Posted on 02/03/2010 7:11:53 AM PST by TigerLikesRooster
North Korea 'struggling against civil unrest'
The revaluation of the won has led to rampant inflation and civil disorder
Richard Lloyd Parry, Asia Editor
The North Korean dictatorship is struggling to contain civil unrest and runaway inflation caused by a drastic revaluation of its won currency, which is threatening new food shortages in the already hungry nation, according to reports in South Korea.
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Agents of the People’s Safety Agency (PSA), which is conducting a so-called “Fifty Day Battle” against illegal enterprise, were reported to have been attacked and driven away as they sought out market activity in the city of Pyongsung in North Pyongan province. In the once prosperous industrial city of Chongjin on the country’s east coast, a steel worker named Jeung Hyun Deuk was reported to have killed an agent of the National Security Agency named Cho.
An unnamed source in the city told the DailyNK: “Traders and residents have lost their property due to the redenomination and are pretty much being treated as criminals as a result of the NSA and PSA’s ‘Fifty Day Battle'. Therefore, people are taking revenge on agents, since they feel so desperate that, regardless of their actions, they will die.”
The Seoul newspaper Chosun Ilbo reports today that Pak Nam Gi, finance director of the Workers’ Party, has been sacked, citing an unnamed diplomat in Beijing. “North Korean officials are busy blaming each other for the failed currency reform and Pak, who spearheaded the revaluation, is believed to have been sacked,” the diplomat told the newspaper. “Markets have come to a grinding halt following the currency revaluation and prices have soared.”
(Excerpt) Read more at timesonline.co.uk ...
I think a million inexpensive Ipods, Gameboys or some type of visual device that can receive news and images, let them see what the real world has to offer.
I do so hope that Kim Jong Il and the rest of his gang end up like Mussolini.
Something like that would have to have satellite access, because internet connections can be /are blocked.
“Flavorful, nutritious willow bark/dried grass root mix for sale. Makes good soup, and cures headache at same time! Only 200 won an ounce.”
I'd expect that price to keep rising in the near future.
Bump.
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