Saturday, 17 October 2015
The week that was: Five North Korea articles you don't want to miss
To ensure you never miss out on the best NK News content, we highlight the top five most-read features and interviews of the week |
Expert survey: Is China’s pull over North Korea exaggerated?
By Rob York The South Korean president is warming up to her Chinese counterpart. The international community is making requests of China to take a firmer stance. Even human rights reports mention China’s repatriation policy. It would seem there is an underlying assumption behind all of these events: that China can change North Korean behavior, that it’s lack of support would be the end of the Kim regime, or at least cause it to favor the South. However, a survey of Chinese experts finds that they don’t believe China a) can make the North Koreans change course, or b) would like to see what would happen if they tried to force them to change their ways.
In essence, China is as frustrated by the situation as the West, and even experts there see little in the way of resolving the matter without turning the situation dangerously unstable. In part nine of a major new NK News expert interview series, Chinese experts give their opinions.
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N.Korea’s ‘conservative’ display contrasts with past WPK celebrations
By Joost Oliemans and Stijn Mitzer
North Korea’s latest display of military might, in the form of a parade commemorating the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea 70 years ago, once again featured the lavish marches, hordes of armored fighting vehicles and aerial performances the international public has come to expect from the reclusive nation.
Nonetheless, it was surprisingly conservative in terms of the display of radical new systems, such as the ones that stunned military analysts during the 2012 and 2013 parades. Instead, it focused on showcasing military equipment already known to be in the KPA’s (Korean People’s Army) inventory, apparently to affirm their operational capacity. This certainly seemed to be the case with the North’s gigantic KN-08 ballistic missiles (known in North Korea as the Hwasong-13), four of which could be seen during Saturday’s parade in a new army-green military camouflage different from the 2012 parade.
Most notably however, the missiles which were uncovered to be non-operational mock-ups after subtle differences were noticed between different examples in previous parades, were radically modified and redesigned with an entirely new nosecone.
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The plot to smuggle 100 kg of ‘N. Korean’ meth into America
By Oliver Hotham It was the 27th of August, and on the dock at New York City’s southern district court Scott Stammers was pleading guilty of planning to bring 100 kilograms of crystal meth – allegedly made in North Korea – into the United States. If sold on the streets, it’s estimated the drugs would have been worth $6 million.
A British citizen, Stammers was on trial with his alleged accomplices in the scheme: Philip Shackels, also a Brit, Ye Tiong Tan Lim, Allan Kelly Peralta Reyes – Chinese and Filipino respectively – and Adrian Valkovic of Slovakia. All have pleaded guilty with the exception of Shackels, who is set to take the stand any day now.
So who was Scott Stammers, the ringleader of this motley crew of wannabe Tony Montanas, and where did he come from?
Click here for the full article at NK News |
Misconception North Korea: The missing shades of gray
By Oliver Hotham It’s easy to simplify the complexity of everyday life in North Korea. Coverage of the country is often mired in cliché, and often disinformation and speculation, leaving most people with a warped and simplistic understanding of the lives of the people of one of the world’s most closed off and troubled nations. All this means, unfortunately, that North Koreans are often defined purely by the actions of their government: either as brainwashed zealots or downtrodden and oppressed serfs. The truth, of course, is that the people of North Korea are people like anywhere else, with the same hopes and dreams, and that they do not so readily accept the system they live under as much as many would think.
In part 10 of a major new NK News expert interview series, we spoke with seven former and current residents of the country’s capital – both foreigners and defectors – about what they believe are the most persistent misconceptions about day-to-day life in the DPRK, and how they think minds can be changed.
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North Koreans’ nuclear pride
By Je Son Lee Every week we ask a North Korean your questions, giving you the chance to learn more about the country we know so little about. This week’s question is: What do ordinary North Koreans think of the regime’s nuclear tests and possession of nuclear weapons? Do they just act as if they support the regime’s decision because they have no other choice while secretly disapproving of it?
No, to my knowledge most ordinary North Koreans don’t have negative opinions of the regime’s nuclear program.
When I was still living in North Korea, the regime had a successful nuclear test. People were very proud of it. We once had a town hall meeting where my neighbors talked about how the U.S. could not boss us around anymore. Most North Koreans are very aware of the fact that other countries make fun of and look down upon North Korea.
