U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands at the second U.S.-DPRK summit in Hanoi
U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands at the second U.S.-DPRK summit in Hanoi. / Image: KCNA

North Koreans in North Hamgyong province are closely following news of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s reelection, which has reached them through various channels. Locals are discussing the election results and reacting in different ways.

According to a source in the province recently, news of Trump’s reelection has reached people in border regions like Rason and even interior areas like Chongjin.

Ordinary people appear markedly more interested in the U.S. political situation than officials. They were surprised by Trump’s reelection and are carefully expressing a range of opinions on the development.

Some North Koreans are slightly hopeful, recalling Trump’s past meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and are expressing a desire for successful talks between the two countries. 

Others, however, view Trump as an “abnormal person” and are nervously watching how U.S. policy toward the North might change and what impact his reelection might have on their lives. 

Trade officials in the border city of Rason are concerned that Trump’s reelection could hurt their gradually recovering business with China and Russia. 

Young people in Chongjin are also curious about Trump’s appearance, personality, and family.

Young people and university students in Chongjin are sharing their opinions and having realistic conversations about the reelection, believing Trump’s return to the White House could either restart talks between Washington and Pyongyang and ease economic pressure on the country or lead to even more pressure.

“Today’s youth are more sensitive to international events and follow them with more interest than the situation in this country, where nothing changes,” the source claimed. “Young people desperate for a hopeful future sit together and express their hope that Trump’s reelection will have a more direct impact on this country’s politics and economy.

“This is the first time news that somebody became U.S. president spread so fast among the youth to become the talk of the town, albeit in hushed tones,” he continued, adding: “Information from the outside world has a big impact.”

Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.

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