On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'
1 year, 10 months ago

On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'

India Today  

Despite being on the brink of famine due to critical food shortages, North Korea has reportedly refused foreign aid, likening it to a “poisoned candy”. North Korea's official newspaper Rodong Simmun said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages would be like taking "poisoned candy" and urged lawmakers to instead focus on becoming self-sufficient. In 2022 the World Food Programme estimated that 10.7 million people – or more than 40 per cent of North Korea’s population – were undernourished and required humanitarian assistance. US-based monitoring group 38 North said North Korea's "food availability has likely fallen below the bare minimum with regard to human needs", with food insecurity at its worst since the famines of the 1990s, when an estimated 3.5 million died of starvation.

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History of this topic

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rejects outside aid for flood recovery
4 months, 4 weeks ago

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un rejects outside aid for flood recovery

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea will not seek …

Thousands of North Korea defectors reveal what it’s really like to live in Kim Jong-Un’s isolated state
11 months ago

Thousands of North Korea defectors reveal what it’s really like to live in Kim Jong-Un’s isolated state

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The majority of North Koreans who resettled in South …

3 Takeaways From the North Korea-Russia Summit
1 year, 4 months ago

3 Takeaways From the North Korea-Russia Summit

The Diplomat  

On September 13, North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un met and held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during a visit to the Vostochny Cosmodrome – a spaceport located in the Amur Oblast in Russia’s Far East region. His delegation included Pak Thae Song, chairman of North Korea’s space science and technology committee, which develops artificial satellites, and Navy …

North Korea is preparing for a new round of weapons tests, South Korean spy agency says
1 year, 4 months ago

North Korea is preparing for a new round of weapons tests, South Korean spy agency says

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea is preparing for a new round of provocative weapons displays such as long-range missile tests and a spy satellite launch, as it ramps up illicit activities to support its fragile economy, South Korea’s intelligence service told lawmakers Thursday. Outside experts believe North Korea’s current food shortages and economic troubles are the worst since leader …

Families in North Korea ‘starving to death’ due to lack of supplies – report
1 year, 6 months ago

Families in North Korea ‘starving to death’ due to lack of supplies – report

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Families in North Korea are …

Russia looking to ’starving’ North Korea for ammunition in exchange for food
1 year, 9 months ago

Russia looking to ’starving’ North Korea for ammunition in exchange for food

Live Mint  

Vladimir Putin led Russia is likely seeking more ammunition from Kim Jong Un led North Korea in exchange for food aid, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has said. "We remain concerned that North Korea will provide further support to Russia's military operations against Ukraine," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said. “And we have new information that …

US: Russia seeks arms-for-food deal with North Korea
1 year, 9 months ago

US: Russia seeks arms-for-food deal with North Korea

Associated Press  

WASHINGTON — The White House on Thursday said it has new evidence that Russia is looking again to North Korea for weapons to fuel the war in Ukraine, this time in a deal that would provide Pyongyang with needed food and other commodities in return. “We also understand that Russia is seeking to send a delegation to North Korea and …

Is North Korea facing its worst food crisis?
1 year, 10 months ago

Is North Korea facing its worst food crisis?

The Independent  

Kim Jong Un wants to strengthen his control over North Korea’s agriculture in order to increase grain production, according to state media reports. South Korea’s spy agency has said North Korea needs 5.5 million tons of grain to feed its 25 million people each year. open image in gallery Kim Jong Un has suggested tighter government control over grain During …

Is North Korea fighting a food crisis?
1 year, 10 months ago

Is North Korea fighting a food crisis?