Click here for the full article at NK News |
the week in north korea
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Top Stories Today
DPRK NADA Joins International Astronautical Federation (KCNA)
The DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration's (NADA) admission to the International Astronautical Federation was decided at its 66th general meeting.
The DPRK National Aerospace Development Administration's (NADA) admission to the International Astronautical Federation was decided at its 66th general meeting.
North Korea Defector: You Clap To Stay Alive (Sky News)
Forced to witness public executions and beaten for 15 days after his first escape attempt, a former North Korean soldier who dramatically defected to the South talks exclusively to Sky News.
Forced to witness public executions and beaten for 15 days after his first escape attempt, a former North Korean soldier who dramatically defected to the South talks exclusively to Sky News.
'Give the soldiers tasty food:' NK leader says (Korea Times)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is concerned about the food provided to soldiers, saying good food is the key to preparing for combat.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is concerned about the food provided to soldiers, saying good food is the key to preparing for combat.
U.S. refuses S. Korea's request for transfer of fighter jet technology (Arirang News)
Korea's Defense Minister Han Min-koo held talks with his U.S. counterpart Ashton Carter at the Pentagon and asked him to reconsider Seoul's request of four key technology transfers.
Korea's Defense Minister Han Min-koo held talks with his U.S. counterpart Ashton Carter at the Pentagon and asked him to reconsider Seoul's request of four key technology transfers.
S. Korea backs court ruling over anti-NK leaflet launch (Yonhap News)
South Korea on Friday reiterated that the government is not empowered to forcefully curb activists' move to send anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.
South Korea on Friday reiterated that the government is not empowered to forcefully curb activists' move to send anti-Pyongyang leaflets across the border.
Thursday, 15 October 2015
Kim Jong Un implementing K-12 education in DPRK
CHINA: NEWS
Kim Jong Un said to be implementing K-12 education in North Korea, People's Daily, October 8
One of the North Korean government's priorities since the departure of the Japanese colonialists has been to increase investment in education, and to adapt the educational system to modern needs. Today, schools are no further than two kilometers apart, and free schooling is guaranteed to rural and urban children. In September 2012, at the 12thSupreme People's Assembly's sixth meeting, it decided to replace the 11-year compulsory education adopted in 1972 with 12-year compulsory education. Since then, new teaching content, textbooks and learning requirements have been introduced by the relevant government divisions to fit the needs of the information and knowledge-based economy. Pyongyang's middle school No. 1 recruits the best primary school students from across the country, organizing their curriculum based on their individual levels of education and development. The North Korean state also takes responsibility for orphans. Several children's institutes in Pyongyang provide material care for orphans and children whom parents are unable to raise. North Korea places special hopes on these children, that they become soldiers, scientists or heroes in service of the state and its people.
From ‘Chollima Speed’ to ‘North Korea Speed’: Commoners’ lives gradually improve, Beijing Times, October 10
From the "Chollima Speed" of the 1950s to the "North Korea Speed" of today, the Workers' Party of Korea has made many achievements in all fields of socialist construction. North Korea has constructed several new fired and hydroelectric power plants, including the recently completed plant at Mount Paektu, which will help alleviate the nation's power shortages. North Korea is also actively promoting solar energy technology, increasing wind energy generation capacity, and utilizing and researching geothermal energy. In agriculture, North Korea uses the field responsibility system (a mechanism allowing families longer-term control over plots) and a new rural distribution model. Despite the recent drought, North Korean agricultural output remains steady. "North Korea-style" management is employed in factories, which is based on objective economic principles and modern technological requirements, and has improved production efficiency and doubled the wages of some workers. North Korea is aggressively developing tourism, not only to improve its economy, but also to show a more confident face to the outside world. Additionally, it has opened 10 special economic zones. As the lives of North Koreans improve, Western food, hamburger/fast-food restaurants, and smartphones and tablets produced under North Korean brands are becoming popular.
CHINA: OPINION & ANALYSIS
Liu Yunshan visits North Korea, how should China treat this restless neighbor? – Editorial, Overseas Online, October 6
China-North Korea political relations are under a temporary chill, especially since July 2014. Once, this author was in a restaurant and was asked by a North Korean, "You're a Chinese comrade? Why did China need to visit Seoul first? Why break with tradition?" In other aspects, though, the relationship is "normal." This especially pertains to economics and trade, and many projects linking China and North Korea via bridges and railways are about to get underway across the Yalu and Tumen rivers. Chinese influence can be seen everywhere in North Korea, impacting the everyday lives of North Koreans, especially in the Rason Special Economic Zone, where Chinese products have become the "default" for many. The issues in the political relationship are not structural, but rather the result of repeated high expectations and disappointing results for both sides. However, both should understand the needs and concerns of the other. North Korea should not expect unprincipled support from China, and China should work to understand North Korea's point of view rather than referring to it as a "troublemaker." As a major power, China should take the initiative to show tolerance and prevent the situation from deteriorating.
