Top Headlines from North Korea - November 2024

NORTH KOREA BANS USE OF WORD ‘REUNIFICATION’

• Pyongyang began to crack down on public use of the word “tongil” and banned hundreds of patriotic songs that referred to reunification as the ultimate goal of the Korean people.

• This change aligns with North Korea’s efforts to promote its ideology and distance itself from the idea of reunification with South Korea, following its leader Kim Jong-un's declaration of the “two-state theory” last year.

• One direct consequence is shown in North Korea’s plans to rename the “unification pattern” (or “tongil tul” in Korean) in taekwon-do to “Chang Hon pattern” after the pen name of Choi Hong-hi, founder of the martial art.

• The International Taekwondo Federation is set to put this issue to a vote at the next congress in October 2025.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2024/11/18/north-korea-taekwondo-unification-pattern/
https://www.ytn.co.kr/en/news/news_view.php?key=202411140931181836

OFFICIALS EMBEZZLE FROM FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPLIES

• North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited flood-hit areas in North Pyongan province for the fourth time, urging the completion of reconstruction works before the December party plenary meeting.

• Kim inspected the construction of new homes and infrastructure and expressed satisfaction with the rebuilding progress.

• However, it is reported that officials at multiple levels overseeing flood recovery efforts have been profiting from aid supplies, including food, clothing and construction materials, thus hindering the recovery progress.

• Although construction workers have confronted officials over the embezzlements which led to increased surveillance by the Ministry of State Security, investigations into the corruption were delayed to avoid disrupting reconstruction works in light of the December deadline.

Source:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/north-korea-s-kim-pays-4th-visit-to-flood-hit-province/3384455
https://www.dailynk.com/english/aid-theft-undermines-n-korean-flood-recovery-efforts/

Kim Jong Un (left) with unmanned attack drones in North Korea, on November 14, 2024 [KCNA]

NORTH KOREA ORDERED MASS PRODUCTION OF SUICIDE DRONES

• According to North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency (“KCNA”), its leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a test of suicide drones and ordered a mass production of the aerial weapon.

• KCNA reported that Kim “underscored the need to build a serial production system as early as possible.” 

• The drones are designed to hit both land and sea targets, thereby acting as guided missiles. 

• This rapid development of loitering munitions, which are widely used in the Russia-Ukraine war as well as in the Middle East, raises questions as to whether North Korea has been receiving technical support from Russia amidst their growing military cooperations.

Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/15/north-koreas-kim-orders-mass-production-of-attack-drones-state-mediahttps://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-leader-kim-orders-mass-production-suicide-drones-yonhap-says-2024-11-14/ 

MORE NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS DEPLOYED TO RUSSIA

• Pyongyang may have deployed as many as 100,000 troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

• In return for its support, North Korea is expected to receive economic and military aid from Russia. South Korean intelligence estimates that Russia is paying about $2,000 USD per month to each soldier.

• However, a defense researcher and North Korea specialist, Bruce W. Bennett, suggests that “money coming from Russia is going directly to the party and then on to the Kim family. ...Perhaps only a small amount or even nothing” will be pocketed by the soldiers themselves.

• Meanwhile, many speculate that North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine will become “cannon fodder” on the battlefield as former soldiers suggest that “they’re totally not ready.”

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2796pdm1lohttps://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-dropping-millions-pay-100-150037233.html

The Significance of Soccer for North Korea

In recent months, North Korea’s national soccer (football) team has been making waves in the international soccer community after the team’s outstanding performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers captured the attention of many. This newfound hype is not just about the sport, but a reflection of the deep-rooted significance of soccer in North Korean society.

SOCCER’S SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPORTANCE IN NORTH KOREA

Football (soccer) is more than just a game in North Korea, but serves as a vital part of the nation’s social and cultural constitution. As a discipline governed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Football Association, soccer acts as a tool for national pride and propaganda, as well as a unifying force that brings together North Koreans from all walks of life amidst experiencing immense suffering and suppression by the government. Soccer is promoted at all levels of society, from schools to workplaces, and is seen as a way to build character and discipline. Young children are encouraged to play soccer from an early age, and the sport is often used as a tool for physical education and social development.

The national team, known as the Chollima (a mythical winged horse symbolizing speed and power – qualities that the North Korean people hold dear), is a source of immense national pride. The team’s home games and matches are often held in large stadiums, like Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Stadium, which is a testament to the sport’s importance. Further, traditional songs and chants are often performed at matches, adding a uniquely North Korean flavor to the games.

SOCCER AS A DIPLOMATIC TOOL

North Korea has long used sports, particularly soccer, as a means of diplomacy. International matches provide a rare opportunity for the hermit kingdom to engage with the global community. In particular, historic matches between North and South Korea have been seen as gestures of peace and reconciliation, even if just temporarily.

Using sports to achieve diplomatic goals is not novel to the country, as Mao Zedong’s China had similarly fostered their relationship through a “friendship first, competition second” approach. It was reported that, despite China’s superior athletic skills, Chinese athletes would purposely lose to North Korean athletes to display both their dominance and goodwill. Though this practice of losing on purpose is no longer as common, China demonstrated its continued support by training North Korean athletes and even sending “volunteer” actors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to cheer for North Korea in the absence of its own fans.

CHALLENGES FACED BY NORTH KOREA ATHLETES

Despite its importance, soccer in North Korea is not without its challenges. The government tightly controls soccer, and athletes face strict surveillance and constant pressure to perform, as failures can carry severe consequences. Athletes in North Korea face long periods of isolation, and according to SoccerWay, there are currently only 15 North Korean soccer players abroad playing in five countries, with 27 soccer players having ever played outside of the country in limited geographical areas including Austria, Cambodia, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Mongolia, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, South Korea and Thailand.

