[imText1]Following the inter-Korea Summit, the North Korean people began to harbor high hopes for the Summit Declaration, which includes assistance to North Korea.
Right after the Summit, the North Korea authorities announced the Summit Declaration on its state newspaper Rodong Shinmun on October 5th, although it did not offer any details. The North Korean people hope for a better standard of living through North-South economic cooperation.
The DailyNK surveyed the opinions regarding the North-South Summit Declaration from five North Korean people via phone conversation which went on for two consecutive days, from October 7th to the 8th.
Summit Response
◆ Kim, a resident of Hoiryeong in Hamkyung Province (37- year- old, male, laborer)
Since the Summit on October 4th, there have been no announcements or information given on the Declaration. Simply, a message was delivered through the People’s Unit that we should not fall into false illusion but defend our country and maintain authority via foreign countries. I am a little interested in the Joint Declaration.
Although I am doing fine, this country is so poor. I wish we could go about living without ever worrying about rice. Lately, the price of rice has skyrocketed, and people are really concerned about it. Even though it is the season of harvest, the rice price continues to increase because of flooding.
I did not hear anything about food support (from the authorities). I do not know whether the state received food aid after the flood disaster because no one told us about it.
◆ Choi, a resident of Hyesan in Yangang Provice (28-year-old male, unemployed)
The state does not report in detail the content of the Joint Declaration. That is why I am trying everything that I can to get information such as listening to illegal radio broadcasting. In order to find out what was really discussed at the Summit, I need to listen to South Korean broadcasting.
First of all, the food shortage problem needs be solved. Other people think the same way.
◆ Yang, a resident of Hyesan in Yangang Provice (43-year-old male, clerk)
People are whispering about it. The state did not tell us anything. The Joint Declaration was released only in the newspaper.
State officers speak plainly that we could only turn to South Korea. The Chinese people only exploit our resources (mineral, herbs, fish), and they never give us machinery or help us build factories.
People used to call South Korea “South Chosun.” Nowadays, kids call the country “Hankook (South Korea),” even the officers. This is because we think well of South Korea.
The possibility of the realization of the Joint Declaration
◆ Lee, a resident of Musan in Hamkyung Province (36 year- old male, laborer)
Even the Buddha likes to have money. Why not our General? I heard that our beloved General loves money… Of course, they (the North Korean authorities) will profit from the Summit. However, we will get nothing out of it. I have no interest in the Joint Declaration whatsoever.
◆ A person named Lee, a resident of Hoiryeong in Hamkyung Province (male, railroad worker)
I heard that those who work at the Kaesung Industrial Complex are better off. Didn’t the opening of Najin-Sunbong create better living conditions there? People in Anbyeonn and Haeju will make a fine living once their areas are opened for economical development. Unfortunately, there is nothing for us.”
We have to watch how well the Joint Declaration is to be implemented. Unlike the past, we now know that nothing goes smoothly with this regime.”