Al Jazeera  

As leader Kim Jong calls for agricultural improvements amid reports of a worsening food crisis, we speak to an expert about the challenges the country is facing. North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has ordered agricultural improvements amid reports from outside the country of a worsening food crisis. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to meet agricultural …

N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage
1 year, 10 months ago

N. Korea wants more control over farming amid food shortage

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to strengthen state control over agriculture and take a spate of other steps to increase grain production, state media reported Thursday. “If authorities view markets negatively, they can’t be properly recovered.” Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University’s Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, said the latest North …

North Korea’s Kim says ‘nothing impossible’ amid agriculture push
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea’s Kim says ‘nothing impossible’ amid agriculture push

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has urged officials to meet agricultural production targets amid reported food shortages, declaring “nothing is impossible” under the leadership of the ruling Workers’ Party. Kim said during a ruling party meeting on Wednesday that officials should concentrate on meeting grain production targets “without fail”, increasing yields at all farms and eradicating “internal factors that …

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un orders 'fundamental transformation' of agriculture amid reports of food shortages
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un orders 'fundamental transformation' of agriculture amid reports of food shortages

Firstpost  

North Korea is under strict international sanctions over its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, and its economy has been further strained by strict self-imposed border lockdowns aimed at stopping COVID-19 outbreaks Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un urged government officials to engineer a “fundamental transformation” in agricultural production, state media reported on Tuesday, amid fears that the country’s …

North Korea's Kim Jong Un chairs agriculture conference amid serious food shortage
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea's Kim Jong Un chairs agriculture conference amid serious food shortage

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, as outside assessments suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. Monday’s report didn’t elaborate on its agenda, but the party’s Politburo said earlier this month that “a turning point is needed to dynamically promote radical change in agricultural development.” …

North Korea’s Kim orders ‘radical change’ in agriculture
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea’s Kim orders ‘radical change’ in agriculture

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for a “radical change” in agricultural production amid concerns over reported food shortages in the isolated country. Kim, the third generation of his family to rule secretive North Korea, made his remarks less than a week after South Korea’s Unification Ministry said its northern neighbour appeared to be facing a “grave” food …

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Deccan Chronicle  

SEOUL, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. South Korean experts estimate that North Korea is short around 1 million tons of grain, 20 percent of its annual demand, after the pandemic disrupted …

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agriculture, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that suggest the country is facing a serious shortfall of food. South Korean experts estimate that North Korea is short around 1 million tons of grain, 20 percent of its annual demand, after the pandemic …

North Korea's Kim Jong Un holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea's Kim Jong Un holds rare meeting on farming amid food shortage

Firstpost  

Recent unconfirmed reports have said an unknown number of North Koreans have died of hunger. But observers have seen no indication of mass deaths or famine in North Korea Seoul, South Korea: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un opened a major political conference dedicated to agricultural improvement, state media reported Monday, amid outside assessments that the country’s chronic food insecurity …

North Korea's Kim convenes meeting to improve economy amid fears of food shortages
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea's Kim convenes meeting to improve economy amid fears of food shortages

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un kicked off a meeting of ruling party officials to discuss improving the country's economy and agricultural sector, state media reported on Monday, as fears of food shortages and a humanitarian crisis grow. Kim oversaw the seventh enlarged plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on Sunday as it …

N. Korea food shortage worsens amid COVID, but no famine yet
1 year, 10 months ago

N. Korea food shortage worsens amid COVID, but no famine yet

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculation about the country’s food insecurity has flared as its top leaders prepare to discuss the “very important and urgent task” of formulating a correct agricultural policy. Its specific agenda is unknown, but the party’s powerful Politburo earlier said that …

North Korea chronic food shortage worsens amid COVID-19, but no famine yet
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea chronic food shortage worsens amid COVID-19, but no famine yet

Firstpost  

It is difficult to know the exact situation in the North, which kept its borders virtually closed during the pandemic. Food shortages and economic hardships have persisted since a famine killed estimated hundreds of thousands of people in the mid-1990s Seoul, South Korea: There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and speculation …

North Korea food shortage worsens amid Covid, but no famine yet
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea food shortage worsens amid Covid, but no famine yet

India Today  

There’s little doubt that North Korea’s chronic food shortages worsened due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and speculation about the country’s food insecurity has flared as its top leaders prepare to discuss the “very important and urgent task” of formulating a correct agricultural policy. Its specific agenda is unknown, but the party’s powerful Politburo earlier said that a “a turning point …

