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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North Korea Today No. 199

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

No. 199 August 2008

"At Best, Harvest will produce 6 Months of Food”
“Food rations will only be available to exceptional workers”
“No Matter What, Distribute food by October 10th”
Drought and Lack of Fertilizer Cause Worries for Farmers in Gaecheon City
A General Residents Meeting Starts with “Let’s Collect Aegookmi (patriotic rice)”
Yeonsa County Worries about Damage by Harmful Insects on Cornfields
Even Though It’s Not Even Winter, Unexpected Collecting of Pork for the People’s Army
Due to Blackout, Pork for People’s Army is Getting Rotten in Storage

"At Best, Harvest will produce 6 Months of Food”
On August 7th, the Agricultural Ministry (농업성) reviewed the current state of farming nationwide and took the time to discuss the reality of the situation. Over half the regions reported "This year, much damage was suffered due to the weather. In South Hwanghae Province and Kangwon Province, the flood damage was extensive, and in places like South Hamgyong Province, the weather was not favorable and that is causing concerns. Even if we have a good harvest this year, we aren't sure if our country will be able to produce enough food to support our citizenry for six months (fall harvest of 1.8 million MT)." After the review was over, the officials in charge of the review received much criticism. "We, Heungnam Fertilizer factory, distributed fertilizer to every province through full operation of factory, why weren’t you able to enact policies to deal with the flood damage? Floods are floods, but shouldn’t you have been setting up equipment during this time in order to be ready for droughts? What exactly are you doing?" Critisms like these came flooding in continuously as disgruntled citizens let out steam.

“Food rations will only be available to exceptional workers”
The general opinion is that this year, North Hamgyung Province will have the best harvest out of all the provinces nationwide. Despite this, the prospect for the future food situation is not good due to the changing climate of international foreign aid. With this in mind, the Chief secretary of the Party in North Hamgyong Province (도당 책임비서) tried to encourage others at a meeting by saying “The Chief secretary, who is in charge of all the citizens nationwide and Chair of the Rural Management Committee (농촌 경영위원회 관리위원장) must do everything in their power to allow the workers in cities and counties to focus all of their efforts on farming. If we are able to distribute food rations next year, those workers will be recognized as the hardest working laborers.”

“No Matter What, Distribute food by October 10th”
The Provincial party throughout the country has issued an order that no matter what, food must be distributed to workers and citizens throughout the country by the 60th DPRK foundation’s anniversary (공화국 창건 60주년) on September 9th of this year or the Party Foundation day (당창건일) on October 10th. In the case that some cities and counties are not able to distribute food, the chief secretaries (책임비서) and chairmen of the people’s committee (인민위원장) of these cities and counties were told that they would be judged as inadequate for their positions. In the past, due to worsening food situations, there were instances where citizens used national resources such as factories and industrial products to engage in capitalist activities. At the meeting of the Foundation day of the Workers Party, members criticized that “Although people have said that they had to engage in these activities because they had no other choice if they wanted to distribute food rations to their citizens, this was not always the case. Those in charge of the factories only gave the workers 1kg or so of foodstuffs while they took anywhere from 10 to 20 times that amount.” In light of this, nationwide investigations have been scheduled to take place from late August to early September to root out these types of criminals from factories and workplaces. Police agencies are currently thoroughly reviewing factory conditions and the amount of materials used at different factories and workplaces.

Drought and Lack of Fertilizer Cause Worries for Farmers in Gaecheon City
This year, farms in and around Gaecheon City of South Pyongan Province face a difficulty in farming because they did not receive fertilizers at the right time and the area has been undergoing a severe drought. Only 3 months and 10 days worth of food was distributed to the farmers due to last year’s poor harvest. Since the farmers know they won’t be given any more food this year, they plan on either stealing a few grains of the year’s harvest or not even coming to work at all. Although supervisors go to each farmer’s house to call out those who did not come for work, the farmers only make a gesture of listening to them. As the farmers are trying to think of a way to manage to live, more and more farmers are not going in to work.

