North Korea Today No. 206

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY
http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 206 September 2008

Mass Protest against Control over Commercial Activities at Chungjin
City of Chungjin, “Slow Down on Control until Food Rations Are Available”
City of Hyesan Investigates Buying and Selling of Houses
Public Execution of University Students for Human Trafficking
In North Hamgyong Province, Rumors of a Coming of "one of the toughest investigations of anti-socialist activities by the Central party" Causes Stir

Mass Protest against Control over Commercial Activities at Chungjin
Conflicts surrounding control over commercial activities in the city of Chungjin, North Hamgyung Province, have been rising steadily and have calmed down only recently. Control over the age limit of peddlers was not enforced very strictly because of the lack of food rations. However, toward the end of August, control over commercial activities was tightened causing tension among the residents. A peddler at Soonam Market, Kwon Young-choon (48) says “Some young women without peddler’s license and elderly residents, sixty to seventy years of age, were outside the market area, peddling some merchandise. The head of the Market Management office and his subordinates came out and chased away the peddlers as if they were no better than dogs. Those who did not cooperate were arrested and forced to sign investigative reports. They were then force fingerprinted and received fines ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 won each. I’ve heard that the peddlers had to give bribes of up to three packs of cigarettes to make the Market Management Office employees look the other way.”

On August 24, small teams with three to four security officers conducted intense investigations in the market area in the name of maintaining order. It was inevitable that a fight broke out between these security teams and female peddlers who were struggling to earn a living. In the beginning, the peddlers seemed to be losing, but female peddlers nearby quickly joined forces, and it turned into a big brawl. The word about the fight spread so fast throughout the region that the residents are not reluctant to admit that the fight was the second incident that shook the city of Chungjin since the March 4 incident. The fight brought a public outcry in the area by those female peddlers who did not participate in the fight and those from other markets in the city. This incident also caused anger toward the authorities on the part of the husbands and brothers of the female peddlers. Naturally, this incident has placed the authorities under strain.

City of Chungjin, “Slow Down on Control until Food Rations Are Available”
City party officials of Chungjin immediately reported the afore-mentioned incident to the provincial party headquarters. On August 26, an emergency plenary provincial meeting was convened. At this meeting, the leading secretary and the party chairman were severely criticized. The leading secretary of the city party accepted the criticism of the leading secretary of provincial party. However, he made a suggestion, “City of Chungjin cannot solve the food crisis affecting tens of thousands of residents because of lack of food to distribute. Age limit puts a restraint on the number of peddlers, but many wives are trying to make a living by peddling merchandise. Would there be a way to make an exception to the city of Chungjin by slowing down control until some food gets distributed? ” Even some provincial party officials sided with the city officials, saying “How could people make living under continued control of commercial activities? How could husbands report to work without food rationing? This continuing problem is a heavy burden on everyone.”

However, the provincial party leaders could not agree to the request by city of Chungjin in presence of city party officials from other cities. Provincial party leaders could not make an exception to Chungjin and the central party’s policy does not allow it. They ended the meeting without any conclusion. After the meeting, city of Chungjin issued oral orders to all the district police stations and the market management offices that they relax their control of the commercial activities until food rations become available. Since the oral orders were issued, no female peddler has been further bothered in the market throughout the city of Chungjin.

City of Hyesan Investigates Buying and Selling of Houses
Since August 17, the central party in the city of Hyesan, Ryanggang Province has been on the look out for anti-socialist activities. Officials announced that viewing of foreign publications or video recordings and listening to broadcasts from China will lead to punishment of exile and that distribution of any of the above-mentioned items will result in up to ten years in re-education facilities. Illegal activities by trading companies and buying and selling of houses are all under intense investigation. As a consequence of these investigations, the chief prosecutor of city of Hyesan has been relieved from his job. The chief prosecutor and the chief of construction unit of Civil Engineering Bureau collaborated in building a house. The construction unit chief provided all the necessary laborers and the chief prosecutor guaranteed supply of all the material for five-story apartments. They did not receive any approval from the city of Hyesan People’s Assembly in transferring the finished house to other businessmen. In this illegal activity, money changed hands. Some one complained to the Central Party and these two individuals are under investigation after being relieved of their jobs.

Public Execution of University Students for Human Trafficking
Since the Central Party’s investigations against anti-socialist activities began, a public trial was held against the seven caught for human trafficking at Hyesan stadium. Four among those seven were sentenced to thirteen years in re-education center and three were executed on the spot. All those executed happened to be students of Hyesan University of Industry. These students tried to make money for tuition and suspended attending school before going into the human trafficking business. Their relatives and friends were witnesses to their executions. They could not stop weeping. Some collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.

In North Hamgyong Province, Rumors of a Coming of "one of the toughest investigations of anti-socialist activities by the Central party" Causes Stir
The Central party's organization and guidance department has started an investigation of anti-social activities in Hoeryong City and Chungjin City, Hamgyong Province in September. And because it is rumored to be the toughest investigation ever put on by the party, tension is palpable among the residents. They will crack down on those whose family members have escaped to China (cross-borders) or to South Korea. Family members of the escapees will be forced to move to restricted areas. The Province official stated that, "They will root out those who are connected with escapees to South Korea." A thorough investigation in the border area is supposedly expected.

One official of the central party stressed that, "We should come up with better and diverse measures, so that we can continue to inspect the people efficiently." In order to do so, they organized a tentative investigative team with excellent and capable inspectors. However, Kim Choon-geun (39) casually comments that, "The investigation has been an issue for a long time. They conduct it annually. No matter how harsh it is, someone with money can avoid any inspection." He did not seem to take it seriously.

Each Police Station Will Be In Charge of the Railway Station's Order
National Defense Committee stated that inspection teams would not be run by railway stations any longer. Instead, the police stations will be in charge of maintaining each railway station's public order. While the railway stations owned the inspection teams, they became corrupt and resulted in chaotic railway stations. Given the circumstances, each police department will take responsibility of keeping the public peace at their assigned railway stations.