Meanwhile, training conditions for athletes in North Korea are particularly harsh, as the lack of resources and international exposure directly hinders their practice and development. To make up for the disadvantage, North Korean soccer players have been accused of taking banned steroids to enhance their performance in past FIFA games, which resulted in the team being subjected to unannounced testing by FIFA, as well as a ban from the 2015 Women's World Cup.

ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

North Korea qualified and participated in just two FIFA World Cup events: in the 1966 and 2010. While the team advanced to the quarter finals in the 1966 event, North Korea lost all three group matches and did not advance past the group stage in 2010.

The women’s national team have appeared in every FIFA Women's World Cup from 1999 to 2011. As of the June 2024 FIFA rankings, the team is ranked 10th in the world.

As many North Korean athletes received warmth and acknowledgement from competitors at the most recent Paris 2024 Olympics, we hope to see the game of soccer bring North Korea to the global stage where they might experience more of the same. Through these exchanges, there’s hope for dispelling the indoctrination that they’ve lived and trained under their whole lives.

Top Headlines from North Korea - October 2024

An explosion at an unconfirmed location in North Korea (KCNA)

INTER-KOREAN ROAD EXPLOSION ESCALATES TENSIONS

• North Korea called South Korea a “hostile state” and blasted sections of unused road and rail routes that once linked it with the South after Pyongyang claimed that Seoul flew drones carrying propaganda leaflets over its capital city.

• By destroying 66-yard (60-meter) long stretches of road and rail links along the inter-Korean border, the North’s side is now completely blocked “as part of the phased complete separation” from South Korea.

• North Korean state media cited a Ministry of Defense spokesman vowing to take further measures to “permanently fortify” the border, though no further detail has been provided yet.

• South Korea’s military fired warning shots within southern sections of the border in response.

Source:
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-roads-destroys-drones-south-0672f5baf033cf0c4ecb2f1e1b958a41
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/17/north-korea-blows-up-road-rail-links-with-hostile-state-south-korea

NORTH KOREA PUNISHES FLOOD SURVIVORS FOR NEGLECTING LEADERS’ PORTRAITS

• North Korean authorities have been investigating flood victims and punishing those who failed to rescue portraits of the country’s leaders when they escaped their destroyed homes.

• Citizens who lost their party membership cards in the disaster are also being penalized as membership in the party is seen as a great honor and confers special privileges in securing housing, schools and jobs.

• The prioritization of the leaders’ portraits over personal safety has long been emphasized, as damaging the same can result in severe punishment.

• A resident from the northern province of Chagang told Radio Free Asia that a flood damage investigation group has been inquiring into what flood survivors have in their possession, and those who did not know the purpose of the survey “couldn’t have imagined that their honest account of the situation could be used against them, causing great misfortune.”

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/north-korea-kim-dynasty-portraits-cult-of-personality-10082024151249.html
https://www.dailynk.com/english/some-n-koreans-prioritize-kim-portraits-while-fleeing-homes-due-to-flooding/

NORTH KOREAN DEFECTOR STOLE BUS TO RETURN HOME

• A North Korean defector was recently arrested and detained by South Korean police after attempting to cross the heavily militarized border at Tongil Bridge back to the North on a stolen bus.

• The man in his 30’s tried to drive through a barricade despite soldiers guarding the bridge issuing warnings for him to stop.

• Paju police referred the case to provincial police authorities and revealed that the man defected more than a decade ago but was planning to return to North Korea after struggling to settle in the South.

• The defector was not found to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident, but had told police that he had accumulated several unpaid fines which he likely could not pay off while working as a day laborer in Paju and other cities.

• South Korea’s law prohibits citizens, including defectors, from entering the North without government authorization and offenders may be jailed up to ten years if convicted.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cqjre1zpz5ko
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korean-defector-south-stole-bus-bid-return-home-media-reports-say-2024-10-01/

North Korean soldiers in training (KCNA)

NORTH KOREA SENDS TROOPS TO RUSSIA AHEAD OF DEPLOYMENT TO UKRAINE

• 12,000 to 15,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to help fight the war in Ukraine as Moscow and Pyongyang deepen their military ties.

• According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, North Korea has shipped 1,500 special forces fighters on seven Russian ships to areas deep in Russia’s far east for training earlier this month and “are expected to be deployed to the front lines once their adaptation training is completed.”

• North Korean soldiers were issued forged identification documents of Siberian nationals due to their similar appearances to disguise themselves as Russian soldiers and hide their involvements on the battlefield. 

• This recent intervention marks the first time that the DPRK has participated in a major war in an international war.

• It is reported that 18 North Korean soldiers have deserted their positions in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk oblasts near the Ukrainian border to date.

Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/10/18/asia/ukraine-north-korea-12000-troops-intl/index.html
https://kyivindependent.com/18-north-korean-soldiers-already-deserted-positions-by-ukraines-border-intelligence-sources-tell-suspilne/

Brenda Update

Brenda (right) with Elsa at an Elim House outing.

Crossing Borders’ mission is to show the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children. Part of this is to quietly sit with them and listen to their stories. As North Korean refugees under our care have shared thousands of stories of trauma and suffering, we often walk away confused as to how to help them. Most of the time, there is little we can do but listen. We experience a similar dilemma when we try to pray for them. Sometimes, we don’t know where to begin or what to say as we often are shocked at the tragedies that each of these people experience. 