A General Residents Meeting Starts with “Let’s Collect Aegookmi (patriotic rice)”
Across the country, party members, Workers’ Union(직맹), Farmer’s Union(농근맹), Youth Union(청년동맹), and Democratic Women’s Union(녀맹) have begun a public residents’ meeting in which they all advocate “each and every resident should strive to overcome a food shortage and collect military and Aegookmi (애국미;patriotic rice) provisions.” Even in each Neighborhood Unit, such slogans as, “Crops should be harvested at the right time, the infringement of crops should be strongly prevented, and all should put active effort in collecting crops,” are emphasized and studied by the residents through political lectures.

Yeonsa County Worries about Damage by Harmful Insects on Cornfields
In Yeonsa County, North Hamgyong Province, some cornfields have been damage by harmful insects, causing farmers to worry about this year’s harvest. Because they did not spray chemicals on time and the infected corns have withered and turned yellow, it’s reminiscent of the golden yellow fields of the harvesting season in late fall from a distance.

Even Though It’s Not Even Winter, Unexpected Collecting of Pork for the People’s Army
Every winter, the government has collected pork nationwide to support the People’s Army. Quite unexpectedly, it is collecting pork in the summer. Yeonsa County, North Hamgyong Province, is asking farmers to contribute 7kg of pork per person. It used be 5kg per person last year, but the demands have increased 2kg more. This year, the price of pork is around 4,000won per 1kg in the market, so it calculates to be about 28,000 in North Korean Won if a person pays it in cash. Except for a few rich farmers and families, most farmers are worrying about daily meals, so they cannot even imagine contributing pork to the army.

Some farms considered farmers’ difficulties and have decided to receive 10kg of corn instead of 1kg of pork. Therefore, the farmers need to contribute 70kg of corn per person instead of 7kg of pork for the army. However, 70kg of corn is still a big burden for them, so many farmers do not respond to the request. Some farmers have complained, asking why only farmers have to contribute when workers of other companies and enterprises do not. Indeed, workers of companies and enterprises of Onsung County did receive requests to contribute 5kg of pork per worker, but few laborers have consented. In previous years, workers have not contributed pork honestly, but their workplaces did not blame them for the reluctant contribution.

Due to Blackout, Pork for People’s Army is Getting Rotten in Storage
In Onsung County, North Hamgyong Province, contributed pork for People’s Army is starting to rot in the cold storages. It was stored in refrigerators at the historic exploration camp site(답사숙영소) under Ministry of the People’s Armed Forces, but has begun to rot due to several powercuts throughout the day. Residents who have heard this story resentfully comments that, “We did our best to contribute pork that we only eat once in a year if we’re lucky, and those idiots go and spoil it!”

Good Friends: Center for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees

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Good Friends (Korea)

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North Korea Today No. 198

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

No. 198 August 2008

Chilly Atmosphere in Chungjin due to Lee Hong-choon Incident
“A Bounty-Hunter Became Hunted”
Jeongur-ri Re-education Center Officials Demoted for Corruption
Drug Crime Prevention Meeting in Pyongyang
A Public Trial for Several Illegal Drug Producers in Pyongsung
Crack Down on Illegal Media among Officials in Hyesan city
A Public Execution of a Gold Smuggler from Saebyul County
A Man Dies after Being Hounded by Loan Collectors
A Public Execution of a Violent Criminal from Eunpa District

Chilly Atmosphere in Chungjin due to Lee Hong-choon Incident
On July 15 a total of 5 people, including Lee Hong-choon who is the chief of Namgang sales office in Chungjin, North Hamgyong Province, three trading company presidents, and a head of base, were executed behind closed-doors. Namgang sales office chief, Lee Hong-choon made a huge profit by purchasing rice in mass quantities last year to keep in storage and clandestinely released the rice into the market as prices rose. He was executed on the charges of embezzlement because he took all the profit for himself. He also kept about 1,500 MT of corn in storage during last March and April as food prices rose during the famine. The amount of money he earned illegally is about $350,000. Mr. Lee was under surveillance as someone whose lifestyle exceeds their income by following the personal lives of people in trading business. They have been collecting evidence and made a move to make arrest when there was enough evidence. The prosecution of Namgang trading company president and a head of base were followed an arrest of an employee at Namgang trading company.