The Corn Military Burglars Likely Sentenced To Be Re-educated in Pyonggang County
On August 11, the police station in Pyonggang County, Kangwon Province arrested military personnel who attempted to steal corn from local farms, beating security guards beaten in the attempt. The military officer in charge visited the police station and asked to let them off this case. But the police officers took a firm stand on this robbery case. As the military personnel's crime has been continued, police are ordered to crack down on burglary. This case is not a simple theft. Violence was also involved. The robbers are expected to be punished severely for the violence. The police will treat the military criminal as same as any public criminal. They are likely to be sentenced to some re-education centers. To it’s shame, the Pyonggang County has a higher burglary rate than many other counties, and as a result officials are determined to clamp down on military personnel thefts.

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North Korea Today No. 205

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY
http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 205 September 2008

Soldiers Steal Farmers Cow and Assault Police Investigators
Fatal Truck Accident near Daehongdan and Yeonsa County Leaves Seven Dead
The Gimchaek Iron Mill and Daehongdan Farm Strike a Deal
Potato Shortage for Area Ryanggang Province Due to Rising Gas Prices
Two Bodies Discovered in Dooman River, Onsung County
Inspector General Kills Pedestrian While Illegally Operating Vehicle
18 Vehicle Accidents in the First Quarter of 2008 Reports 116 Woolim Company

Soldiers Steal Farmers Cow and Assault Police Investigators
On June 12, two soldiers at the 4.25 military training camp in Moonmoo-ri, Seoheung County, North Hwanghae Province, stole and killed a laboring cow (부림소) of the 5th farming unit.

Suspecting military personnel involvement, police investigators went to the commanding officers at the training camp. When questioned, the officers denied allegations and refused to assist the police, saying “there is no evidence that our soldiers stole the cow. You should have more proof before suspecting any military personnel.” An altercation ensued when the military officers were quoted as yelling, "How dare you suspect our soldiers with this crime!" According to the police report, soldiers at the training camp beat the police investigators and damaged their bikes. Appeals to the commanding general met with the same resistance and defiance to take action.

One of the investigators from the assault informed a family member employed at the Defense Security Command. The criminal case was immediately reported to the Ministry of the People's Armed Forces.

Military Prosecutors examined all the witnesses in both the original theft and the assault and battery of police investigators. On July 22nd, soldiers in both incidents were found guilty and received a public conviction at the Gahraegol field (가래골 벌판) of Moonmoo-ri for theft and damaging civilian and military relationships. Accomplices were sentenced to thirteen years at a reeducation center.

Fatal Truck Accident near Daehongdan and Yeonsa County Leaves Seven Dead
August 3, on the return trip after delivering iron plates to Daehongdan Farm, a Gimchaek Iron Mill truck carrying fifteen tons of potatoes overturned at the border area of Daehongdan and Yeonsa County. The wives of four Gimchaek Iron Mill employees who were in the truck at the time died at the scene, three others were injured. Three farmers of Daehongdan who boarded the truck to go to Chungjin Market also died. It is reported that the employees took the truck to buy produce in Ryanggang Province: potatoes were scattered across the road. The Yeonsa County Police Station is currently investigating the events. The driver is being detained at the Yeonsa County police station for further questioning.

The Gimchaek Iron Mill and Daehongdan Farm Strike a Deal
Since halfway through last year, the employees of Gimchaek Iron Mill of Chungjin City, North Hamgyong Province have been without proper food rationing. A few months ago, the Mill and Daehongdan Farm of Ryanggang Province struck a business contract. The agreement stated that the Mill would trade 200 square meters of iron plates and 13,000 meters of iron rebar with 70 tons of Daehongdan Farm potatoes to provide the workers with food.

Potato Shortage for Area Ryanggang Province Due to Rising Gas Prices
The potatoes harvested at the Daehongdan potato farm, Ryanggang Province are not reaching some of the neediest throughout Ryanggang Province. The Education and Health Department of Hyesan City and the Construction Shock Troop Brigade in Ryanggang Province are still accepting potato deliveries. And the schools receiving private contributions are able to meet delivery costs as well. However, many of the less wealthy schools are currently doing without the staple.

Two Bodies Discovered in Dooman River, Onsung County
July 24, two dead bodies were found along the Dooman River (두만강) by a Watergate guard in Onsung County, Northern Hamgyong Province. The police began to investigations in neighborhoods throughout the county in order to identify the bodies. One of the deceased was believed to be a male in his 40's. Police are also conducting investigations into those that have recently traveled to the county. A wife of a missing area man who had been missing for a few days confirmed the body belonged to her 41 year old husband. The identity of the other body has not been disclosed.

Inspector General Kills Pedestrian While Illegally Operating Vehicle
On July 24, Onsung County, Northern Hamgyong Province, an Inspector General killed a woman crossing the street while driving a military vehicle on a market street. At 4:00pm, the accused stopped to inspect a military vehicle and decided to drive it without a valid driver’s license, at which time he struck a woman. She died at the scene. According to one eye-witness, “How could an inspector do such a stupid and inappropriate thing? He is supposed to be a role model for the public. The military is irresponsible.”

18 Vehicle Accidents in the First Quarter of 2008 Reports 116 Woolim Company
116 Woolim Company of Chungjin City, Northern Hamgyong Province reported that there were a total of eighteen vehicle accidents in the first quarter of this year. On July 23, a Woolim Company bus slid off a hill on the way to Gimchaek City. Two died and nine injured from the accident.

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North Korea Today No. 204

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY

http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 204 September 2008

General Assembly of the National Party Cell Secretary to Te Held in October
Soonchun City and Pyongsung City, "We can not supply food for this year or next year"
"Factories should provide workers with meals"
“We should cut down on food consumption” versus “We can only cut down if we actually had food to eat.”
Half of the Moonmoo-ri Farm in Seoheung County Damaged by Flood
The Military Bean Factories Suggest, “Tofu Bean is a Longevity (Macrobiotic) Food”
Soldiers Trouble Farmers by Planting Beans in Their Farmlands
Parents Urge Children to Enter Military: "We can't feed you"
Training Camp '91' in Kangsuh County Tries To Deceive People with New Food Distribution System
[Opinion] The South Korean Government Should Still Provide Food Aid for North Korea Even Though It Is Late

General Assembly of the National Party Cell Secretary to Te Held in October
General Assembly of the National Party Cell Secretary (전국당세포비서대회) is scheduled to be held in October. Ten thousand cell secretaries, which will be biggest meeting ever, are expected to attend. This meeting resumed last year after a 14 year hiatus. The objective of this meeting is to discuss the food situation. The food situation has taken an unfavorable turn; the Central party lost its support of the people. They are concerned about a possible public movement in the near future because of the shortage of food.