On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'
1 year, 10 months ago

On brink of famine, North Korea refuses foreign aid, calls it 'poisoned candy'

India Today  

Despite being on the brink of famine due to critical food shortages, North Korea has reportedly refused foreign aid, likening it to a “poisoned candy”. North Korea's official newspaper Rodong Simmun said that relying on external aid to cope with food shortages would be like taking "poisoned candy" and urged lawmakers to instead focus on becoming self-sufficient. In 2022 the …

N Korea paper warns against ‘poisoned candy’ amid food shortages
1 year, 10 months ago

N Korea paper warns against ‘poisoned candy’ amid food shortages

Al Jazeera  

The Rodong Sinmun warns against accepting external help amid reports North Korea is teetering on brink of famine. North Korea’s official newspaper has urged economic self-reliance amid reports of food shortages, arguing that relying on external aid to cope with the food situation would be like taking “poisoned candy”. The commentary, published in the Rodong Sinmun on Wednesday, comes days …

North Korea’s Kim breaks ground for housing, farm projects
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea’s Kim breaks ground for housing, farm projects

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un attended groundbreaking ceremonies for new housing and farming projects, which are part of his push for domestic achievements as the country’s economic isolation deepens amid his defiant pursuit of nuclear arms. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Kim broke ground Wednesday for the construction of a huge …

North Korea ‘reduces food rations for troops’ for first time in 23 years
1 year, 10 months ago

North Korea ‘reduces food rations for troops’ for first time in 23 years

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea’s severe food crisis …

North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue
1 year, 11 months ago

North Korea party meeting set to discuss ‘urgent’ food issue

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has scheduled a major political conference to discuss the “urgent task” of improving its agricultural sector, a possible sign of worsening food insecurity as the country’s economic isolation deepens amid a defiant nuclear weapons push. North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said Monday that members of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Politburo met on …

UN chief warns of ‘catastrophe’ from global food shortage
2 years, 6 months ago

UN chief warns of ‘catastrophe’ from global food shortage

Associated Press  

BERLIN — The head of the United Nations warned Friday that the world faces “catastrophe” because of the growing shortage of food around the globe. “This year’s food access issues could become next year’s global food shortage,” he said. “No country will be immune to the social and economic repercussions of such a catastrophe.” Guterres said U.N. negotiators were working …

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea
2 years, 7 months ago

COVID amid food insecurity: A perfect storm is brewing in N Korea

Al Jazeera  

Widespread malnutrition and the absence of a stable health system are exacerbating the impact of COVID-19 in the country. On May 12, North Korea reported the country’s first COVID outbreak, a significant public admission after two and a half years of stringent lockdowns and border closures. Omicron, the variant behind North Korea’s outbreak, is estimated to be asymptomatic in close …

North Korea suffers amid COVID surge, hunger
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea suffers amid COVID surge, hunger

The Hindu  

The last time Ken Eom managed to speak with his family in North Korea, they did not seem particularly worried about contracting the coronavirus. "The last time I was able to get through to them, they did not even mention the virus," said Eom, an advocate for defectors and a keynote speaker for the Seoul-based Freedom Speakers International organization. On …

North Korea reports more fevers as Kim claims virus progress
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea reports more fevers as Kim claims virus progress

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea said Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people with feverish symptoms, even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of COVID-19 across his unvaccinated populace and hinted at easing virus restrictions to nurse a decaying economy. The North’s Rodong Sinmun newspaper said farm workers in South Hwanghae province …

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea shuns outside help as COVID catastrophe looms

Al Jazeera  

Pyongyang has not responded to offers of help and inquiries from the US, South Korea, the WHO and UNICEF. North Korea, whose dynastic leadership proclaims an official ideology of self-reliance known as “juche”, has long been known for its secrecy and hostility towards the outside world. “I would guess that is a combination of both.” North Korea, where state propaganda …

North Korea Kept Itself In Fortress Against Covid. With '1st' Cases, Will Kim Open 'Castle Doors' to Aid?
2 years, 7 months ago

North Korea Kept Itself In Fortress Against Covid. With '1st' Cases, Will Kim Open 'Castle Doors' to Aid?