“A Bounty-Hunter Became Hunted”
Park Gun-choon (age 49) who worked at foreign currency earning company in Chungjin North Hamgyong Province was executed on July 15. He was under investigation for the crime of possessing ‘Ice’ (amphetamine) and illegal media (South Korean). Park Gun-choon was arrested last August and his family was expelled to economic crime detention center (경제범관리소). He could have been released because he provided a lot of bribery to the Central Party, Province Party, National Security Agency, Province prosecutor’s office while he was working at the trading company. However, because he was an agent planted by the Province security agency, there were too many people who died after being arrested or sent to re-education center as a result of intelligence information he had provided. As such, he was excluded in the list of pardon because it is likely that the public sentiment will deteriorate if he is released and he is very likely to defect to South Korea. Moreover, Mr. Park knew too much of criminal activities among high-ranking officials and national security intelligence information. So, he ended up being executed. People who heard the news expressed their cynical sentiments by saying, “He worked as a bounty hunter, but he ended up being hunted down and killed. This is exactly what they say about a hunter became hunted.”

Jeongur-ri Re-education Center Officials Demoted for Corruption
The inspection of Jeongur-ri re-education center in Hoeryong city, North Hamgyung Province resulted in the punishment of the officials, including one demotion. This action was in response to the complaints of people and the public sentiments about the re-education center that “they release those with money and incarcerate only those without money.” The results of the investigation revealed that the officials of the Jeongur-ri re-education center have been committing illegal activities using their position to soliciting big bribes in exchange for releasing criminals with probation. As a result, the re-education center chief received the punishment of demotion by one level from major to ‘senior captain’ and the vice chief was demoted from ‘senior captain’ to captain respectively.

Drug Crime Prevention Meeting in Pyongyang
On July 31, Pyongyang city police authorities held a drug crime prevention meeting by convening the central area police chief and police officers. The meeting was in response to the ever growing drug crimes among the residents of Pyongyang city. After the meeting an order was issued, “each area police station should work with the citizens and strictly enforce the law by swiftly responding to drug use among the unwholesome segment of the citizenry.” They declared that those caught with drugs will be expelled from Pyongyang city. According to the result of Pyongyang police investigation drug use among young people between the ages of 18 to 22 is growing, and especially the number of women users are growing very fast. In the meantime, Mr. Lee who lives in Dangsang-dong, Mangyungdae District was arrested immediately for the manufacturing of drugs.

A Public Trial for Several Illegal Drug Producers in Pyongsung
On August 2, a public trial was held in the city of Pyongsung in South Pyongan Province. The defendants were two main producers of illegal drugs, including Hong Yang-cheol, and three co-conspirators. The two leaders, Hong and Yang Ji-hyuk received life sentences; and the other three each received 9 year or 13 year prison terms. They used to produce illegal substance in a white powder form called “White Bullet” which is mixed with tobacco and inhaled by its users. The defendants confessed that their illicit drug is used entirely in the city of Pyongyang, and that more and more of its wealthy residents are using it.

Crack Down on Illegal Media among Officials in Hyesan city
On August 9, a crack down on illegal media started in Hyesan city, Ryanggang Province. The 109th illegal media enforcement team members dispatched by the Central Party are conducting inspections of each province party, city party, and local high-ranking officials regardless of public complaints by visiting them in person. As the Central Party has pointed out “officials need to be investigated thoroughly because they conceal their illegal behaviors using their position and power. Their life style is becoming more like that of South Korea,” even officials get a re-education sentence without exception if they are caught watching South Korean movies.

A Public Execution of a Gold Smuggler from Saebyul County
On August 12, there was a public execution of Park Soon-koo (65), a resident of Saebyul County in North Hamgyong Province. He was charged with the crime of the smuggling bronze and alluvial gold in and out of China during the last three years.

A Man Dies after Being Hounded by Loan Collectors
On August 13, Park Cheol-san, a resident of Ontan-gu, Onsung County in North Hamgyung Province, was found dead hanging by the neck from a tree in front of his house. It is reported that he had accumulated a lot of debt while trying several different business ventures, and was hounded by loan collectors recently. Police has not determined whether Park’s death was suicide or murder, and is investigating all those who paid him a visit.

