＜Inside N. Korea＞ Kim Jong-un Harshly Condemns Official Entertainment as "Mega Crime" - Private Restaurant Rooms Shut Down in Hyesan, Citizens React with Skepticism

◆Why Now? A Skeptical Response

Kim has strongly criticized officials' abuse of power while promoting his "people-first politics." This intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic, as he worried bribes would undermine strict quarantine rules.

He has regularly pointed out and punished official corruption. Regarding this entertainment issue, he emphasized that "the meeting was convened as the violation of Party discipline and anti-people acts is a top-priority problem to be urgently settled." This reveals his strong emphasis on party discipline.

However, the reporting partner questions this approach:

"Entertainment was considered normal. It's not officials demanding it - people needing help are the ones who need to provide entertainment. This has always existed, so why is it suddenly an issue now?"

If fundamental issues were addressed - ensuring citizens' basic needs and relaxing various regulations - bribes and entertainment for officials would become unnecessary. Beyond punishing officials, there are ways to eliminate the conditions that breed corruption.

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