At the meeting, the Central party will emphasize the role of the cell secretaries who are responsible for educating people. This will allow the cell secretaries to have the people under control. North Korea anticipates a food crisis this coming winter. This might lead people to a movement (protest). They will hold the biggest meeting of 10,000 participates to prevent people from a movement. One official of Central Party said, "The objectives of the general assembly of the National Party Cell Secretaries this year is to indoctrinate people in dogmas as to a projected food crisis. After this meeting is over, the control of people will most likely be tightened"

Soonchun City and Pyongsung City, "We can not supply food for this year or next year"
Local Food Administration of Soonchun City and Pyongsung city, South Pyongan Province stressed that the only way to survive is to save as much food as possible. Managers of factories and companies, secretaries of the party, and principal administrative officers got together to hold a meeting to state, "We are unable to provide food this year. We are not even sure if we could distribute some food next year. Given the projected food situation, we are unlikely to have food left for even peasants after giving the army provisions. We do not have food for the farmers who engaged in farming, let alone laborers." We are hoping for aid from other countries and for support from the Central government. According to statistic from the Local Food Administration, there is no possibility we can provide food this year and next year."

"Factories should provide workers with meals"
The City Party Officials of Pyongsung City in the general member’s meeting stressed that, "Factories should do their best to run a farm on factory-owned land, so that they can provide their workers with meals."

“We should cut down on food consumption” versus “We can only cut down if we actually had food to eat.”
In Seoheung County of the North Hwanghae Province, the secretaries of work units at the Moonmoo-ri (문무리) Farm said, “The world wide food crisis is worsening. We are not the only county with food problems. Many other countries face the same problem too, so we must cut down on our food consumption.” However, the workers cynically replied, “Shouldn’t we first get some food to eat before we reduce food consumption or not? We are barely living off of the grass porridge. Do you want us to not eat anything and die?” From February to June before the new potato season, the number of people that have died over the five month period at the firm has reached 55.

Half of the Moonmoo-ri Farm in Seoheung County Damaged by Flood
On August 6, half of the nine working units at the Moonmoo-ri Farm in Seoheung County (서흥군)of the North Hwanghae Province were damaged by flood. Since last year’s crop harvest was not good due to flood, the workers greatly worry over next year’s food supply since this year’s crops have been ruined again. The supervisors at the Moonmoo-ri Farm instructed an earlier fall harvest to the damaged units saying, “We need to retrieve every piece of crop”. Suh Chang-won (48 years) said, “This year, we weren’t able to use a lot of fertilizer and the weather situation was not good. Due to the flood damage, I worry because we don’t know how much of the fall harvest crops we’ll be able to retrieve. In addition, because soldiers have been stealing the corn, we don’t know whether we can provide the military provisions.”

The Military Bean Factories Suggest, “Tofu Bean is a Longevity (Macrobiotic) Food”
To reduce the lack of military provisions this year, the People’s Army has put up a slogan stating, “A tofu bean is a longevity (macrobiotic) food,” to promote bean farming. A new policy has been placed that a person must intake 40g of beans at the least and that military personnel must grow 40-50 kg of beans as sideline farming. They also have been encouraging bean farms to finish the bean harvests before the winter military training on December 1. On top of that, they were told that they would investigate how much beans are being stored. Last year, a company located on the border in the North Hamgyong Province, could not acquire the amount of beans requested by their battalion. However, they passed the military investigation after stocking up the necessary amount of beans because they had collected money among themselves to purchase the necessary beans from farms.

Soldiers Trouble Farmers by Planting Beans in Their Farmlands
Due to strong emphasis on bean farming, soldiers have moved beyond the ancillary work lands of their military base and are starting to encroach on farmland to plant beans. The Gosachong battalion of the Aviation headquarters, which is located in Jungpyong, Southern Hamgyong Province, angered the Farmlands Management Committee by adding farmer’s fields to their harvestable land. When legal steps were taken by the Committee, nothing was gained except criticism of farmers for fighting with the soldiers. Farmers in this area argue that they've given up about 5 acres (2 Jungbo) worth of farmlands to the military because of various reasons, but the harvests from these lands are also being accounted in farmers' overall production, which leads to a lack of food distribution for farmers.

"Either the 5 acres of land being used by soldiers gets taken out from farmers' overall land usage or soldiers make sure that other grains grow as well when they plant beans," says La Suk-joo (51 years old). Similar problems are occurring in other places as well. In the places where People's Army base camps are stationed, there are many cases where soldiers go into the farmers' fields to plant beans. The amount of lands the military is using in such ways can be added up to a one huge farmland.

Parents Urge Children to Enter Military: "We can't feed you"
In August 11, nationwide military recruitment for the fall season began. In North Hamgyong Province, the total number of enrollment was close to 2,500. A number of parents confessed that their children should be in the military to ease their living conditions. Although they acknowledged that life in the military is difficult, they believed that it would be better than starving at home. In the past, there were many students who wanted to serve in the military because of the possibility of becoming a highly-ranked general, but these days, the primary reason is food. Han Kyung-soo, 41 years old, explained this trend: "Parents see people coming back from military with thin bodies but the fact that they are still sending their children to serve in the military explains how hard their living really is. However, there are still more parents who do not want to send their children to serve, thinking their children will starve to death there.”

Training Camp '91' in Kangsuh County Tries To Deceive People with New Food Distribution System
The artillery battalion from Training camp '91', located in Jangjin-ri of Kangsuh County, South Pyongan Province, has begun distributing soldiers three meals per day since July 15, a change from two meals per day, due to new soldiers' complaints and escapes from the camp. Many soldiers who escaped refused to go back to the military by saying that they'd rather be "discharged dishonorably than go back." These soldiers have had enough with two meals of grass porridge a day. When the Central Party found out about this issue, it ordered food distribution units to guarantee better food distribution to military camps. However, in order to distribute three meals, quantity in each meal will be reduced. "They are just deceiving us," says Cho Myong-chul (28 years old).