Elsa, one of our Elim House staff, experienced this recently with Brenda, a resident in our shelter since December 2023, when Brenda revealed more details about her two sons. Facing starvation in the late ‘90s, Brenda decided to leave her youngest son with her husband at home while she and her eldest son left home to find food. After traveling quite a distance, Brenda and her oldest found a way to make money by carrying coal by foot for three hours a day. On other days, they would beg for food from anyone they could find. Her son had to watch his mom get beaten many times as they begged. During the years that they lived like this, the winters were the hardest to endure  in the cold with no shelter. Sometimes they would find shelter in caves.

When Brenda finally saved some money, she returned to her home only to find that her youngest son had wandered out of the house looking for food. He never returned. Brenda said that North Korean parents would lock their young children in their homes as they left for days in search of food. If the parents died along the way, the children were later found dead in their homes. In Brenda’s case, her husband had locked their son in their home as he also went in search of food, but their son found a way to escape and then went missing.

Trying to make the best of her tragic circumstances, Brenda poured all of her meager resources into her eldest son, who got back on track with his studies and eventually enlisted in the North Korean army. Brenda thought they would treat him well there, but her son became malnourished due to lack of food and was often beaten. He left the army and disappeared. Brenda thinks he purposely did not tell her where he was because he no longer wanted to be a burden. The last time she heard from him was through a letter he sent. He informed her that he had joined the military, his ribs were broken, his internal organs were damaged and he was suffering from the buildup of fluid in his abdomen.

After hearing this, Elsa, our shelter manager, left work and went to her church’s weekly prayer meeting where all she could do was cry for an hour as she thought about the hardships Brenda shared. As she communed with God during this time, she felt incredibly blessed to be able to hear such stories and privileged to be in a position to pray for Brenda. 

How do you pray for someone who has endured such suffering and who continues to relive her trauma on a daily basis? In the gospel of John, when Lazarus has died and before Jesus goes to him, the Bible says that Jesus wept (John 11:35). This incredible detail demonstrates to us God’s very real presence in the midst of our sorrows and grief. Though Jesus knew he would bring dead Lazarus back to life, he demonstrated in this moment his profound humanity, connection and indisputable presence by weeping alongside Mary, Martha and the other mourners. 

So while we often find ourselves unable to even put together coherent sentences to pray for our refugees who have endured horrific trauma, we take comfort and find peace in knowing that Jesus knows every detail that has happened to them and that he sits with them in their grief. And when we cannot muster the words to pray, Romans 8:26 offers great reassurance that, “Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words” (ESV).

Top Headlines from North Korea - September 2024

NORTH KOREAN WOMEN EXECUTED FOR HELPING DEFECTORS IN CHINA

• Two North Korean women were charged with human trafficking and sentenced to death. While nine other women were sentenced to life imprisonment on the same charges.

• The 11 women were among a group of around 500 North Koreans which China forcibly repatriated in October 2023. 

• 39-year-old Ri and 43-year-old Kang, who were executed after a public trial in the northeastern port city of Chongjin, previously helped other North Korean women in China escape to South Korea. This marks the first report of executions since China started repatriating defectors back to North Korea in October. 

• According to Jang Se-yul, Head of Gyeore’eol Unification Solidarity in Seoul, Ri and Kang were sold to a Chinese adult entertainment business when they first escaped.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/korean/in_focus/human_rights_defector/china-forced-repatriation-north-korea-execution-09122024153503.html 
https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-executes-two-women-who-helped-people-escape-to-south-korea-report-759997 

NORTH KOREA CRACKS DOWN ON ABORTION TO RAISE BIRTH RATE

• North Korea is intensifying its crackdown on abortion and contraception to boost its declining birth rate. 

• Doctors performing abortions face severe punishments, including prison sentences of up to five years. Meanwhile, merchants who sell contraceptives are also being “punished in droves” as some had their stalls confiscated and had to pay 300,000 won (around $17.65 USD) in fine.

• Although abortion has been illegal in North Korea since the 1990s, some doctors secretly help women perform abortions in their homes and charge about 30,000 won (around $1.76 USD) per abortion to supplement their small government salary. For context, this charge is worth 4.5 kilograms of rice and is the average monthly salary of a North Korean worker.

• To discourage doctors from profiting in the private medical market, the government increased their monthly salaries more than 40-fold to between 80,000 and 180,000 won (around $5-$11 USD), but many doctors still opt to provide private treatments.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/north-korea-abortion-contraceptive-womens-health-doctors-prison-sentences-09092024160351.html
https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-news-punish-doctors-abortion-birthrate-1952489 

Kim Jong Un at one of North Korea’s uranium enrichment facilities. (KCNA)

URANIUM ENRICHMENT FACILITY IN NORTH KOREA

• North Korea recently released photos of a uranium enrichment facility which produces material for its nuclear weapons.

• Photos show its leader, Kim Jong-un, touring the site as he called for more centrifuges to boost his country’s nuclear weapons arsenal.

• Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, suggested that the photos could serve as a "message" ahead of the upcoming U.S. presidential election, with the aim of warning the next administration that it would be "impossible to denuclearise North Korea."

• Meanwhile, the South Korean government strongly condemned the North's plans to increase its uranium production.

Source:
https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/12/asia/north-korea-uranium-enrichment-intl-hnk/index.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly9ypzq8qeo 

NORTH KOREA’S TOP DIPLOMAT ATTENDS FORUM IN RUSSIA

• According to the Russian embassy in Pyongyang, the North Korean Foreign Minister, Choe Son-hui, is visiting Russia this week to attend the fourth Eurasian Women's Forum and the BRICS Women's Forum in Saint Petersburg.

• In addition to participating in cultural events and sightseeing, Choe is “scheduled to deliver speeches and participate in discussions,” and Russia’s President, Vladimir Putin, is also expected to attend one of the events to “address the participants.”