Let ‘One Road, One Belt’ link Asia through North Korea – Jin Renzhu, Economics News Daily, October 9
By bridging Europe and Asia, the “One road, one belt” initiative (known in South Korea as the Eurasia Initiative), which has many similarities with the Silk Road of the Middle Ages, will bring a host of diplomatic and economic benefits to both. However, there is currently an obstacle to connecting China, South Korea and Japan, and impeding the potential of “One Road, One Belt,” in the form of resistance on the Korean Peninsula. Currently, the possibility of compelling North Korea to open its doors and become linked to the world is slight, but if China were able to accomplish this, it would greatly ease the tensions between North and South Korea, and strengthen peace and stability in East Asia. During the Joseon Dynasty, which coincided with the height of the Silk Road, many elements of Chinese culture were actively introduced in Korea, and Korea forged a strong relationship with China. The success of “One Road, One Belt” will bring about community and shared prosperity in Asia, as well as throughout the world.
JAPAN: NEWS
Chongryon member from Hokkaido arrested for fraud – TBS, October 6
Following the investigation and search of Chongryon’s HQ in Hokkaido in September, a member of the Korean organization was arrested on October 6. The arrested 30-year-old male was a representative of a consulting company that was based in the same building as Chongryon’s HQ in Hokkaido. He is accused of fraud for receiving government subsidies for small companies for two workers that he supposedly hired. Police have found 8 million yen ($67,000) in his bank account that had been received from the local government.
New minister appointed for abduction issue – Mainichi Shinbun, October 7
More than one year has passed since Prime Minister Abe Shinzo announced a new investigation into the abduction issue. Since the North Korean side has failed to submit an acceptable report from the investigation and there seems to be no chance of resolving the issue, a new minister for the abduction issue has been appointed. "What if the North Koreans think that we've given up on the abductees?" was a common reaction among the families of the abductees. Yamatani Eriko, who is stepping down from this function, has apologized to the families for letting them down. "I feel deeply ashamed for not being able to save the victims of abductions during my time in office," she said during a press conference on October 7. Katsunobu Kato, the newly appointed minister, is also responsible for Abe's new economic policy. This fact has been very disappointing to many people involved in the issue. "I would like him to be fully involved in the abduction issue," said the representative for the family of the abductee Shigeo Iizuka.
JAPAN: OPINION & ANALYSIS
Rescue the abducted Japanese – Shingo Nishimura, Shingo, October 5
The atmosphere after the demonstrations against the collective self-defense act is winding down and changes like a season. It was almost like the anti-U.S.-Japan Security Treaty demonstrations from the ’60s and it seems that those who haven’t taken a step forward from that time have protested against the revisions. It’s not a relief that it’s only fools who are protesting. There are those who use those fools in our country. We cannot miss those warning signs. It’s those countries that carry out an anti-Japanese policy like China and North Korea. With our lack of laws to protect us from spying, we are a “spies heaven.” Those who have so furiously protested against the collective self-defense act in front of the parliament have absolutely no interest in helping those Japanese who have been abducted by North Korea. Their protesting has stolen precious time from the political scene that could be used to resolve the abduction issue. Although we’ve restarted the investigation into the abduction issue, there are still no results. In other words, North Korea is deceiving us. Still, it’s obvious our country is doing nothing to oppose this. This shows how weak our foreign policy is. The government is saying, “In order to save the abducted Japanese we need consent from the North Korean side.” It’s ridiculous! It’s like the police asking for the kidnapper’s permission to save a kidnapped child. The Japanese government is simply saying that it will not help the Japanese. We need to build a government that will save our brothers.