[Opinion] The South Korean Government Should Still Provide Food Aid for North Korea Even Though It Is Late
Reportedly, a National Party Cell Secretary General Assembly (전국당세포비서대회) will be held in October 2008 in what is said to the largest National Party Cell Secretary Assembly in North Korean history with nearly all cell secretaries across the country expected to attend (about 10,000 attendees total). At last year's conference, which had taken place after 14 year hiatus, only high performance cell secretaries were invited. Nonetheless, it is more significant to understand the motive behind this year's conference.

It is widely said that the authorities feel that "the mind of the people has been greatly changing due to a nationwide food crisis." The Central Party, who has been reviewing numerous reports on public opinion from every part of the country, might be concerned that "something will happen in near future if the Party does not take any action." Due to such concerns, authorities must feel an urgent need to strengthen ideological education. As the first step, therefore, an ideology education project targeting cell secretaries has been initiated; it is the primary goal of this year's National Party Cell Secretary Assembly to reinforce ideology of both party members and non-members by cell secretaries.

Even though it was late, the South Korean government should still provide food aid for North Korea. It is an excellent opportunity to win the North Korean people's hearts. If the South Korean government unconditionally provides North Korea with large food support, the North Korean people will have more friendly feelings toward the government as well as the people of South Korea.

The World Food Program (WFP) has called on the South Korean government for food support for North Korea. There is no reason for the government in South to hesitate. The sooner the South provides aid, the more benefits the South would enjoy. When food shortages have been worsened to a degree that North Korean authorities become seriously anxious about its people's ideological change, South Korea's unconditional swift food support will not only save people's lives, but also will win the North Korean people's hearts. Moreover, it will allow the South to gain moral advantages over the North in negotiations. The South Korean government's swift decision on food support for the North is urged again.

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North Korea Today No. 203

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY

http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 203 September 2008

Forest Cultivation Office Scheduled to Close after years of Private Farming
North Hamgyong Province, “Insure the Completion of Baekdu Mountain’s Highway Construction”.
In Hamheung City of South Hamgyong Province, Orders to Crack Down on Merchants Who Break the Price Controls
Hyesan City, Arrests for Illegal Recorded Materials
Patrolmen Order Women, “Take off Your Socks”
In the National Border Areas, August Inspections for Illegal Recorded Material
In Hoeryong city, Twenty-Five Arrested by the National Security Agency
A Public Trial for Drug Traffickers Took Place in Manpo City, Jagang Province
Violent Incident at an Inspection Point in Shinpo City
Reshuffle in the Railroad Authority Bureau Expected

Forest Cultivation Office Scheduled to Close after years of Private Farming
Those citizens who are involved in forest cultivation have also been farming corn or other crops along with growing tree seedlings in the forest. The practice is forest cultivation in name only, being essentially small private farms. However, starting next year, the forest cultivation office (산림이용반) will close down, due to lack of interest in forest preservation over farming. The end of the Forest Cultivation Office means the current saplings will suffer. The Ministry of Land (국토성) had tried to abolish the Forest Cultivation office, but they decided to let its farming continue until the end of the year due to the food crisis that normally comes during the spring.

North Hamgyong Province, “Insure the Completion of Baekdu Mountain’s Highway Construction”.
The Chairman of the People’s Committee (인민위원장) of each city and county in North Hamgyong Province recently attended a provincial all-members meeting, wherein they decided to focus on Baekdu Mountain’s highway construction. As of now, the crew dispatched to Baekdu Mountain’s highway construction, which is to connect many cities and counties, barely manage to live on a bowel of porridge a day. Their living condition has become more of a concern than any delays of construction. To address the problem, the chairman of the People’s committee and the leading secretary (책임비서) gave an order that local towns should be responsible for unconditionally providing food for the workers until August 20. In addition, local leaders are required to report on the food supplied to workers to the province’s administration office (도당조직부).

At the all-members meeting, leaders also stressed the importance of finishing the first phase of Baekdu Mountain’s highway construction at all costs. The commanders in charge of the construction in each city and county were told secure additional laborers and support their livelihood in case there is a shortage of forced labor.

In Hamheung City of South Hamgyong Province, Orders to Crack Down on Merchants Who Break the Price Controls
The manager at the Sapo market office in Hamheung City, members of the People’s Committee and district officers have clamped down on sellers who raise the price of rice. In addition, they send a broadcasting vehicle around the market, announcing “The allowed price of rice is up to 2,700 won per kg, even if it is good quality rice. Any rice over that price cannot be sold”. (* USD $1.00 is approximately 3,300 North Korea won)

Hyesan City, Arrests for Illegal Recorded Materials
Since August 9, officers at Hyesan city in Yanggang Province have been searching for illegal recorded materials. The inspectors, called 109 from the Central Party, inspected city and province officers’ houses, regardless of villagers’ information and their opinion. The authorities believe that more officers are getting blinded by South Korea’s way of living and that they then attempt to cover their illegal acts with their position and power. In compliance with the Central Party’s order to increase enforcement, they announced in public that those officers who had watched South Korean movies have been sentenced to prison at an educational institution.

Patrolmen Order Women, “Take off Your Socks”
Patrolmen’s searches at Hoeryong City security points in the North Hamgyong Province are getting stricter. In the evening they perform searches without any oversight, stopping women who pass by and forcing them to take off their clothes, shoes, even their socks. The inspected women who had disrobed said that they feel contempt and a sense of shame. Jung Eun-shim (31 years old) was upset, stating that “the patrolmen sleep well if they are able to make 50,000 won (about USD $15) in a night, so they are eager to perform searches. They are like parasites feeding off the sweat and blood of the people. I am distraught about this undeserved ill treatment.”

In the National Border Areas, August Inspections for Illegal Recorded Material
From August 7 to August 30, authorities have increased searches for illegal recorded materials and television channels along the national border areas in North Hamgyong Province. Officers in the city and in the village hall announced to residents, “Do not put together a TV receiver and a recorder, do not watch illegal recorded materials, and report anyone who watches or distributes an illegal record or CD to the security office, especially if his material in question is a South Korean movie. They added, if there is a People’s movie produced by an individual, it should be revealed to the security office. Except for a Hana Recording or a Hana Electric CD, and a Mokran CD, all others should be reported. A smuggled recording machine’s usage is prohibited. During this inspection period, if someone turns such a device in voluntarily, they will be forgiven; soon, they will start very severe punishments.