• Choe’s trip followed shortly after the top Russian security official, Sergei Shoigu, met with Kim Jong-un during his visit to North Korea to discuss a “wide range of bilateral and international issues.”

• Russia and North Korea’s tie remains strong as the DPRK’s foreign ministry recently declared that Pyongyang will continue to support Moscow in its war with Ukraine.

Source:
https://www.nknews.org/2024/09/north-koreas-top-diplomat-visiting-russia-to-attend-forum-where-putin-to-speak/
https://www.reuters.com/world/north-koreas-foreign-minister-leaves-russia-embassy-pyongyang-says-2024-09-16/

North Korea's Chuseok Overshadowed by Crisis

Chuseok, a time for family reunions and honoring ancestors, is particularly poignant in North Korea this year due to recent hardships. The country recently experienced severe floodings, a worsening food crisis and the execution of officials for their failure to prevent the disasters. These events have significantly impacted the traditional celebrations for its people to thank their ancestors for an “abundant harvest” during the two Koreas’ thanksgiving season.

FOOD AND WATER SHORTAGES

The devastating floods in North Korea have left thousands homeless and caused extensive damages to its infrastructures, further exacerbating an already dire food situation. With crops destroyed and food supplies dwindling, many families struggle to rebuild their lives and put food on their tables, let alone prepare the customary Chuseok feast for their loved ones. To support flood recovery efforts, North Korean authorities have reportedly ordered workers in China and Russia to donate a significant portion of their salaries. Laborers in various industries, such as clothing factories, seafood companies and electronic plants, are deeply affected, as some who receive monthly salaries of 2,500 to 3,000 yuan (around $350 to $420 USD) were required to pay 80 percent of their earnings to the Party back home. Meanwhile, trading companies in China rushed to show loyalty to Kim’s regime by competing to contribute the most (out of their workers’ salaries) to the flood recovery efforts, leaving the workers with minimal living expenses and greater hardships.

According to DailyNK, citizens were seen collecting rainwater with plastic buckets and washbasins in Sinuiju, North Pyongan province, an area that is currently undergoing post-disaster reconstruction efforts. It is reported that tap water supply has not been restored even after a month has passed since the flood. North Korean authorities have mobilized fire trucks to try and solve the water shortage problem, but clean water supply remains insufficient. A local resident jokingly told DailyNK that “When it rained a lot, people would say ‘More tap water came to my house today.’ The tap water referred to here is rainwater that falls from the sky.” Other residents also complained that since they were forced to participate in reconstruction work “under the hot sun every day” on top of their daily house and work duties, water scarcity poses a great threat to their well-being. With sources revealing that a 10-liter bucket of rainwater costs 2,000 won (around $2.2 USD), it is difficult to imagine how people would choose to use this precious resource to cook traditional Chuseok dishes like songpyeon (half-moon rice cakes) and jeon (Korean pancakes) this year.

BARRIERS TO CELEBRATION

Ahead of the festival, usual travels to ancestral graves for rituals like charye (ancestral rites) and beolcho (grave maintenance) are likely hindered by transportation issues due to extensive damages to infrastructures, particularly in the provinces of North Pyongan, Ryanggang and Jagang. Roads and bridges have been washed away, while landslides have blocked key transportation routes around the country. Satellite images also show the widespread damage of the country’s electricity supply as a result of the flood, with many areas experiencing power outages. Comparing satellite photos of Sinuiju, which lies across the Yalu River from the Chinese city of Dandong, taken on June 26 and August 23 this year, the area shown in the latter appears to be significantly darker. The famous Hwasong district in Pyongyang, known for the site of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's major housing construction project, also embraced darkness. Bruce Songhak Chung, a researcher at the Korean Institute for Security and Strategy, suggested that “the power situation in Pyongyang may have suddenly worsened recently, or perhaps that construction workers may have been mobilized for flood recovery in Sinuiju.”

Many families lost their homes and loved ones in the floods, with thousands of people unable to return to their hometowns. As the nation prepares for Chuseok, the combination of grief, loss and fear overshadows the celebrations. Accordingly, the government’s response to the flood disaster by imposing harsh measures to execute 20 to 30 officials with an aim to project an image of strict accountability only draws further international attention and criticism.

Forsaken, Struck Down, but Not Destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:8-10)

Brenda (left) talking about her life in Korea.

“I’m glad my physical features are like a potato,” Brenda told me with all seriousness. “Because I’m like this, I don’t encounter the drama that some of my pretty North Korean female colleagues face in the field of ministry in South Korea.”

I was sitting in a coffee shop with Brenda (one of our Elim House residents) in June 2024 listening to her life story. Throughout my trip, she would tell me about the unfortunate mishaps she dealt with as a church evangelist working with North Korea and South Korean congregants at her church. On this particular day, our discussion was full of intense emotions. One minute I was laughing so hard at the funny things that were coming out of her mouth. She had such a great sense of humor. The next minute I was sobbing as she shared with me one tragic incident in her life after another which had led her to the present day.

Brenda was abandoned by her parents in North Korea and for 10 years, she lived as a kotjebi. Literally, kotjebi means “fluttering swallows” and it is used in reference to this bird’s unending search for food and shelter. During this time of homelessness, Brenda resolutely concluded in her heart that she could trust no one but herself in this world as no one had ever taken care of her.

Brenda escaped from North Korea to China in 2008 at a time when the Chinese government was significantly cracking down on North Korean refugees and the brokers who trafficked them. “I was a prized commodity and sold for a very high price because there were so few of us entering China around that time,” Brenda explained matter-of-factly.

Without any contacts in China, Brenda literally walked into the country after crossing the Tumen river and went from village to village, shouting, “Somebody save me!”