News 18  

Despite bringing to its heels many countries since it emerged two years ago, the Covid-19 pandemic ‘failed’ to push North Korea out of its secretiveness. But the Path Ahead Looks Rocky North Korea’s confirmed outbreak comes as China — its close ally and trading partner — battles its biggest outbreak of the pandemic. North Korea in January tentatively reopened railroad …

In Year-End Speech, Kim Jong Un Focuses on 'Food Problem' in North Korea
3 years ago

In Year-End Speech, Kim Jong Un Focuses on 'Food Problem' in North Korea

News 18  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has again admitted there is a “food problem” in the country, during a speech which brought an important five-day meeting of his Korean Worker’s Party to a close. The year-end address, summarized by state media outlet KCNA on Saturday, made brief reference to “emergency epidemic prevention work.” North Korea has kept quiet throughout the …

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un vows to boost military, maintain virus curbs
3 years ago

North Korea leader Kim Jong Un vows to boost military, maintain virus curbs

India Today  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vowed to further bolster his military capability, maintain draconian anti-virus measures and push hard to improve the economy during a speech at a key political conference this week, state media reported Saturday. KCNA said the plenary meeting set forth “tactical directions” for North Korea’s external relations including with South Korea, but didn’t elaborate. There …

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns of ‘very giant struggle’
3 years, 1 month ago

North Korea’s Kim Jong Un warns of ‘very giant struggle’

Al Jazeera  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has said the country must be prepared for a “very giant struggle” next year to continue to make progress in areas including defence, agriculture and construction, state media reported on Thursday. Kim said that while the country still faces economic difficulties, the party has had success in pushing to meet policy targets and implementing …

Sustainability and Survival: North Korea’s Struggle With Climate Change
3 years, 1 month ago

Sustainability and Survival: North Korea’s Struggle With Climate Change

The Diplomat  

North Korea is at a crossroads. In the report, North Korea recognizes that “continued natural disasters by flood, drought, typhoon and heat wave have affected severe impacts on the people’s life and health and economic development” while lamenting the country’s exposure in recent years “to negative impacts such as reduction in agricultural production, destruction of agricultural infrastructure, degradation of soil …

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021: UN report
3 years, 5 months ago

North Korea developing nuclear, missile programs in 2021: UN report

India Today  

North Korea continued developing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs during the first half of 2021 in violation of international sanctions and despite the country's worsening economic situation, according to an excerpt of a confidential United Nations report seen by Reuters on Friday. The report by a panel of independent sanctions monitors to the UN Security Council North Korea sanctions …

North Korea releases wartime rice reserves amid food crisis
3 years, 5 months ago

North Korea releases wartime rice reserves amid food crisis

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korea has released military …

Kim Jong Un grapples with the worst crisis in his reign so far: A crippled economy, no COVID-19 vaccines and food shortages
3 years, 5 months ago

Kim Jong Un grapples with the worst crisis in his reign so far: A crippled economy, no COVID-19 vaccines and food shortages

ABC  

As the rest of the world grapples with dangerous new variants, North Korea continues to proudly proclaim it remains COVID-19 free. "North Korea is holding several massive meetings while South Korea restricts gathering to no more than five," she said. Kim appears to be stalling on COVID-19 vaccinations North Korea was supposed to receive 2 million doses of Astra Zeneca …

Reports of people ‘starving’ as N Korea struggles to feed itself
3 years, 6 months ago

Reports of people ‘starving’ as N Korea struggles to feed itself

Al Jazeera  

Seoul, South Korea – United Nations Security Council sanctions, the COVID-19 closure of its border with China, and a 2020 drought followed by typhoon rains are combining to create severe food shortages in North Korea, with concerns growing about widespread malnutrition and a potential repeat of the country’s 1990s famine. “Agriculture everywhere in the world relies on oil … It’s …