In Hoeryong city, Twenty-Five Arrested by the National Security Agency
In Hoeryong city, the National Security agents arrested twenty-five individuals. Of the twenty-five, three to five were found to be innocent and acquitted, but the rest of the suspects are likely to be sentenced to a severe punishment. Choi Yong-soo in Osan-dong was caught possessing 800g of ‘Ice’ (amphetamines) and USD $9,000. Most of those who were arrested are drug traffickers and seemed to spend more than their income. Han Kwang-sik, who used to be a manager of the foreign currency business office, was arrested last year and sentenced on June 29 to nine years of labor re-education.

A Public Trial for Drug Traffickers Took Place in Manpo City, Jagang Province
The public trial took place for drug trafficker, Kim Joong-suk, and his three accomplices in early August. The defendants sold drugs to their neighbors and attempted to traffic in China. The leader, Kim Joong-suk, was sentenced to life in prison and his three accomplices were sentenced to be re-educated for 7-9 years. During the past couple of years, the traffickers had sold a total of 3,400 kg of drugs. The police officers who protected the illicit business were released from office or discharged for bad conduct.

Violent Incident at an Inspection Point in Shinpo City
An inspector was arrested on August 1 in Shinpo City, South Hamgyong Province because he did not properly inspect a military vehicle. As usual, he stopped the vehicle and asked for the driver’s ID card and destination. The driver said that he was taking a team of patrol officers to Pyongyang. He also provided an identification certificate, which they used to pass any inspection station without showing an ID card. However, the inspector insisted on looking at the passenger’s identification, which upset the driver. The driver then got out of the vehicle, beat the police officer, and left the scene. The police officer was arrested shortly after he had recovered. The police commissioner in Shinpo City was dishonorably discharged because he did not educate his officers about the inspection regulations. This is a case where a strict inspection caused big trouble.

Reshuffle in the Railroad Authority Bureau Expected
Although changing railroad transportation policy has been a top priority, there have been no improvements to the policy. The National Defense Committee has inspected each railroad authority office. They concluded that the officials at the railroad offices did not put any extra effort toward making changes. The central party commanded "We can not let the incapable officers stay at their position. The National Railroad Administration should reshuffle their work force to reorganize operations."

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North Korea Today No. 202

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY

http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 202 September 2008

In Kangsuh County, A Crackdown on Private Manufacturing
Hamhung, Textile Factory Workers Are Sent Out To Sell Cotton
Engineers at Pyongyang’s Soonan Airfield Hoard Aircraft Fuel In Order To Survive
Workers of Eunryoul Mine, “Give us unpaid wages”
Wonsan City, The Market For Used Japanese Goods Returns
Workers of Heungnam Chemical Plant Live On Ground Rice Bran to Be Used To Make Soaps
Workers at Gimchaek Shipyard Prefer Squid Fishing
Tractor Parts Factory in Sariwon Demands That Workers Come to Work
Hyesan Residents “will choose a different place to live if smuggling becomes impossible”
The Cabinet’s Decision on “administrative roles of every organization and public Enterprise”

In Kangsuh County, A Crackdown on Private Manufacturing
Since August 1st, the Safety Agency of Kangsuh County, South Pyongan Province has intensified its control on individual craftsman in order to eradicate anti-socialist phenomenon. Kangsuh County is one of the most well-known areas for individual handicraft manufacturing. It is also called the heaven of imitation production.

Choi Yong-cheol, a resident of Kangsuh County hired 15 handicraftsmen and started producing imitation goods. Choi’s employees were paid 4,000 won per day ($1 is around 3,300 NK won). Mr. Choi has made goods with materials illegally hoarded from national factories, such as imitation Cat Cigarettes, and sold the goods wholesale. His business has improved over the past few years and now Choi is considered as one of the richest people in Kangsuh County. The Organization and Guidance Department of County Party (군당조직부) and County Police Station (군보안서) identified Choi as a main suspect for illegal manufacturing. Fourteen officers selected from the security office, public prosecutor and the police formed a special investigative team. The special enforcement officials had a warrant to search the house and have started investigations based on the testimony of Choi's employees. Materials which are national property but which were found at those houses were confiscated and some laborers were arrested. The confiscated merchandise consists of 35 million won (approximately $10,600) worth of goods including 28 packs of Cat cigarettes and 500kgs of leaf tobacco, 35 gunny bags of confectionery, 4 tons of wheat flour, as well as other items.

Hamhung, Textile Factory Workers Are Sent Out To Sell Cotton
Employees of a textile factory in Hamhung City, South Hamgyong Province are scattered all over the country, each of them ordered to sell 100 bundles of cotton per person. The factory’s output had decreased because of the limit on power supply and poor facilities. Eventually, production at the factory ceased, due to the poor quality of its products. The factory workers had recently joined the social mobilization, when it ended on July 25th, they were sent out to sell cotton. The workers were ordered to sell 100 bundles of cotton worth 15,000 won (around $4.55) each. But as the price is too high the quality low, the workers are unlikely to sell their bundles.

Female workers, in groups of two or three people, also went out to sell cotton but they said it was more difficult than they imagined. Jo Seong-ae (age 37) said, “If I sell all the cotton, I can make 1.5 million won (around $455). Even though I cannot sell all the cotton, at least I was going to make back the money I spent for this trip by exchanging cotton for food or buying other goods. However, it is not easy. Now I do not make any money and I am always spending it on inns and meals. Asking favors of relatives does not help either. I will still be able to go home with some money, but I am anxious about the situation."

Engineers at Pyongyang’s Soonan Airfield Hoard Aircraft Fuel In Order To Survive
Soldiers who serve as airplane engineers at an airfield in Soonan District near Pyongyang City have better household conditions than others. These soldiers and their families are able to receive non-glutinous rice (입쌀) and long grain rice ( 안남미). However, their salary of 2,500 won (less than 1 dollar) is not sufficient for their own survival. Although their food supply is secure, they cannot buy a workbook for their children with only their salary. Therefore, there are many engineers who try to steal aircraft fuel. When the soldiers go to work, they bring an oil can which can be filled with 30 to 50kg of oil and fill the can without their superiors finding out. When the engineers leave work, they hand the can to their wives covertly. Then the wives sell the oil to merchants for a price of 1,600 won per 1kg. Hoarding aircraft oil secretly is very difficult so they wait for opportunities very cautiously.