Brenda was eventually sold as a bride and spent three years in China. Among the many horrific events of her life she recounted was when she was repeatedly kicked by a man with very sharp boots, an incident where she thought she would literally die. Another time, she was beaten so badly by another man that she lost her sense of hearing in her right ear, which was not fully restored until she came to South Korea many years later and received surgery.

When she left North Korea, she left behind an 18 year old son and a 7 year old son. Her youngest had wandered out of the house when Brenda was out searching for food for her family. He too had gone searching for food and was never seen again.

Brenda was introduced to the gospel years before she came to our shelter and when she gave her life to Christ, she learned what it meant to trust God and not depend only on herself. As she inwardly learned to accept Jesus’ love for her, God began to reveal to her the beauty of the world around her. She decided to pursue studies at a South Korean seminary, a seven-year journey that led her to become an evangelist.

She used to ask God why he had answered all of her prayers except the one where she asked to see her sons again. She once heard God ask her in return, would you pray as fervently for North Korea if I allowed you to see your sons? No, she realized. She would probably be consumed by making up for lost time with her sons, taking them to the mall to buy anything they wanted and to buffets to eat to their hearts’ content.

Brenda says God’s mission for her life is to help save her country through Jesus. “North Korea is dark and nothing prospers there because God is unknown. I have to do what I can to change that.”

The Unlikely Friendship and Potential Fallout of North and South Korean Boxers

In the high-stakes world of Olympic boxing, where every hook and jab can mean the difference between victory and defeat, an unexpected friendship was revealed between two athletes from nations often seen as adversaries. Im Ae-ji of South Korea and Pang Chol-mi of North Korea have not only made history by becoming the first women from their respective countries to win Olympic boxing medals in the Paris Games this year, but have also shown signs of camaraderie and mutual respect when they shared the podium for winning bronze medals in the women’s bantamweight category. Meanwhile, a photo with Im and Pang standing stand-by-side – a second selfie taken with athletes from both Koreas during the Olympics this year – flooded the internet, with photos of the two Koreas’ flags displayed next to each other in the medal ceremony also going viral as a demonstration of the Olympic spirit.

THE BIRTH OF AN UNUSUAL FRIENDSHIP

South Korea’s Im and North Korea’s Pang first met during the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, where they competed against each other and Pang ultimately secured a gold medal. Despite the fierce competition, the two boxers spoke after the bout in Hangzhou and Pang even told Im that she “did a good job,” according to an interview in Paris. Im and Pang found common ground in their shared experiences as athletes and reportedly became close friends after competing in the same boxing events for several years leading up to qualifying for the Paris Olympic Games.

One particularly touching moment occurred when Pang cheered Im on after a hard-fought bout. The South Korean athlete told reporters from Yonhap News that, “I met Pang Chul Mi at the weight room in the athletes’ village and she said ‘fighting.’” Nonetheless, their friendship is still seen to be fraught with challenges. During a news conference at the Olympics, Im and Pang pretended not to know each other, with Im appearing cautious with her words when speaking next to Pang.

THE POTENTIAL FALLOUT

A well-intentioned gesture by Im may have inadvertently caused trouble for Pang. While the English word “fighting” is a South Korean slang word meaning “do your best” and is portrayed as a gesture of encouragement, it is seen by the North Korean regime as a cultural infiltration and a potential threat to nationalistic principles. Upon Pang’s return to Pyongyang, she might face the possibility of severe repercussions instead of celebrations to congratulate her on bringing victory to her country. For instance, the authorities may interpret Pang’s use of the South Korean term as a sign of ideological deviation or as an attempt to undermine the regime’s cultural policies. 

North Korea has made many efforts to wipe most English words out of their lexicon while the South has gone in the opposite direction. This is why it is so difficult for North Koreans who arrive in South Korea. They are often confused by the prolific usage of English in South Korea, or Konglish. This is why Crossing Borders holds conversational English classes in two major cities: Incheon and Seoul. 

Observers in South Korea also expressed their worry upon hearing Im’s account, while a defector told Radio Free Asia that, “If it is true that Pang said ‘fighting,’ she could be pointed out as someone who watched a lot of South Korean dramas,” and may face punishment back home. Since the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, enacted new laws to limit foreign influence last year, including banning the South Korean language, journalists warned that South Korean slang and vocabulary are strictly banned in North Korea and violators could face severe penalties, including imprisonment or even execution.

The unintended trouble caused by Im’s gesture highlights the difficult positions athletes are in where they find themselves caught in the crossfire of political conflicts. As the world watches, Pang’s short answers and emotionless expressions at the press conference also serve as a reminder of the complexities faced by North Koreans athletes who straddle the line between competition and diplomacy.

North Korea’s Secret Preparations Amid Kim Jong-Un's Health Crisis

Kim Jong Un with his daughter, Kim Ju-ae. (Credit: KCNA)

In a significant development, North Korea appears to be laying the groundwork for a potentially imminent leadership transition. Recent reports indicate that North Korea’s current leader, Kim Jong-un, is facing severe health challenges related to obesity, prompting his regime to even seek medical assistance from abroad. Despite previous speculations suggesting that Kim Ju-ae is the likely heir to her father’s throne, the timing of these events and Kim’s willingness to risk exposing his secretive health conditions to seek foreign help hint the desperate need to push for succession earlier than expected.

KIM JONG-UN'S DECLINING HEALTH

The North Korean leader, who is speculated to be 40 years old, has long been known for his heavy drinking and smoking habits. These lifestyle choices, combined with a family history of heart disease, have exacerbated Kim’s own health issues. South Korean intelligence agencies have reported that Kim is suffering from high blood pressure and diabetes, conditions that are difficult to manage with the medical resources available in North Korea.