Three hurdles to pass in order to be confirmed as an abduction – Editorial,Tocana, October 5
One year has passed since the restarting of the investigation into the abduction issue by the North Korea side. However, still no report has been sent to the Japanese authorities. There are more than 800 Japanese citizens missing, for whom there is at least a slight possibility of them being kidnapped by North Korea. Former Minister for the Abduction Issue Matsubara Jin has announced two more Japanese names confirmed to have been abducted by North Korea. However, the Japanese government has officially confirmed only 17 Japanese as kidnapped by the North. In order for a missing person to be officially acknowledged as being abducted, three requirements have to be proved: 1) North Korea kidnapping the person intentionally 2) the person was taken against their will 3) the missing person is in North Korea. For example, the latest confirmed victim was Matsumoto Kyoko. It has been proven that a suspicious North Korean ship was spotted near the site where she went missing, that she left a sandal on the beach and that she was seen by a defector from North Korea. As time has passed, it’s become difficult to prove those requirements and families of the missing are calling them “too strict.” However, there are cases of “abductees” to be found in Japan, living or dead, and this has led to keeping these strict rules of confirming of kidnappings.
SOUTH KOREA: NEWS
Jan-Aug North Korea-U.S. trade only 20% of previous year’s – Yonhap, October 7
This year’s trade between the U.S. and North Korea was only around 20 percent compared to the same time last year. According to a U.S. Department of Commerce announcement on October 6, the trade between the U.S. and North Korea from January to August of this year was around $4.4 million. Last year during same time, U.S. and North Korea’s trade was worth around $19.9 million, making this year’s amount of trade 22 percent of last year’s. U.S. Department of Commerce’s statistics show that the U.S. has not imported from North Korea, and all of $4.4 million in U.S. exports went to North Korea. Out of $4.4 million exports in, $3.75 million were categorized as aid from non-profit organizations. The remaining exports were miscellaneous groceries ($450,000), electronics ($100,000) and poultry ($56,000).
North Korea will pay for provocations: Joint Chiefs of Staff head – Voice ofAmerica, October 8
Lee Sun-jin, the new South Korean chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff was sworn in on October 7, and promised that future provocations from the North would be answered. “North Korea will provoke us at a random time and place, and I will make sure that North Korea regrets their future provocation,” he said. Lee also emphasized the suppression of enemy provocation attempts based on firm military preparations so that North Korea would learn that there is more to lose than to gain from attacking South Korean soil. "I will do my best to improve the South Korean military’s operational capability based on the ROK-U.S. alliance, and prepare for South Korea’s reclaiming operational control from the U.S.," said Lee.
SOUTH KOREA: OPINION & ANALYSIS
Warm welcome to North Korea's decision not to launch missile – Editorial,Kyunghyang Shinmun, October 6
There is high chance that North Korea will not launch its missile on the upcoming 70thanniversary of the Worker’s Party of Korea (Editor’s note: North Korea did not conduct any missile or satellite launch). The fact that the major part that would propel the missile has not been moved indicates that the missile won’t be launched in the near future. Also, the Chinese Communist Party’s fifth-ranking member, Liu Yunshan – a current member of the Politburo Standing Committee, the top decision-making body of China – has been confirmed to visit North Korea during the anniversary. It is highly likely that North Korea would test its missile in front of China, who would deeply condemn North Korea for doing so. Of course, it does not mean the chance of a missile launch is completely gone. Under the assumption that North Korea launches the missile, it will be obvious to imagine what would happen to North Korea. International society’s sanctions against North Korea will rise up to the point that the country cannot take it any further and the inter-Korean relationship will freeze. A negative effect on the upcoming meeting of separated families on the 20th would be unavoidable. The rational choice for North Korea gets clearer if they can weigh between the gains and losses of launching a missile. There is nothing for North Korea to gain from provocative armed protest.
Why the Ugandan government declined the KIS award – Editorial, Chosun Ilbo, October 8
http://news.chosun.com/site/
http://news.chosun.com/site/
The International Kim Il Sung award was created in 1993 to “Promote countries that fought vigorously to actualize Juche ideology and who are dedicated to world peace.” Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was announced as the winner of this prize last year, but the award ceremony, supposed to be held in April, never took palce and, allegedly, the Ugandan government denied receiving the award. It is said that North Korean Ambassador in Uganda is urging the Ugandan Foreign Ministry to accept the award, while saying “the Kim Il Sung award is not that important or significant, so please take it without any pressure.” Diplomats think that the Ugandan government might be worried of being seen as a country maintaining close ties with North Korea, which would not benefit the Ugandan government at all. Two years ago, Museveni showed his strong interest in the Saemaeul (“New Village”) Movement, South Korean 1970s-era plan to revitalize its rural economy, when he held met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye. It is true that there are many pro-North Korean countries in Africa, but many African countries also drew the line against North Korea’s acts of human rights suppression. Botswana even announced the severance of diplomatic relations with North Korea. One African English-language newspaper described the Kim Il Sung award as “A prize better not to win.”