Workers of Eunryoul Mine, “Give us unpaid wages”
Recently, three workers at Eunryoul Mine of South Hwanghae Province fell ill in a single day. They collapsed due to long term starvation and hard labor. A troop of workers who were infuriated went to the management office and angrily demanded, "We cannot be patient anymore, give us unpaid wages and promise a food supply." Up to now, Eunryoul mine has provided wages only once and a food supply only twice.

Wonsan City, The Market For Used Japanese Goods Returns
A market for Japanese used goods in Wonsan City, Kangwon Province, has regained momentum after it nearly closed at the end of June. Ever since trade with Japan ended, used goods such as bicycles, televisions, refrigerators, and washers became scarce, making the merchants who relied on selling these items suffer greatly. However, since the end of June, more and more people have begun making contact with Japanese ships to receive used goods and start selling again. Among these people, there are college students who earn their tuition by selling used goods they receive from importing companies.

Workers of Heungnam Chemical Plant Live On Ground Rice Bran to Be Used To Make Soaps
Recently it came to light that workers at the Heungnam chemical plant had stolen and lived on ground rice bran (쌀미강가루) which is made into soap. Heungnam City had planned to supply soap to every house as the memorial gift on September 9th of this year. However, according to the industry department of The Provincial People's Assembly, there is now a shortage of the raw materials used to make soap. The chemical factory was reluctant to produce soap in the first place, knowing that its hungry workers might steal the rice bran. Because it has been so long since workers last received food rations, theft of the rice bran used to make soap happens very often. The factory manager said, "Although our laborers consume a lot of ground rice bran, it is difficult for us to stop them because we have not supplied any other foods."

Workers at Gimchaek Shipyard Prefer Squid Fishing
As the number of workers not reporting to the work increases because of lack of food rations, Gimchaek shipyard in North Hamgyong Province has allowed workers to go out for squid fishing. Starting on July 28th, shipyard workers can go out to fish for squid, although they must first be inspected by the coast guard. In order to take as many people on board as possible, shipyard workers connect many different types of small ships to one rope and then ultimately to the biggest ship which will tow the smaller ones. Once the fishing is over and workers come back to the shipyard, the directors of each department receive their share of squid as well.

Tractor Parts Factory in Sariwon Demands That Workers Come to Work
“Let’s close ranks and restore production at our factory to invite our general leader.” This is a statement being made by the executives at a factory that manufactures tractor parts in Sariwon City, North Hwanghae Province. They tell even the weak or the ones that are suffering from the food shortage to come to work. Kang Jae-hyuk, 41 years old, says, “When I give reasons for not being able to come to work, my supervisor thinks I am just being lazy and forces me to come to work.” The workers’ general reaction to such a demand is that “executives at the factory cannot sympathize with the workers because their stomachs are full.” “Let us become full, too,” workers say in public.

Hyesan Residents “will choose a different place to live if smuggling becomes impossible”
Residents in Hyesan City, Ryanggang Province, have taken advantage of their location on the national border and have made much of their living from smuggling. So far, because of National Defense Committee inspections and antisocial activities inspections, many cases of train passengers and local police assisting or getting heavily involved in smuggling have been reported, but it is still able to continue. Residents of Hyesan City state that they will “leave the city if smuggling becomes impossible.” As a matter of fact, some people who already earned a lot of money chose to leave the city and go to places like Sariwon City, Hwanghae Province, or Pyongsung City, Southern Pyongan, because of the inspections. There are many other people who want to leave Hyesan city as soon as they earn their fortune from smuggling.

The Cabinet’s Decision on “administrative roles of every organization and public Enterprise”
Cabinet made rule 68 in regards to “administrative roles of every organization and company.” Some of the important topics are as following:
1. Every organization and public enterprise should establish clear administrative regulations and follow them seriously.
2. Every organization and public enterprise should take strong actions against those who lobby to sell goods and those who do not go to work.
3. Because characteristics that are against socialism are often times found among unemployed or lazy people, these people should be well monitored.
4. Punishments are also to be applied to those who do not follow these rules.

Good Friends: Center for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees
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North Korea Today No. 201

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY
http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 201 September 2008

Soldiers Stealing Corn in Pyonggang County
Hungry Soldiers in Cheolwon County Survive on Stolen Corn
A Farmer in Yeonahn County Killed While Guarding Corn
Full Alert against Theft of Corn in Bookchung County
Armed Policemen Added to Farm Guards



Soldiers Stealing Corn in Pyonggang County
Farmers of Pyonggang County, including individual farmers with small plots of land (뙈기밭), are victimized by soldiers stealing corn from their fields. The farmers filed complaints with the commanding officers of the army units, but the situation has not improved. Theft of corn, on a small scale, has always existed. However, farmers pay special attention nowadays because of the critical shortage of food supply. Pyonggang County Party officially requested the army to take measures against theft for the sake of the farmers’ livelihood. Military authorities sent instructions to the subordinate divisions and brigades that any soldier arrested for theft of corn will be sentenced to longer prison terms and longer labor work.

In the meantime, in the Ahnbyun County, a group of hungry soldiers were caught stealing corn on the field by a guard. These soldiers beat up the farm guard before returning to their army base. The soldiers’ beating was so severe that the farm guard died in that evening. The following day those soldiers were arrested while cooking the corn they stole.

Hungry Soldiers in Cheolwon County Survive on Stolen Corn
Soldiers of the 10th Regiment, 5th division of 5th Corps stationed at Cheolwon, Kangwon Province have been fed only twice a day since last spring. Fortunately this month, some rice has been distributed. However the amount is so little and the soldiers traded the rice for corn because they get a larger volume of corn than the rice. The amount of rationed rice is barely enough for a meal. Consequently the hungry soldiers go to a nearby village and steal corn from the field. The stealing was so rampant that farm managers complained to the army authorities to no avail. A military officer admitted, “We have attempted to draw soldiers’ attention many times. But we have to recognize that the soldiers are fed only twice a day.”

