Shenyang, China — The latest situation in North Korea looks even more abnormal than usual. The rice price, which was 25 won per kilo immediately following the currency redenomination, had risen to 1,000 won by the 3rd. Rumors that the army is firing shots to deter thieves and robbers have been circulating. People are complaining bitterly of their hardships. In this volatile atmosphere, this morning The Daily NK interviewed a Shinuiju resident, a 37-year old male factory worker, in order to get direct word of the latest situation.
– We’ve heard that the rice price in Shinuiju has passed the 1,000 won mark. Where was it so? In which jangmadang?
The Chaeha market in Shinuiju. But Namsung and Dongjung markets are the same.
– Is the rice price going up like this only in Shinuiju?
It depends on the province and city. However, Shinuiju, where the general situation is decent, is that bad, so in other, poorer provinces such as North Hamkyung Province, the prices are likely to be much higher than that.
– Why is the price soaring?
Due to the rising dollar value, rice prices are also skyrocketing. People tend not to believe in the Chosun currency, they prefer dollars and Yuan to ours, because we don’t know when the upper (the authorities) will want to adopt other policies. The amount of foreign currency is limited within North Korea, but wholesalers all want it. Therefore, the price of rice may well go up further.
– For this situation, don’t residents blame the authorities?
Of course they do. Above all, the people say there is nothing they can trust, and ask, “how will we get by now?” The elderly say, “Now, I have only one thing left. Death.” All the property, which they worked hard for through all kinds of hardships, has been taken away. Isn’t it so resentful?
– I’ve heard that they made an excuse for that to the people. Right?
In the People’s Palace of Culture in Pyongyang, they summoned a meeting of people’s units’ chairpersons to offer an apology to them. In Shinuiju, chairpersons of people’s units and neighborhood leaders got an apology. The people’s unit chairpersons explained the situation to residents.
– Do traders make as much money as they used to?
No. Prices of all goods can go up two- or three-fold even in a day, so the traders who live from hand to mouth say it is deathly awful.
– Do you receive your salaries?
It depends on the work place. At first, they said they would give a 2,000 won monthly salary, but half of it was deducted. So, after I purchase just one kilogram of rice, I cannot buy anything else.
– How many meals do you have in general?
I am still having three meals a day, either corn porridge or corn noodles. I hear from others that some poor households have only two meals of corn. If the situation follows this pattern, I don’t know how long people will be able to stand it.
– Have you heard of anyone starving to death?
I’ve heard rumors, but not seen any. It is not a situation in which many people will die of starvation. I have a friend who lives in Pyongyang. He said that even in Pyongyang it is not so good, worse than before, and a few people have died of starvation in the suburbs of Pyongyang. I don’t know if it is true or not.
– How do people express their resentment?
They will not submit materials for any social duties. While starving, how can we give things to the country? Nobody has any sincere will to give things.