A Public Execution of a Violent Criminal from Eunpa District
There was a public execution of Lee Duk-ho, a textile factory worker from Eunpa County, North Hwanghae Province on July 19. He had once served a prison term for robbery before returning to a life of crime. On March 22, he raped and strangled a female student who was riding a bicycle, and took 90 thousand won and her used Japanese bicycle.

Good Friends: Center for Peace, Human Rights and Refugees

If you need further information, please contact

Good Friends (Korea)

E-mail:intnetwork@jungto.org

Tel:82-2-587-8996 / Fax:82-2-587-8998

Good Friends USA (Washington, DC)

E-mail:goodfriendsusa@yahoo.co.kr

Tel: 1-202-824-0788/1-301-455-9196(D)

North Korea Today No. 197

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

No. 197 August 2008

Most Students of Kyongsung Medical School Went Back Home Before the Vacation
Jogoonsil College, School Schedule Normalization since Last July
Wheat Distribution to Sinuiju Colleges
Hyesan City, College Student as a LecturerThe Government Seizes Teacher’s LicenseA Train Carrying Glass Got DerailedA Freight Train Bounding for Sariwon to Pyongsan County OverturnedRobber Disguise as Peoples Army Men

Most Students of Kyongsung Medical School Went Back Home Before the Vacation
Many of medical school students at Kyongsung County of North Hamgyong Province had gone back home before vacation. The students said they could not study anymore because food supply in the school cafeteria was not enough to fill their hunger.The students had ground corncob meal (묵지가루밥) for breakfast, noodles and five pieces of potato for lunch and dinner. Many of them left school for home without permission saying that going back home and making money would be better. Kim Min-chan (19 years old) said, “I have lived with money sent by my parents but my family also had a financial problem this year. I cannot be burden on my parents anymore. It is a season for small octopus. So at least I can make money from catching octopuses. I should make and save money so that I can continue my studies.” Kim left school for catching octopus before vacation started. On August 7th, a student who was a second grade of the school went on a fishing boat to catch squid and died. The Organization and Guidance Department of County Party is considering how to criticize the school principle and the teacher in charge.

Jogoonsil College, School Schedule Normalization since Last July
It usually costs 50,000-60,000 won for a month for students to attend to Jogoonsil College (조군실대학) at Kangwon Province. However, for last May and June, the students could not concentrate on studies because they could not have meals from the school even though they had money for that. Except for those who could afford to buy meals outside of the school, many students gave up to pursue their degrees at school and went back home. There were only about ten students left per class, therefore it was hard for professors to manage their curriculum. The school reported to the government about the situation and received 28 MT of whole corn on last July 4th. On July 8th, the school asked all the students to gather for memorial event for Kim Il-Song. After the event, the students were able to attend classes from July 10th.

Wheat Distribution to Sinuiju Colleges
From August 1, all the universities, hospitals, and school teachers in Sinuiju, North Pyongyang Province received wheat provided by the United States. Generally, deans and professors got 26kg of wheat and school teachers received minimum of 15kg per person.
Hyesan City, College Student as a LecturerA Publicity Department and Police Station at Hyesan City of Ryanggang Province gave lectures to the residents on “Limit television channels to North Korean broadcasting, Do not watch illegal video tapes.” Senior students of the medical school were sent to give lectures in Hyesan City. The students emphasized, “If you watch South Korean movies and CD, you will be caught and punished severely.” at the city hall and Neighborhood Unit. These kinds of lectures are also provided in other areas including National Border Area and censorship has been tightened.

The Government Seizes Teacher’s License
Choi Myong-ae, a music teacher at the Ontan elementary school in Onsung County, North Hamgyong Province got her license deprived due to giving illegal private lessons. Choi earns ten thousand won per month for musical instrument lessons. She was criticized for violating socialistic ideology and her diploma of Chungjin teacher's college was confiscated.

A Train Carrying Glass Got Derailed
On August 7th, a train was derailed at Ryonggang Station (룡강역). It was carrying glass made from Daean Chinsun glass factory (대안친선유리공장) in Nampo City, South Pyongan Province to Wonsan City, Kangwon province. Due to this accident, five out of six cabins were overturned. The person in charge of taking over the glass and four deliverymen were killed on the scene. The glasses over 12,000 square feet were damaged. The crowds of the scene were busy finding and carrying glasses that fit to their windows instead of restoring the damage.


