Amid food shortages, a recent surge in burglaries near military bases in North Korea has been attributed to hungry soldiers robbing civilian homes.<\/p>\n
“Soldiers have been committing more burglaries against Hyesan citizens lately,” a source in Ryanggang province told Daily NK recently. “These incidents are worsening conditions for already struggling people.”<\/p>\n
In one night, on Sept. 20, ten families in a single neighborhood watch unit in Hyesan’s Kangan area were burglarized. The thieves took food, clothing, and even cooking utensils.<\/p>\n
“Life is tough enough that people wake up groaning,” the source said. “Now, with burglars terrorizing the neighborhood, people’s suffering is indescribable.”<\/p>\n
Witnesses reported the burglars wore military uniforms and carried weapons, fueling public anger toward service members.<\/p>\n
Livestock theft has also increased, particularly in Hyesan’s outskirts where many families keep farm animals.<\/p>\n
“For families dependent on livestock, this kind of theft abruptly deprives them of their livelihood,” the source added.<\/p>\n
Similar incidents were common during North Korea’s severe famine in the late 1990s and early 2000s. While such thefts had decreased, they’ve recently resurged, spreading anxiety among civilians.<\/p>\n
Some North Koreans, however, sympathize with the young soldiers driven to theft by hunger. Military service in North Korea lasts about ten years, six times longer than South Korea’s 18-month requirement. Unlike their South Korean counterparts, North Korean soldiers are unpaid and often expected to bribe officers.<\/p>\n
“If the government would just keep soldiers from going hungry during their service, they wouldn’t have any reason to steal,” the source said. “It’s frustrating that our country can’t even manage that.”<\/p>\n