A Farmer in Yeonahn County Killed While Guarding Corn
While guarding a corn field on a farm in Ohyun-ri, Yeonahn County, South Hwanghae Province, a farmer was killed and the another severely injured by soldiers attempting to steal some corn. Even though the farmers could guess that the perpetrating soldiers belong to the artillery regiment of the 4th Corps, there was no solid evidence to accuse any of the soldiers. After the afore-mentioned unit denied that any soldiers went outside the camp that day, no one was arrested. The farmers of other farms in the area also suffer from these thefts. They have had to assign more than fifty farmers with teams of seven farmers to rotating guard duties. Their only job is to guard the crops but it is beyond their capabilities at times. When many laborers and soldiers in large groups come and take what they want, it is impossible to stop them all. By the time they report it to the police station, all of them have run away. Consequently farm managers requested the provincial party leaders of South Hwanghae Province to take proper measures.

Full Alert against Theft of Corn in Bookchung County
Bookchung County of South Hamgyong Province assigns a large number of people to guard against theft of corn, however, it has turned out to be very ineffective. Farmers’ biggest worry is that people take corn before it gets ripe, which may cause the whole crop to disappear. According to the starving residents of Shinhae-ri, the thieves go into the fields and fill their stomachs with unripe corn. The farmers cannot do anything to the thieves unless they find the corn with the thieves. This instigates an increasing loss on the part of the farmers.

Armed Policemen Added to Farm Guards
The police, farm management commission and party leaders of South Hwanghae Province held a meeting to discuss on the measures to guard the farms. They have decided to immediately add armed policemen to guard the farms. Anyone who tries to steal corn and refuses to be arrested or who beats up the farm guards will be sentenced to prison term. Anyone who attempts to flee despite warnings by police to stop will be shot on the spot. Provincial Party issued instructions to all of its subordinate organizations, factories and enterprises that the afore-mentioned measures be publicized widely so that all the laborers and soldiers will understand the consequences. All the authorities of cities and counties have decided to organize the guard duties as soon as possible and make reports on it progress.

Good Friends: Center for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees

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North Korea Today No. 200

RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR NORTH KOREAN SOCIETY
http://www.goodfriends.or.kr/eng

No. 200 August 2008

Sharp Cuts in the List of Prisoners to be Pardoned
Prisoners Are Greatly Disappointed at the Announcement of Sharp Cuts in Amnesty List
Rakwon County (락원군) in South Hamgyong Province Designated as a Special Garrison Area
Rakwon County, "It's Not an Exile but a Relocation"
Spreading Rumor Points to the Second Rakwon County Migration
Forced Migration Leads to Angry Arson
Shooting Over Fertilizer in Pyongyang City
[Congratulations on the occasion of the 200th issue of North Korea Today]
[Congratulatory messages on the 200th issue of North Korea Today]

Sharp Cuts in the List of Prisoners to be Pardoned
In commemoration of September 9, the 60th DPRK foundation’s anniversary (공화국창건60주년), and October 10, the Party Foundation Day (당창건일), a decree granting amnesty to a large number of prisoners was expected. Recently, however, there was an announcement that there would be sharp cuts in the list of prisoners to be pardoned. According to the Central Party Committee's instructions, the Permanent Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly and the Supreme Court have made a decision to provide a one-year reduction in sentences for inmates charged with minor/social crimes. As a result, a small number of prisoners are expected to be pardoned. Meanwhile, the draft of the list of amnesty candidates was dismissed.

Prisoners Are Greatly Disappointed at the Announcement of Sharp Cuts in Amnesty List
Prisoners and their families, who were looking forward to this year's amnesty, are greatly disappointed with the recent announcement of sharp cuts in the amnesty list. The total number of inmates in the labor re-education center (로동교화소) in Ohroh County (오로군), South Hamgyong Province, is approximately 1,500. Of these, 500 prisoners will benefit a one-year reduction in their sentence, while 100 inmates will be released on a pardon. As this year marks the 60th DPRK foundation’s anniversary, a large-scale amnesty was expected. Nevertheless, this year's amnesty candidates will reportedly be restricted to those who committed economic offenses as authorities have decided to reduce the overall number of amnesty recipients.

Meanwhile, 500 inmates of Jeongur-ri re-education center (전거리교화소)in Hoeryong city, North Hamgyong Province, were expected to be pardoned. But it turned out that most of them were excluded in the final list and only 80 prisoners will be released. Also, only some of the minor criminals charged with theft, violence, accidents, or national property damage will benefit the reduction in sentence. In the cases of economic offense, criminals who have spent more than 5 years in prison will be released whereas prisoners serving less-than five-year sentences will receive a minimum one-year reduction in their sentence. Criminals charged with Ice (Amphetamine)-related crimes or human trafficking were excluded in this year's amnesty beneficiaries.

Rakwon County in South Hamgyong Province Designated as a Special Garrison Area
Rakwon County in South Hamgyong Province has been designated as a special garrison area (특별위수구역). Authorities have started investigations in search of households that have any family members who attempted to cross the river into China. They are also searching for anyone who is missing that crossed the border into South Korea, and anyone that has family members who are serving or served in re-education centers with charges of social crimes. The households detected by the investigation team have been relocated to other areas as of July 22nd. In fact, this forceful relocation of households is the same as an exile order. The Rakwon County residents on the list of relocation strongly protested against authorities' decision to forcefully relocate innocent people. The voiced this by shouting out, “What did we do wrong? Why are we being forcefully exiled?" In response, police officers mentioned that, "This is not an exile but a migration (relocation). Get it straight!"

Rakwon County, "It's Not an Exile but a Relocation"
In an effort to assuage residents being relocated, the secretary in charge of the party (당책임비서) and the head of the police station (보안서장) in Rakwon County of South Hamgyong Province mentioned, "You are relocated not because you are bad people but because of the particularity of Rakwon County. When you arrive at a new area, you will find houses with heating systems, food, firewood, and coals that are prepared for you. In addition, the new county's party officers also promised to take good care of you without partiality. As mentioned earlier, what you have to remember is that you're not being exiled but you're migrating due to the particularity of the county. We're neither abandoning nor ousting you."

