NEW: The U.N. special envoy for #NorthKorean human rights said the U.N. is “analyzing multiple sources” to determine if China is forcibly repatriating #NorthKoreans detained in the country as the DPRK opens its borders.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/un-working-to-confirm-forced-repatriations-of-north-koreans-special-envoy-says/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW: Food insecurity is one of #NorthKorea's most significant challenges. According to a recent U.N. estimate, 12 million #NorthKoreans — almost half of the population — are undernourished.

Could "dryland farming" be the solution?

https://www.nknews.org/2023/09/could-dryland-farming-be-the-answer-to-north-koreas-persistent-food-woes/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

Hundreds of #NorthKoreans appear to have started marching training for an upcoming paramilitary parade.

Satellite imagery shows what appear to be troops in lines and block formations at the Mirim military parade training complex in Pyongyang.

https://www.nknews.org/pro/hundreds-of-north-koreans-start-marching-practice-for-paramilitary-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

Hundreds of #NorthKoreans are seen in lines and block formations at the Mirim military parade training complex in Pyongyang, ahead of a paramilitary parade scheduled for September 9th.

https://www.nknews.org/pro/hundreds-of-north-koreans-start-marching-practice-for-paramilitary-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ANALYSIS: #NorthKoreans must attend self-criticism sessions every week. Here’s why.

“When it comes to life review sessions, everyone is equal before the organization,” writes Joshua Kim, a #NorthKorean defector. https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/ask-a-north-korean-what-are-self-criticism-sessions-really-like/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW: Hundreds of #NorthKoreans appear to have begun marching training for a paramilitary parade scheduled to be held in the capital next month, according to NK Pro analysis of satellite imagery.

https://www.nknews.org/pro/hundreds-of-north-koreans-start-marching-practice-for-paramilitary-parade/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

What awaits overseas #NorthKoreans when they return to #NorthKorea?

"They could be forced to spend as long as six months to a year relearning propaganda points about the superiority of the DPRK system," writes James Fretwell.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/overseas-north-koreans-face-lengthy-reeducation-when-borders-open-defectors-say/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW: What awaits overseas #NorthKoreans when borders open?

Months of “reeducation” sessions, or even forced labor, await thousands of overseas #NorthKoreans when they return home for the first time in over three and a half years.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/overseas-north-koreans-face-lengthy-reeducation-when-borders-open-defectors-say/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ICYMI: ROK police launched an investigation into a pastor accused of sexually assaulting 8 #NorthKorean defector students.

The pastor is reported to have gained fame for helping 1,000 #NorthKoreans escape.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/rok-police-investigating-claims-pastor-molested-8-north-korean-defector-students/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

Seoul police are investigating a South #Korean pastor, known for aiding "1,000 #NorthKoreans escape," over allegations of sexually assaulting 8 #NorthKorean defector students. The investigation is still ongoing.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/rok-police-investigating-claims-pastor-molested-8-north-korean-defector-students/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

The unification ministry plans to ban those who violate the Inter-Korean Exchange and Cooperation Act from engaging with #NorthKoreans for up to a year, as well as establish a center for reporting unauthorized inter-Korean exchanges.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/unification-ministry-to-crack-down-on-unauthorized-exchanges-with-north-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

South #Korea's Unification Ministry aims to strengthen penalties for unauthorized contact with #NorthKorea, even as inter-Korean engagement remains scarce amid strained relations.

Violators could face year-long bans from interacting with #NorthKoreans.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/unification-ministry-to-crack-down-on-unauthorized-exchanges-with-north-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

ICYMI: What foods from #NorthKorea do defectors miss the most?

"One of the most well-known foods for ordinary #NorthKoreans is 'artificial meat rice,'" writes Jin, a defector who left the DPRK in 2014.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/ask-a-north-korean-whats-different-about-food-in-north-and-south-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

Ask A #NorthKorean: What kinds of food do #NorthKoreans eat?

"The fact that people who are fat are said to look rich shows just how different the two #Koreas are," writes Jin, a defector from the DPRK.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/ask-a-north-korean-whats-different-about-food-in-north-a%60nd-south-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

The UN's decision in 2017 to ban #NorthKoreans from working abroad in an effort to cut off funding for the regime has contributed to the closure of some restaurants and led others to take steps to hide their ties to #NorthKorea.

https://www.nknews.org/2023/08/last-orders-north-korean-restaurants-close-their-doors-across-southeast-asia/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

GALLERY: Inside #NorthKorea's world of uniforms: from students to police officers, conformity is strictly enforced.

Explore the diverse uniforms worn by #NorthKoreans in their daily roles.

https://www.nknews.org/gallery/uniform-uniformity-the-outfits-north-koreans-don-in-daily-life-in-photos/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

GALLERY: Uniforms in #NorthKorea go beyond military parades; they're part of daily life.

Explore the diverse uniforms of #NorthKoreans in various occupations, from airport staff to equestrian trainers.

https://www.nknews.org/gallery/uniform-uniformity-the-outfits-north?mtm_campaign=fediverse

NEW GALLERY: In the DPRK, uniforms are not limited to parades; they dictate daily life.

From students to athletes, #NorthKoreans wear designated uniforms for their roles. Take a glimpse into the diverse attire of different occupations in #NorthKorea.

https://www.nknews.org/gallery/uniform-uniformity-the-outfits-nort?mtm_campaign=fediverse

North #Korea's economy contracted for a third year in 2022 due to COVID-19 border restrictions, sanctions, and severe weather.

Per capita income for #NorthKoreans was about 3.4% of their South #Korean counterparts at 1.43 million KRW ($1,123).

https://www.nknews.org/2023/07/north-korean-economy-contracts-for-third-straight-year-in-2022-bank-of-korea/?mtm_campaign=fediverse

FROM THE ARCHIVE: Ask a #NorthKorean: How do #NorthKoreans stay cool in the scorching summer?

"Many #NorthKoreans will seek relief from the heat by making lots of cold cucumber soup, a summer food that has been around for a long time," writes Joshua Kim.

https://www.nknews.org/2022/07/ask-a-north-korean-how-do-north-koreans-stay-cool-in-the-summer-heat/?mtm_campaign=fediverse