North Korean authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown on the import and distribution of South Korean goods.
A source in North Hamgyong province revealed recently that Unified Command 82 — the organization responsible for curbing anti-socialist and non-socialist behavior — has intensified efforts to stem the flow of South Korean products.
Many goods enter North Hamgyong province through the port of Rason for distribution. With South Korean items often mixed into shipments, Unified Command 82 has been aggressively targeting these products.
The source said agents are meticulously checking the origin of conspicuously expensive or uniquely designed goods sold by merchants. Items with removed labels are automatically confiscated without question.
In response to regular crackdowns, merchants have been displaying South Korean items after removing identifying labels or packaging. However, Unified Command 82 now treats all products with tampered labels as South Korean-made.
To adapt, some merchants are attempting to remove labels more discreetly or keeping South Korean cosmetics, shampoo, and clothing off their shelves, only showing them to customers upon careful request.
Some merchants angered by excessive crackdowns
The source noted that some merchants strongly protest when Unified Command 82 attempts to confiscate goods without solid evidence of their South Korean origin.
On Oct. 11, a clothing vendor in her 40s in Hoeryong clashed with Unified Command 82 agents. When they demanded she “give up all her South Korean items” without proof, she retorted, “Are you saying I have South Korean items somewhere to cough up?”
As the confrontation escalated, nearby merchants intervened, supporting the woman. They protested, asking, “What’s wrong with selling items in the market?” and “How are we supposed to make a living when you take our goods with no evidence that they’re South Korean?”
The source told Daily NK, “Discontent from merchants exploded over the excessive crackdowns. They’ve responded so roughly because they suspect agents are unfairly profiting from confiscated items.”
In fact, there’s widespread belief among merchants that enforcement agencies are selling the confiscated South Korean goods for their own gain.
“Merchants say the agents ultimately profit by confiscating South Korean goods,” the source said, adding: “This has led to significant frustration about these crackdowns.”
The Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
