‘Daily NK Snapshots’ are synopses of select articles from our Korean website. Snapshots provide a window into the Daily NK’s reporting—domestic news items that are primarily intended for a North Korean audience given their lack of an independent, objective source of information—and into everyday life and society within North Korea for international audiences.
Amidst Collapse of Distribution System, Pyongyang Elites Continue to Receive Rations
Sources report that North Korea’s ration distribution system is experiencing difficulties in most regions, but the upper echelons of society – the elite residents of Pyongyang – are faring much better in receiving their rations. However, even distributions in Pyongyang have been struggling as of late, and there is reportedly discrimination between the core elite and other residents. Moreover, instead of rice, the rations being distributed are a mixture of 80% cornmeal and 20% Vietnamese Annam rice.
Full article in Korean by Mun Dong Hui here
Baekdu Mountain Power Plant Construction Storm Troops Murderer Arrested After Three Years
A Pyongyang resident in his 20s, who had been on the run for three years after raping and killing a young woman in Hyesan, Yanggang Province, was recently found to have been evading law enforcement by disguising himself as a kkotjebi (street orphan) and finally arrested. The suspect belonged to the construction storm troops assigned to build the Baekdusan Mountain Power Plant, and he committed the crime when he entered Hyesan City for his construction work. During the investigation in the lead up to his trial, it was revealed that he had applied for and received a new identity (resident registration) from the 9.27 Permanent Committee, the institution established to manage the kkotjebi population.
Full article in Korean by Jong So Yong here
Harvest Down from Last Year, Sparking Concern from Residents
Due to natural disasters and the impact of international sanctions, North Korea’s grain yield has fallen this year relative to last year’s yield. As a result, many North Korean agricultural workers are concerned about the food situation. The total grain yield for this year is reported to be one of the worst in North Korean history. The root cause of this shortage has been attributed to a severe drought from May to June and a typhoon from September to October that caused considerable damage to major granaries in many regions. The loss of several rice paddies due to monsoon rains also contributed to the diminished harvest. Moreover, another significant cause has been the disruption of the import of fertilizers due to sanctions against North Korea.
Full article in Korean by Ha Yoon Ah here
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