Rakwon County's feeding and clothing care center (급양관리소) also prepared meals for the residents leaving the county. These people who were relocated took their necessities and food and got on a train. Doctors and nurses also joined this trip in case of an emergency. Furthermore, night patrol officers got on the train as well in order to prevent fleeing during the trip. In the meantime, the Central Party issued an order stating, "Be prepared to welcome new residents [people who are being relocated] when they arrive. Take good care of them. Provide them with necessities, including food so that they can feel safe and stable." Residents in the area where these people are relocated will bear expenses for the supplies necessary for new comers.

Spreading Rumor Points to the Second Rakwon County Migration
There is a circulating rumor of a second forced migration following the current relocation, which will affect the lives of families in seventy to eighty households. The police station rebuffed the rumor with the following statement, “There will be no more relocations and residents should not spread this false rumor“. The concerned residents however, dismissed the statement as more rhetorical evidence of its plan to execute a subsequent migration. Their worries deepened over the possibility of being included in the next relocation.

Forced Migration Leads to Angry Arson
One of the residents, who was forced to vacate his house in order to join a recent migration sponsored by the government, set fire to his own house using gasoline. He could not contain his anger over the involuntary relocation and committed the arson when he learned that an executive government leader would be occupying his recently renovated home. He has accumulated substantial wealth through his privately run fishery business and has been an envy of his neighbors. He was arrested by district security guard members soon after the incident and was beaten while taken into custody.

Shooting Over Fertilizer in Pyongyang City
A shooting between military soldiers and district police erupted in late July when the soldiers were on an illegal business expedition. They attempted to sell 6 MT of stolen fertilizer on behalf of Limsuk-ri farm union member’s wives, who were caught earlier by district police while attempting to sell the stolen fertilizer. The military soldiers were trying to place the stash into a proper business transaction at Moonmoo-ri, Suhheung County(서흥군) of North Hwanghae Province, but were discovered by a group of security police who were on a patrol and resisted their effort. At first, heightened emotions from both sides clashed into fierce, fist-fighting that soon erupted into shooting after one of the district police was killed by a blow to the head in the midst of fighting.

As a result, all the soldiers and police were arrested, and the policeman, who shot the soldier, has been dishonorably discharged and is awaiting an arraignment. Due to the fact that this shooting accident stemmed from the illegal activity of the corrupted workers of Limsuk-ri farm, the chief of the Farm Management Committee (농장관리위원장), the chief engineer (기사장), and the party secretary(당비서) have all been terminated from their posts and taken into custody. One of the Central Party officials indicated that their criminal activity should have a very strict consequence because the scarcity of fertilizer has been a widespread national issue.

[Congratulations on the occasion of the 200th issue of North Korea Today]
It has been four years since we began publishing North Korea Today in September of 2004, pursuing our goal of broadcasting the voices of everyday North Korean people to the world. In the beginning, our investigations were like a blind man trying to figure out what an elephant looked like by passing his hands along its hind leg. However, we persisted because we believe it is important to be a spokesperson for the North Korean people, for men and women who suffer in isolation and silence in a society where information is tightly controlled. As we greet the 200th issue of North Korea Today, we promise to be faithful to our original mandate.

North Korea Today tells the world how the human rights of the North Korean people are being ignored, submerged in the excitement of improving North and South Korean relations. North Korea Today also told the world how dire the North Korean people’s humanitarian needs became as the North and South Korean relationship deteriorated. We have always kept watch over whether our unification policies are actually improving the welfare of the North Korean people.

The 200th issue of North Korea Today is a direct result of our intention to do everything we can on behalf of the people of North Korea. In the process, although we have a long way to go, we have gathered crucial insights into North Korean society. All this would not have been possible without the sacrifice and efforts of all the volunteers involved, as well as the advice of respected North Korea experts. We thank them all.

We promise to do all we can to get the voice of the North Korean people out to the world until the day of reunification. We hope to expedite that day by promoting understanding between the people of North and South Korea. Thank you.

Ven. Pomnyun Sunim, Chairman of Good Friends

[Congratulatory messages on the 200th issue of North Korea Today]

Dr. Katy Oh (Institute for Defense Analyses and Brookings Institution)
"When it comes to North Korea, most of the news is about the unending nuclear negotiations, which have little to do with the 23 million North Korean people. North Korea Today helps fill the gap in our knowledge of how North Koreans live their daily lives. Thanks go not only to the Good Friends organization for maintaining a valuable network of information sources on North Korea, but also to the courageous people on both sides of the border who gather information and take photographs to document the hardships of the North Korean people."

Dr. Jae-jin Suh, (President, Korea Institute for National Unification)
As a North Korean researcher, I find it commendable that a small civil society group would even attempt such a thing as North Korea Today. Now, as North Korea Today passes its 200th issue, I believe it to be an astonishing accomplishment. North Korea Today is an absolutely precious source of primary research material for researchers like me who don’t have direct access. I wish North Korea Today all the best in the years to come.

Dr. Young-soo Kim, (Professor, Department of Politic Science, Sogang University)
Congratulations on the 200th issue of North Korea Today.
Because you publish every day now, I have to be extra diligent to keep up! My students also complain because I have more material to draw from when I test them. Without North Korea Today, it would be impossible to study North Korea. Thank you for all your hard work.

New Arrival (Saetomin) Mr. P
On the 200th publication of North Korea Today, we would like to send our heartfelt congratulations to all those involved in editing and publishing the publication. We believe that North Korea Today truly supports the democratization and improvement of human rights in North Korea, leading to that day when our divided land will come together once more. North Korea Today is able to give a realistic and faithful representation of North Korean lives to the South Korean people and it has created a big reaction. It is also giving Saetomins like me a way to receive news of our homeland that we miss so much.

I have no doubt that North Korea Today will fulfill its mission to safeguard the lives of North Korean people and brighten the potential for peace and reunification on the Korean peninsula. Finally, I would like to warmly greet all my comrades of heart involved in this effort and wish a bright future for North Korea Today.

Hope planner, best blogger in Daum blog news
When the first issue rolled out, it was unfamiliar and somewhat foreign. North Koreans were still aliens to me. Now we have the 200th issue. It took a few years to get here. North Korea Today has now become part of my everyday life, as important to me as the 9 o’clock news. It taught me how to see North and South Korea together. It’s like the bridge of birds that connected the two lovers of ancient legend. Congratulations on the 200th issue of North Korea Today.

Good Friends: Center for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees

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