A Freight Train Bounding for Sariwon to Pyongsan County Overturned
On the afternoon of last August 9, a freight train bounding for Sariwon to Pyongsan County overturned due to the collapse of a railroad tie. This accident caused heavy casualties nine passengers were killed at the scene of the accident, eight injured seriously and seven cars overturned. The victims were all women who left home to do business to make a living.

Robber Disguise as Peoples Army Men
On the evening around 7:00 of August 13, two robbers disguised as People's Army had appeared at a ridge of Poongsan (풍산고갯마루) in Hoeryong city. They beat up a man on a bicycle without saying anything, they left the injured along the street and hurried off with robbed bicycle. The mugged victims reported the incident to a local police station, but tracking a criminal does not seem to be simple because the victims' witness was uncertain whether they were real Peoples' Army or disguised as robber.

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North Korea Today No. 196

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

No. 196 August 2008

Yeecheon County, Kangwon Province, “This year we must distribute to the farmers”
More Hills Means Bigger Difficulty in Kangwon Province
Pyongyang Holds a Discussion-Lecture Regarding the Food Situation
North Hamgyong Holds Discussion Regarding Farming Progress in the Provincial Party Member’s Meeting
Harvest Yield, North Hamgyong Little Better But South Hamgyong Is Of Concern
Sinuiju Already Has Many Households with No Food
Haeju Nursing Home, 120g of Corn Porridge Delivered Daily to Seniors
Ontan-gu in Onsung County, People Barely Survive On Potatoes

Yeecheon County, Kangwon Province, “This year we must distribute to the farmers”
On August 2 of last year, heavy rainfall devastated the farmlands of Songjeong-ri and other villages, Yeecheon County of Kangwon Province. Half of Yeecheon County’s farmlands were damaged, which erases hopes of any harvests in the fall. The farmers of this land cries out: “We weren’t able to harvest either last year due to flood damages and we don’t harvest again this year. If no food support comes to us, we are hopeless. Nobody seems to be able to survive until next year.”

The members in farmland committee are also worried. One member says, “We weren’t able to distribute food for support to the farmers last year and thus food crisis came earlier this year. When people have no food, they do not want to come to work. Therefore, we had to use all measures necessary to make them work. Few days ago, our committee had a discussion and concluded that we must take extra care on the places with less damages and at least distribute 8months worth of food to each farmers this year so they can farm again next year.

This discussion’s conclusion was that “if farmers don’t receive food distribution from us, nobody has right to force them to work. How can anyone force hungry and ill farmers to the workplace? Therefore, after the discussion, the committee ordered the directors of each work areas to “put all the efforts in making sure that absolutely no food gets thrown away carelessly”

More Hills Means Bigger Difficulty in Kangwon Province
There are not many differences in food situations of between the county in Kangwon Province, but it gets worse as more hills there are in the county. Gosan, Anbyon, Tongchun, and Bupdong Counties are the ones in serious situations.

Pyongyang Holds a Discussion-Lecture Regarding the Food Situation
Last July 26, lectures were held for the workers and the members of Democratic Women’s Union(녀맹) in Pyongyang, South Pyongan, South Hwanghae, and North Hwanghae. “Food crisis is not just our crisis; it is a global crisis. Countries like U.S. make oils out of corns, which shortens global food supply as result. Furthermore, natural disasters disturbed production yield in some countries that were expected to do well. Thus, we must acknowledge these facts and support our villages. In difficult time like this, we must save as much pieces of grain yields as we can and try to be self-dependent. Not getting food support or distribution should not be the reason to skip works at factories. Let’s all have strong sense of responsibilities.”

North Hamgyong Holds Discussion Regarding Farming Progress in the Provincial Party Member’s Meeting
Last July 21st, a discussion was held in the Provincial Party Member’s meeting of North Hamgyong. The main topic of this discussion was on the progress of current farming; how much of Heungnam fertilizer, which was provided to them; whether there were any areas that did not receive fertilizers; if so, what were the sizes of areas that did not receive Heungnam fertilizers. Besides these issues, disputes regarding town clean-up project (꾸리기사업) were discussed before land decisions (국토판정).