In recent months, Kim’s weight has reportedly skyrocketed to his heaviest ever at around 308 pounds (140 kilograms), placing him at high risk of heart disease, especially when he has been showing signs of high blood pressure and diabetes since his early 30’s. The agency added that, in addition to the leader’s risky habits, his health issues are likely a result of stress. If left untreated, the current leader’s conditions could shadow that of both his grandfather and father, who had died from cardiovascular diseases. This alarming situation has led North Korean officials to search for "alternative medical substances” overseas, highlighting the severity of his health problems that can neither be treated immediately nor internally.

PREPARING FOR SUCCESSION

Since Kim has not formally anointed a successor to his reclusive kingdom, his health remains a top concern to his people as the potential leadership transition carries significant implications on the direction of the regime’s ruling that could lead to shifts in the nation’s domestic and foreign policies. However, it is widely reported that Kim’s “beloved” daughter, Ju-ae, began to receive lessons to prepare her for succession amidst being increasingly visible in public appearances, especially during important nationwide military events. As a result, many believe that Ju-ae is set to take over the reins of North Korea in the near future. 

Ju-ae is estimated to be between 10 and 12 years old. Despite this tender age, North Korea has repeatedly put forward that she is a strong candidate and referred her to as a “great person of guidance” (or “hyangdo” in Korean that is a term typically reserved for a leader or successor) by the North’s state media in an attempt to ensure a smooth transition of power and maintain the stability of the regime in the event of Kim’s incapacitation. Analysts also suggest that Ju-ae's frequent presence at significant state functions was meant to either silence rivalries inside Pyongyang or present the Kim family in the style of a monarchy, as the current leader had himself inherited his position from his late father, Kim Jong-il, the son of North Korea’s founder, Kim Il-sung.

As North Korea navigates this critical juncture, the world continues to closely monitor Kim’s health and the potential rise of Ju-ae to power, which could mark a pivotal moment in the nation’s history that would significantly impact its relations with key players such as the U.S., South Korea and China in light of Kim’s ongoing nuclear ambitions.

Top Headlines from North Korea - August 2024

NORTH KOREA REOPEN TO TOURISTS STARTING DECEMBER

• After nearly five years of strict Covid-19 border controls, North Korea is resuming international tourism this year.

• Although private tours from Russia began in February, only a small group of tourists flew to North Korea.

• According to Beijing-based travel agency, Koryo Tours, “We have received confirmation from our local partner that tourism to Samjiyon and likely the rest of the country will officially resume in December 2024.” Similarly, Shenyang’s KTG Tours wrote on its Facebook page that they believe “Pyongyang and other places will open too!!!”

• North Korean state media revealed that Samjiyon, a city called a “socialist utopia” situated near the Chinese border, has been redeveloped in recent years, with plans to rebuild its airport, convert a military ski base into a resort and build new railways and hotels in order to “revitalize international tourism.”

• However, apart from South Koreans who are not allowed to enter as tourists, the U.S. also bans its citizens from traveling to North Korea.

Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-open-border-foreign-tourists-december-tour-operators-say-2024-08-14/
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg3wzkx8k8o 

SOUTH KOREA TO ESTABLISH NORTH KOREA FUND

• South Korean President, Yoon Suk-yeol, unveiled plans to provide North Koreans with more information about the outside world as part of the “Aug. 15 Unification Doctrine,” a revised inter-Korean unification vision.

• The doctrine focuses on challenging North Korea’s regime and influencing its people to accept the idea of unification based on the principles of freedom, which Yoon’s government hopes to achieve by continuing its propaganda campaign using various tools, including improving North Koreans’ right of access to information.

• Yoon also pledged to establish a North Korea freedom and human rights fund to actively support nongovernmental activities that promote freedom and human rights in the country while continuing to try to provide humanitarian aid to the North.

• The idea of an “Inter-Korean Working Group” was also proposed by Yoon to create a working-level dialogue channel to address matters affecting the two Koreas.

Source:
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/08/113_380656.html
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20240815002251315 

NO SAMSUNG SMARTPHONES FOR NORTH KOREAN OLYMPIANS 

• The International Olympic Committee confirmed that North Korean athletes did not receive the special edition of Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 6 smartphones that were gifts to all athletes participating in the Paris Olympics.

• South Korea’s Foreign Ministry declared that “smartphones are classified as prohibited under UN Security Council Resolution 2397,” thus North Korean athletes receiving the smartphones in Paris does not violate UN sanctions per se, but bringing them back to North Korea would.

• A former Associated Press journalist, Jean H. Lee, explained that the UN bans an extensive list of items from entering North Korea as they could be used “for a nefarious purpose,” for example, baby food can be repurposed for biochemical weapons.

• During the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics, North Korean athletes had refused to accept smartphones offered by the organizing committee altogether.

Source:
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-08-09/national/diplomacy/IOC-denies-allegations-that-North-Korean-athletes-received-Samsung-smartphones/2109673
https://www.cbc.ca/news/north-korea-samsung-1.7289372 

Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin (Photo: www.kremlin.ru)

PYONGYANG REAFFIRMS DEEP TIES WITH MOSCOW

• North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, reaffirmed a pledge to deepen cooperation with Russia in a message to President Vladimir Putin, as the country celebrated the anniversary of Korea’s independence from Japan’s colonial rule.

• Kim stressed the “invincible comradeship” of their countries and told Putin that Russia’s victory was assured in this “sacred war,” without referring to Ukraine by name, while the Russian leader said the bond forged as Soviet soldiers fought against Japan continues to serve as the basis of their ties.

• This exchange came after Putin’s last visit to Pyongyang when the two leaders announced a partnership treaty that offers each other military assistance “without delay” if either were attacked.