Food crisis in North Korea: Coffee retails over Rs 7,000, Bananas for Rs 3,300 per kg
3 years, 6 months ago

Food crisis in North Korea: Coffee retails over Rs 7,000, Bananas for Rs 3,300 per kg

India Today  

A severe food crisis has hit North Korea where prices of essential food items have increased sharply, according to state-run news agency Korean Central News Agency. "The people's food situation is now getting tense as the agricultural sector failed to fulfil its grain production plan due to the damage by typhoon last year," said Kim Jong-un. Read | Kim Jong …

Kim Jong admits North Korea running out of food as packet of coffee costs $100
3 years, 6 months ago

Kim Jong admits North Korea running out of food as packet of coffee costs $100

Live Mint  

North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un has admitted that the country is witnessing a severe food crisis. In a recent meeting, Kim acknowledged the grim situation and said North Korea's food supply is strained and "getting tense", according to a report in CNN. Recently, United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization estimated that North Korea is short of approximately 860,000 tons …

Kim Jong Un says North Korea faces food crisis due to flooding
3 years, 6 months ago

Kim Jong Un says North Korea faces food crisis due to flooding

Live Mint  

Kim Jong Un said his country’s food situation is getting tense, an acknowledgment of the continuing challenges inside North Korea following a year of major flood damage, pandemic shutdowns and ongoing sanctions. Kicking off a plenary session of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party, Mr. Kim urged the country’s leaders to resolve food shortages resulting from lower agricultural output that he …

N Korea’s Kim: Food situation ‘tense’ due to pandemic, typhoon
3 years, 6 months ago

N Korea’s Kim: Food situation ‘tense’ due to pandemic, typhoon

Al Jazeera  

Country’s leader presides over party meeting to resolve economic issues, as well as address its new policy towards a new US administration. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for measures to tackle the country’s “tense” food situation as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and last year’s typhoons, which damaged the harvest, state media reported on Wednesday. “The …

Sanctions and food shortages raise fears of North Korean famine
3 years, 8 months ago

Sanctions and food shortages raise fears of North Korean famine

The Telegraph  

North Korea is under “mounting economic pressure” as food shortages and sanctions hammer the secretive dictatorship, analysts have warned. The warning from ratings agency Fitch comes after the totalitarian state’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un said the country faced its “worst ever situation” and raised the spectre of the Nineties famine which killed almost 3m people. Although North Korea is not …

Kim Jong-un raises fears of food shortages in North Korea
3 years, 9 months ago

Kim Jong-un raises fears of food shortages in North Korea

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy North Korean leader Kim Jong …

Kim compares North Korea’s economic woes to 1990s famine
3 years, 9 months ago

Kim compares North Korea’s economic woes to 1990s famine

Associated Press  

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for waging another “arduous march” to fight severe economic difficulties, for the first time comparing them to a 1990s famine that killed hundreds of thousands. Chinese data show North Korea’s trade with China, its biggest trading partner and aid benefactor, shrank by about 80% last year following North …

Kim compares North Korea’s current economic woes to searing 1990s famine
3 years, 9 months ago

Kim compares North Korea’s current economic woes to searing 1990s famine

LA Times  

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has called for waging another “arduous march” to fight his country’s severe economic difficulties, comparing them for the first time to a searing 1990s famine that killed hundreds of thousands of people. North Korea monitoring groups haven’t detected any signs of mass starvation or a humanitarian disaster, but publicly drawing a parallel with the …

Russian diplomats leave North Korea by hand-pushed rail trolley due to Covid-19 restrictions
3 years, 10 months ago

Russian diplomats leave North Korea by hand-pushed rail trolley due to Covid-19 restrictions

CNN  

Seoul, South Korea CNN — Eight employees of Russia’s Embassy in Pyongyang and their families spent more than 34 hours trying to leave North Korea this week, a grueling trip that ended with at least one diplomat pushing his luggage and young children on a railway trolley into Russian territory. North Korea’s borders have been effectively locked down for months …

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