RUSSIA: NEWS
Interview: Why the U.S. does not want to negotiate with the DPRK – October 3,RIAfan.ru
The head of the North Korean Foreign Ministry, in his speech to the UN General Assembly, urged the United States conclude a peace treaty after the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War. Will the United States appease the troubled peninsula? According to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the DPRK Lee Soo-young, "the government of the DPRK is ready to hold constructive dialogue to prevent war and conflict on the Korean Peninsula as soon as the United States will agree to replace the Armistice Agreement (that ended the war)." The Federal News Agency asked for comment on the statement and its possible consequences from Konstantina Asmolov, a leading researcher of the RAN Center for Korean Studies at the Institute for the Far East. “Our democratic press has a habit of immediately rejecting any North Korean statement as unconstructive,” Asmolov said. “Although it is possible to note that the Northerners are much more attuned to dialogue, more capable of making agreements than it seems to the masses. When relations worsened in August, which ended well, Northerners offered talks, not Southerners. The first round of settlement of the nuclear crisis was the signing of the so-called Agreement Framework (the 1994 treaty between the DPRK and the U.S.). There's also the fact that the North was to receive, for the freezing of the nuclear program, the establishment of diplomatic relations. But the United States did not fulfill most of its obligations. The fact is that when the Soviet Union was ready to admit the Republic of Korea, it was planned that the Soviets would recognize the South and the U.S. would recognize the North. This was not done then.
Foreign Ministry: Russia cannot recognize N. Korea as nuclear power –Primorye24.ru, October 5
North Korea’s recognition as a de facto nuclear state is unacceptable for Russia, Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov said in an interview with South Korea’s Yonhap News Agency. "It is unacceptable for Russia as one of the architects and the depositary of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons," said Morgulov. According to him, the solution to the nuclear problem on the Korean Peninsula is possible only in the context of an overall political-military détente in the region, "which implies the formation of reliable security guarantees for all states located there, including the DPRK.” Morgulov expressed confidence that this will eliminate the need for Pyongyang's possession of weapons of mass destruction. He stressed that Russia will continue to consistently explain their approach to the other participants of the Six-Party Talks.
Kim Jong Un reportedly unhappy with sister’s approach to security – Vesti.ru,October 9
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has fired his younger sister from her role to ensure his safety after a series of unfortunate incidents, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo has reported. One of the incidents, the newspaper reports, occurred when Kim Jong Un was swarmed by a crowd at a youth festival. The people surrounded the famous leader and began grabbing his hands. Kim Jong Un managed to escape after a few minutes when security guards were able to form a path for him. Then, while visiting a local farm, Kim Jong Un was almost accidentally hit by a guitar. The “perpetrator” was one of the musicians of an ensemble hired to greet the leader of the DPRK. Kim Yo Jong was appointed as head of the Protocol Service of the Workers' Party of Korea in 2013, and also became the closest political adviser to her brother. Her duties, according to ITAR-TASS, included monitoring Kim Jong Un’s physical appearance, as well as ensuring his safety. She is credited with coming up with Kim’s style as we now know it, including his haircut and especially attire.
RUSSIA: OPINION & ANALYSIS
Why we’re friends – Alexander Matveev, Inforesist.org, October 7
On the platform facade of the train station Novosibirsk-Main, a plaque dedicated to the visits of leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il has been unveiled. The event was held under the cross of the Year of Friendship between Russia and North Korea. The Deputy Chief of the Novosibirsk Territorial Administration Alexander Gritsai recalled that during his stay in Novosibirsk in 2001, Kim Jong Il visited the Siberian State University of Communications, where it was decided to connect the Trans-Korean Railway with the Trans-Siberian Railway. Today, this project is for the most part implemented. In turn, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the DPRK to Russia Kim Hyun Joon said that Kim Il Sung was eternally bound to the lives of ordinary Siberians, as Yakov Novichenko protected him from a grenade in 1945.
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