That seems to be the impression the youthful new dictator of destitute North Korea wants the state propaganda machine to give to a public that may be facing even more than usual food shortages when drought was followed last month by devastating floods. In the past few weeks, the 20-something Kim Jong-un, the third generation of a ruling dynasty better known abroad for its gulags than its compassion, has overturned the austere image that his father nurtured during his years in power. … [Read more...] about With grey skies over North Korea, leader puts on a happy face
North korea food shortage
More empty stomachs in North Korea as Kim plans reforms
Talk that North Korea's young leader plans to reform the broken economy is already having an impact. It's helping send rice prices even further out of the reach of most families in one of the world's most under-fed societies. … [Read more...] about More empty stomachs in North Korea as Kim plans reforms
Nine days in North Korea: true Vietnamese account
During nine days in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) also known as North Korea (8 to 17 April), I encountered surprises upon surprises in this mysterious and strange nation. It was a trip led by the Vietnamese Union of Friendship Organizations with eight members to visit this nation for the historic 100th birthday celebrations of the late state's founder Kim Il-sung. We arrived at Beijing airport three hours ahead of the flight but the booth of DPRK’s state-owned flag carrier Air Koryo was empty. However, just 30 minutes later, a large group started to gather. Most were international visitors. There are few flights to DPRK. On 11 April for example, there were four flights from Beijing to Pyongyang, the capital of DPRK. Currently you can only fly to Pyongyang from China or Russia. There are many posters like this (Photo: Tuoi Tre) Old plane, colorless buildings, abundant flowers Aboard the flight TU-154, I suddenly found my seat (as written on the ticket) … [Read more...] about Nine days in North Korea: true Vietnamese account
North Korea opens 5-day launch window for rocket
North Korea's five-day window to launch a rocket opened Thursday with Asian countries on alert, as Washington told G8 world powers that the country was in flagrant violation of a UN ban. North Korea has said it will launch the rocket between Thursday and Monday, most likely between 2200 GMT and 0300 GMT, to mark Sunday's centenary of the birth of its founding leader Kim Il-Sung. His grandson Kim Jong-Un is now in charge of the poor but nuclear-armed country, where food shortages remain endemic, and has cemented his rule with a series of top titles including now chairman of the Central Military Commission. North Korea says the rocket will place a satellite in orbit for peaceful research purposes, promoting the Kim dynasty's goal for the isolated country to attain the rank of a "powerful and prosperous state" this year. But Western critics see the launch as a thinly veiled ballistic missile test, banned by United Nations resolutions. The United States has suspended a deal agreed … [Read more...] about North Korea opens 5-day launch window for rocket
North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium
North Korea has agreed with the United States to suspend major elements of its atomic weapons program in a surprise breakthrough that could pave the way for the resumption of long-stalled nuclear disarmament talks with the secretive state. But the announcement, made simultaneously on Wednesday in Pyongyang and Washington and accompanied by pledges of U.S. food aid, was met with very guarded optimism by analysts and diplomats who noted that efforts to defuse tensions on the divided Korean peninsula had seen many false dawns. "These are concrete measures that we consider a positive first step toward complete and verifiable denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in a peaceful manner," White House spokesman Jay Carney said. But U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called it "a modest first step in the right direction," adding that Washington continued to have profound concerns over a range of North Korean activities. North Korea said it would suspend nuclear tests, long-range … [Read more...] about North Korea agrees to nuclear moratorium