The following lists were mainly discussed at the meeting.
1. People with homes near railroads are going to be relocated in new dwellings.
2. Until July 27, laborers reported to work on the construction of apartment buildings in Hoeryong City. However, since then the laborers have been relocated to work on a new project involving building roads for tourist development in Mt. Baekdu.
3. People were encouraged to maintain roads and landscaping in the cities and in smaller counties.
4. People were encouraged to support he homeless shelters (꽃제비 구제소).
5. People were asked to support the education system, especially in these difficult times.
6. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the founding of the DPRK, people should be proud of social and physical accomplishments.

On other note, responsible party secretaries or chairman of cities and counties which did not receive good rankings on land decisions should resign and be criticized for his failures. For this reason, each city and county was busy doing last-minute checkups on residence houses and towns until July 28 and received inspection from the Provincial party on the next day.

Harvest Yield, North Hamgyong Little Better But South Hamgyong Is Of Concern
This years yield in North Hamgyong is predicted to be little better than last year. Up to this point in August, Chungjin City and Hoeryong City’s farming are doing relatively well. Although this year’s fertilizer came in little late, Heukbosan fertilizer (흙보산비료)[1]) was there as alternatives and weather wasn’t that bad either in most of the areas. However, Gimchaek City is having a difficult year in its corn farming due to lack of rainfalls in April and May and warm weathers. Furthermore, sudden hailstones in May forced them to plant beans again because most of the corn trees were ripped down. In Southern Hamgyong, severe drought has caused farmlands to crack apart and left many farmers in despair.

Sinuiju Already Has Many Households with No Food
In Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, this year’s new grain has already depleted leaving people to struggle to survive on just soups once again. Consequently, divorce and suicide rates have gone up. In early August, one woman committed suicide after struggling to live, leaving behind a little sister. Another woman in the same neighborhood was finally able to take her youngest daughter, who is suffering from malignant lymphoma, to the hospital because her friends collected money to help her. Unfortunately, doctors told her it was too late. Neighbors shared their sympathy by saying “We may live because we can’t die. However, this is too harsh to let the little girl to die first. We feel sad just by being around this situation. How would the mother feel?”

Haeju Nursing Home, 120g of Corn Porridge Delivered Daily to Seniors
Grain Administration Department (량정부) of the People’s Committee in Haeju City of South Hwanghae has made a rule to make each senior’s share of food to be 150g per day. However, even this little amount was robbed by the workers on the rear side, making real distribution of food to each senior in nursing home (양로원) to become mere 120g. Porridge made of crushed maize (짝옥수수) is all a senior eats for one meal. Such situation makes seniors want to run away from the their asylums like the homeless children (꽃제비) escaping from their asylums. Therefore, asylums place guards so that seniors cannot escape. Some seniors with money lobby for more food, but it is a rare case.

Ontan-gu in Onsung County, People Barely Survive On Potatoes
Most of the residents in Ontan-gu, Onsung County of Northern Hamgyong are living on potatoes. One neighborhood unit (인민반), for example, has only two or three households that eat corns. Many lecture being continued to be held to encourage people. “Let’s overcome the suffering and follow those who overcame. The suffering will pass by and we will surely construct a strong nation under our great general’s leadership. Let’s overcome every obstacles by holding our faith of revolution together like all the leaders that was hidden or appeared during the march of sufferings”

[1]) A fertilizer made by North Korea, it contains an ingredient used to restore the soil

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North Korea Today No. 195

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

No. 195 August 2008

Working To Prevent Flood Damage
Pyongyang Gives Aid to Restore Flood Damage of Kaesong
Pyongsung’s Spring Forest Fire Destroyed 28 Jungbo (units of area)
Catching Squid is in Seasonal Prime and Piracy Is Also at Its Peak
Missing Fishermen Found Captive in Russia
Train collision at Jungju Station
Increase in Deportation during Beijing Olympics

Working To Prevent Flood Damage
In July and August, Kaesong and its suburban farming villages had unexpected damage caused by floods and torrential rainstorms. The local party organized and sent ‘prevention team for flood damage’ to the City Management Department of every City and County People’s Assembly. They ordered that cities should repair railroads, bridges, and levees that have the possibility of damaging the farming areas and cities, and to rebuild banks if there are any problems. If any district does not follow this directive, they will punish the people in charge immediately.