• North Korea has allegedly been supplying Russia with rockets and missiles in return for economic and other military assistance.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/kim-putin-russia-ties-08162024011518.html
https://au.news.yahoo.com/kim-putin-vow-deeper-north-222449984.html

Hidden Catastrophe: North Korea’s Attempt to Conceal the Flood Crisis

The tail end of Typhoon Gaemi has left a trail of destruction in both China and North Korea with the rainfall significantly increasing levels in the Yalu River that divides the two countries, causing severe flooding and landslides. In recent weeks, North Korea has faced devastating floods that have wreaked havoc across the country, leading to significant loss of life and property. Although Pyongyang did not reveal official numbers of the affected population, the floods have forced the evacuation of over 27,000 people in the northeastern regions bordering North Korea alone. The heavy rainfall also led to railway disruptions and road collapses, complicating rescue and relief efforts.

In response, the state dispatched military helicopters to rescue more than 5,000 civilians from severe flooding in the northwest region near the Chinese border. Despite these efforts, the scale of the flood has overwhelmed the country’s limited resources, further exacerbating its already challenging living conditions. Amidst the unfolding crisis, the government’s response has been marked by attempts to downplay the severity of the disaster by accusing "the ROK scum” (referring to South Korea) of spreading rumors that the toll for the missing and the dead could be as high as 1,500.

THE GOVERNMENT’S CONCEALMENT EFFORTS

In a highly publicized move, North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, was seen surveying the flood damages in his luxurious Lexus LX 600. Kim’s vehicle was spotted navigating along muddy roads while being submerged in several feet of water. In an attempt to portray their leader’s concern and control over the situation, state media took this opportunity to praise Kim for “putting himself out there and demonstrating that the state is able to provide for its people.” Kim also showed empathy to his people by openly criticizing officials for their failure to prepare and respond to the recent torrential rain, despite previous orders to improve the country’s measures against natural disasters. As a result, Kim had reportedly dismissed the provincial party committee secretary of Chagang Province, Kang Bong-hun, and the minister of social security, Ri Thae-sop, from their positions during an emergency meeting in Sinuiju city.

Meanwhile, the government made concerted efforts to conceal the true extent of the damage. Reports indicate that the authorities have ordered flood victims who lost their families or homes not to express grief publicly. Days following the mass evacuations, residents from North Pyongan were forced to watch propaganda videos of Kim rescuing people in the flooded areas as a hero. An evacuee told Radio Free Asia that, “On the first day, flood victims cried in despair because their elderly parents and young children were washed away by the flood, but they were stopped by guards. ... The guards insisted that the victims be thankful for Kim Jong Un’s love for his people.” Another resident from Wihwa island, which is situated near the mouth of the Yalu, confirmed that, despite the number of missing and dead exceeding 1,000 after people were washed away by the current or killed when their homes collapsed due to heavy rain, “they are unable to even show a sad expression on their faces due to surveillance from the authorities” while being forced to give thanks to their leader for saving them every day.

REJECTION OF OUTSIDE AID AND YOUTH MOBILIZATION

In a bold move, North Korea rejected offers of humanitarian aid from neighboring countries, including South Korea, China and Russia, perhaps as part of a political statement to reflect the regime’s desire to project self-reliance and avoid any perception of weakness. Further, by declining China’s offer to rescue its people stranded on islands in the Yalu, Pyongyang tactfully prevents those rescued from attempting to defect to China at the cost of countless lives.

Despite the significant dangers posed by the devastated areas, North Korean authorities also dispatched 300,000 young “volunteers” to live and rebuild 4,400 new homes in a major flood disaster zone near the Chinese border in the name of instilling obedience through hard labor. The affected areas remain hazardous, with unstable structures, contaminated water and the risk of further landslides and flooding. Yet, the government pressed ahead with the mobilization, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and sacrifice as young people are being thrust into dangerous living and working conditions.

Prayer for Safe Passage for a North Korean refugee in China

Candice, a North Korean refugee, was bought by and married to a Han Chinese man (China’s majority ethnic group) for five years in China when she came and joined one of our gatherings led by our pastor.

Over time, she often confided in our pastor about the difficulties she had endured because of her husband. According to Candice, her husband was always suspicious of her and harassed her about every small thing. Her attendance at our gatherings were infrequent, namely because her husband restricted it. Our pastor in China tells us she was always depressed and “there was no joy on her face.”

A local Chinese police officer who was compassionate towards her had told her recently to just live a quiet life and not to worry so much about being in China. He assured her that better days were ahead as long as she was patient and stayed out of trouble. Candice disappeared recently, taking her eldest child with her, just after a time of worship together with the group. Her husband started asking others in our group about her whereabouts. He even involved the local police, who also started to question others in the group. Knowing as much as he did about our group’s gatherings and other details, he shared information with the police about a planned weekend gathering this fall.

It has been a few weeks since we last saw Candice. We know from past experiences that there’s a high likelihood that she hired a broker and fled to South Korea with her child. We also know that there’s a very small chance we’ll see or hear from her again. Our prayer is that she did not get captured along the way.

Because of increased scrutiny by the local police in China, we decided to postpone our fall gathering. To reduce risk, the group will be asked to not bring their Bibles. Instead, our pastor will print scriptures and study materials for their time together. 

Would you please pray with us for: 

• The safety of this woman and her child.

• The safety of our network in China. 

• The safety of our pastor and worker in China.

Mysterious North Korean Duo’s Silver in Olympic Table Tennis

In a stunning turn of events at the recent Olympic Games in Paris, a mysterious table tennis duo from North Korea captured the world’s attention by clinching a silver medal. This journey to the podium is shrouded in intrigue, not only because of their unexpected success but also due to their unique training regimen and a highly anticipated moment of camaraderie with South Korean bronze medalists.

