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business Feb 25, 2026, 11:09 AM
North Korea faces sharp rise in rice prices amid ongoing shortages - In mid-February 2025, North Korea experienced a sharp increase in market prices, particularly for rice.
- This increase followed weeks of declining prices which were heavily influenced by ongoing border restrictions.
- The surge in prices indicates a critical economic challenge for the North Korean population.
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military conflicts Feb 2, 2026, 1:09 AM
Passenger sparks fire on freight train, causes major loss - A fire caused by a cigarette spark onboard a freight train from Pyongyang resulted in major cargo losses.
- Soldiers onboard beat the man responsible for the fire, leading to further conflict involving local merchants.
- The incident highlights the risks and desperation associated with freight transportation in North Korea.
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business Jan 30, 2026, 3:09 PM
North Korean market prices plummet amid grain surge - In early January 2026, prices for rice and corn in North Korean markets fell significantly, with rice trading at 15,700 won and corn at 4,000 won.
- The declining prices are attributed to increasing grain sales at state-run stores and declining exchange rates.
- Experts predict further fluctuations as grain prices are likely to rise before North Korea's major holidays.
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technology Jan 30, 2026, 4:09 AM
North Korea secretly imports technology for hacking and weapon development - North Korean trading companies are importing significant quantities of electronic components and high-performance computers from China.
- These imported items are primarily for state organizations involved in hacking and military development.
- Despite international sanctions, North Korea continues to acquire technology to enhance its capabilities.
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politics Jan 21, 2026, 5:56 PM
North Korea condemns U.S. for arresting Nicolás Maduro - The U.S. arrested Nicolás Maduro, the former president of Venezuela, for involvement in drug trafficking.
- North Korea responded by condemning the arrest as a violation of sovereignty and using it to justify its nuclear program.
- The curious reaction from the North Korean public indicates a stark awareness of U.S. power and influence in international affairs.
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military conflicts Jan 20, 2026, 4:09 AM
North Korean defector struggles to get medical treatment for tuberculosis in China - A North Korean defector living in Jilin, China, suffers from tuberculosis and severe depression due to her illegal immigrant status.
- She has been unable to access hospital treatment and is taking medication at home, compounding her health issues.
- The situation of this individual highlights the systemic healthcare access problems faced by North Korean defectors in China.
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business Dec 23, 2025, 3:09 PM
North Korean medicine factories turn to China as local interest wanes - North Korean traditional medicine factories are struggling with a drop in domestic demand for their herbal remedies, which they attribute to people's preference for Western medicines.
- To stay afloat, these factories are increasingly exporting their products, particularly to Chinese border cities where traditional medicines are gaining popularity.
- The pivot to the Chinese market indicates a significant shift in the traditional medicine landscape, highlighting the urgent need for North Korean factories to secure alternative revenue streams.
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business Dec 21, 2025, 11:09 PM
Model pharmacies in North Korea prioritize propaganda over public health - Model pharmacies in North Korea charge significantly more for medications and favor foreign currency for transactions.
- Medication supply is tightly regulated by the Ministry of Health, leading to shortages of sought-after medications.
- Community feedback indicates that these pharmacies prioritize political propaganda over the actual health needs of the public.
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business Dec 12, 2025, 4:09 PM
North Korean consulates transport goods to bypass inspections in China - Contract manufacturing between Chinese and North Korean firms has rebounded, reaching $69,000 monthly.
- North Korean consulates use vans for transporting goods, bypassing customs inspections due to their official status.
- The renewed trade indicates a growing partnership, despite previous declines and ongoing challenges.
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business Dec 12, 2025, 11:09 AM
Chinese manufacturers revive North Korean piecework trading - Contract manufacturing rates for North Korean goods have increased by 7-10%.
- Chinese companies are negotiating with North Korean trading firms to resume manufacturing amid high shipping costs from Southeast Asia.
- The revival of trade indicates a strengthening economic relationship between China and North Korea.
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technology Dec 11, 2025, 4:09 PM
North Korean students see learning devices as essential school tools - Electronic learning devices have emerged as popular necessities among graduating middle school students in North Korea.
- Parents view MP7 and MP8 devices as cost-effective alternatives to hiring private tutors.
- The trend reflects the growing importance of technology in education, despite economic disparities.
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business Dec 11, 2025, 10:09 AM
North Korea expands luxury winter apparel imports amid strict customs inspections - Traders have expanded their imports to include items like mink coats and luxury suits.
- They are using a less regulated route to avoid strict customs inspections for expensive goods.
- This trend highlights an increased demand for luxury apparel among affluent North Koreans.
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2026 All rights reserved
2026 All rights reserved