Pyongyang Gives Aid to Restore Flood Damage of Kaesong
Pyongyang has mobilized workers of factories and enterprises to restore the flood damaged areas of Kaesong. Pyongyang has also given 300 tons of cement produced by Sangwon Cement Factory of Sangwon district as part of the rebuilding effort. On the other hand, this heavy rain in Kaesong destroyed cornfields, so it will be impossible to harvest corn in Kaesong and its surrounding farming villages such as Kaepoong County. They plowed over the flooded paddy fields and cornfields and planted vegetables such as Korean cabbage and daikon in order to make the most of the situation.

Pyongsung’s Spring Forest Fire Destroyed 28 Jungbo (units of area)
On July 12, the Ministry of Justice of Pyongsung City People’s Assembly, South Pyongan Province, analyzed that the area destroyed by a forest fire reached 28 Jungbo (about 910 ㎡) from April to June of this year. For example, a forest fire that broke out in Dongbook-ri, Pyongsung on the morning of May 27 suffocated and burned to death as many as 13 farmers. This area is forest conservancy that is close to residential areas, so protecting trees is very important. For the severe damage of materials and casualties, the Justice Department punished forest rangers with 3 to 6 months mining works without payment.

Catching Squid is in Seasonal Prime and Piracy Is Also at Its Peak
July 29, when a boat belonging to Gimchaek Steel Mill, Songpyong district, Chungjin, North Hwanghae Province, returned from catching squids, pirates attacked and robbed the boat. They robbed the boat of its fishing nets, batteries, tools, and all the squid on board. The robbed boat was out of gas and drifted out to sea until it was rescued around 4 o’clock of the next day, July 30, by a boat of Urang Fisheries Enterprise. Since last year, there were about 120 reported piracies in the sea around Chungjin and Rajin. Furthermore, they have an unprecedently good harvest of squid in this year, so the piracy is at its peak. La, Geum-cheol (41) living by the sea of Chungjin said, “Scamps who do not like to work get together and go out to sea by carrying lethal weapons. They pretend to fish and all of a sudden catch the other boats. They kill people who resist and throw them to the sea, so most fishing boat give up their earnings when they encounter the piracy. Because it is not easy to survive, we experience all kinds of things.” In order to solve this problem, Chungjin has decided to locate a shooter on each boat from August.

Missing Fishermen Found Captive in Russia
The missing fishermen whose whereabouts were unknown until now since their disappearance on June 29 have reportedly been detained by Russia. This group of fishermen, who left their home town of Raksan-dong Chungarm District of Chungjin City in Hamgyong Province for a squid fishing expedition, was captured by Russian coast guards when it entered Russian sea. This latest news brought much relief for the family members of the fishermen who have agonized over uncertainty of their whereabouts. However, the family members are now faced with yet another apprehension for their fishermen’s safe return since no definitive date is yet to be set.

Train collision at Jungju Station
On July 27, a train collision occurred at Jungju station located in Jungju County of North Pyongan Province. Fortunately, no civilians was hurt since it was a war victory memorial day (전승기념일), but this military freight train crash took the lives of three military personnel. A brake malfunction on the freight train carrying anthracite coal crashed into another haul freight filled with crops and derailed two of its cars carrying corn. The Jungju station train conductor, stationmaster, and the engineer from the freight train that caused the accident have resigned.

Increase in Deportation during Beijing Olympics
Many North Korean defectors, who have crossed the river into China, are being deported. Citing the need for heightening security and keeping social order in light of 2008 Beijing Olympics, the Chinese government has begun enforcing a track-down and deportation of defectors. As part of this massive hunt, the government has imposed a strict fine of 5,000 Wan to those who secretly provide shelter and/or subsidy ranging from 500 to 1,000 Wan to a defector. Also, it entices defectors with a promise of a safe residency as part of new human right’s effort and then arrests them when they come to apply for the residency. The North Korean authorities have deployed its security guards in the national border area to launch an intense investigation with the Chinese.

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