＜Video Interview＞ The Voice of a North Korean Woman (1): 'Only Officials Thrive, Others Struggle'...Facing starvation due to the border closure, people sell off their homes to survive

Since the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020, understanding North Korea's internal situation has become increasingly difficult. The Kim Jong-un regime sealed borders, strictly blocking movement of people and goods. Over the past four years, many North Koreans have died from hunger and disease. What is the current state of this humanitarian crisis? How do North Koreans view Kim Jong-un's declaration of 'cutting ties with South Korea'? In April 2024, we interviewed a female reporting partner from northern North Korea. With her permission, we present her candid account in two parts. (By KANG Ji-won)

She reported that the border closure caused more deaths than COVID-19 itself. With business opportunities gone, she stated, "There's no way to make money. People search for jobs, and if lucky, earn enough for a meal or two."

She added, "During the 'Arduous March', those lacking survival skills perished. Now, everyone except officials suffers. Households without workers or with sick members are reduced to homelessness. Many have sold their homes for food and now have nothing."

※ The 'Arduous March' refers to the late 1990s period when economic collapse and Kim Il-sung's death triggered social chaos. Over a million people reportedly died from starvation and disease.

The video confirms the dire situation of North Koreans facing this humanitarian crisis.

※ ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea.