a noticeable spike in demand for medicinal plants, nutritional supplements, therapeutic massages and other health-related products and services in North Korea,...