The North Korean pair, 24-year-old Ri Jong-sik and 22-year-old Kim Kum-yong, entered the Olympics as underdogs. The dark horse duo faced formidable opponents from table tennis powerhouses like China, Japan and Germany. Despite the odds, they displayed remarkable skill, agility and teamwork, advancing through the rounds with a series of impressive victories. To put this into perspective, Ri and Kim defeated the second, eighth and fourth seeds before battling against the world number one duo, China’s Wang Chu-qin and Sun Ying-sha, not only as first-time Olympians, but also as the lowest ranked players of 16 teams in the competition. The two players also surprised the audience in a rare display of affection, where they jumped and hugged each other after an hour-long victory, scoring 4-3 against Hong Kong’s Wong Chun-ting and Doo Hoi-kem.

THE DUO’S SECRET TRAINING LIFE IN CHINA

Since the pair had previously flown under the radar and participated in few international competitions, their moves and tactics became difficult for opponents to study and prepare for. During the Games, it was noted that Kim used a less common racket among professional athletes, which caught many top-notch players off guard. As described by Swedish player, Kristian Karlsson, who lost to the North Korean duo in the quarterfinals, “Her serve gave me a lot of trouble. Some of them looked easy, but I missed them. The rubber she uses is very unusual among female players and almost nonexistent among male players.” 

Although little is known about them, it was reported that Ri and Kim receive their training with the help of interpreters at Chonqing Zhongbin Sports (“Zhongbin”), a professional team in China’s southwestern city of Chongqing led by Head Coach, Li Xia-shuang. Li praised the duo for training very hard every day from 5am and never playing with their phones, “their skills were a little rough when they first came here, but now they have come a long way.” Their coach added that both players do not engage in any leisure activity as they “cease every second” to train and would always be seen practicing outside their mealtimes or rest hours. Earlier this year, Ri and Kim, along with two other North Korean table tennis players, represented Zhongbin in various A-League games in China’s northwestern city of Changchun. Li explained that “as North Korean teams seldom participate in international tournaments, we hope they will stay in condition by participating in the A-League.” However, as the pair had never played together in public or even during their training in China, Li described the Ri-Kim duo as North Korea’s “secret weapon” at the Paris Olympics and explained that their silver medal win was a testament to their dedication and the effectiveness of their covert training program.

TIES AND UNITY

Interestingly, Ri told the press in a rare interview after their match that, “we are trained in China, but our normal practices are in North Korea,” which suggests that China grants North Korean athletes an unusual diplomatic arrangement to enter its borders, while allowing them to hone their skills away from the prying eyes of international competitors and exposing them to Chinese training facilities that are renowned for producing world-class table tennis players. By hosting North Korean athletes, China reaffirms its commitment to the China-North Korea alliance that is essential for maintaining stability in the region. This strategic collaboration also signifies a continuous partnership that could pave the way for future cooperation between the two countries in other areas, such as economic development and cultural exchange.

Although the Chinese-North Korean friendship on the sports field is heartwarming, a moving moment at the Olympics was marked by a rare act of unity between North and South Korea. Echoing a similar viral photo taken during the Rio 2016 Olympics, another historical selfie made headlines after the North Korean duo was seen posing for a photo with the South Korean and Chinese table tennis medalists, along with both Koreas’ national flags in the backdrop, using a Samsung phone. This gesture, captured and shared widely on social media, symbolized a moment of peace between the two Koreas after months of escalating political tensions.

How the Korean War is Celebrated and also “Forgotten”

A mass rally denouncing the U.S., in Pyongyang, North Korea (KCNA)

Every year on July 27, the DPRK celebrates “Victory Day,” officially known as the Day of Victory in the Great Fatherland Liberation War. This national holiday commemorates the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, which brought a ceasefire to the Korean War. Under the terms of the agreement, the countries are required to suspend all open hostilities, prevented from entering the air, ground or sea areas under control of the other, separated by the Demilitarized Zone (“DMZ”) which acts as a buffer between the two Koreas, and ordered to release and repatriate prisoners of war and displaced persons, among other things.

However, although the fighting technically ended with an armistice, no peace treaty was ever signed, meaning the war unofficially continues indefinitely. Meanwhile, with around 2.5 million Koreans losing their lives fighting on both sides, North Korea portrays this day as a significant victory over its enemies – South Korea and the U.S.

FORCED CELEBRATIONS

Victory Day is marked by grand military parades, patriotic performances and various public celebrations across the nation. The North Korean government uses this occasion to reinforce national pride and the narrative of resilience against foreign aggression. For North Koreans, this day is meant to be a reminder of their country’s struggle and perceived triumph in the face of overwhelming odds. Thus, month-long Korean War-related celebrations span from June 25, marking the beginning of the “anti-American struggle” month, until July 27.

This year, Pyongyang held mass anti-U.S. rallies to mark the 74th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. Meanwhile, over 80,000 citizens from the northern border city of Hyesan (over half of the local population) were forced to chant slogans denouncing the U.S. and listen to anti-American speeches for four hours from 8 a.m. till noon at a stadium, which was described by a resident as a rally “larger than any mass rally I have ever seen in my life.” It was reported that “everyone from elementary school students to war veterans, who could walk” were ordered to attend the rally. The crowd was then split into three groups and dispatched to continue shouting slogans against the U.S. while they paraded through the streets. 

For many years, North Korean authorities have justified spending billions in developing nuclear weapons as a means of national self-defense against “the frequent introduction of U.S. nuclear carriers, nuclear submarines and nuclear strategic bombers” that “frighten” the isolated country. Nevertheless, the poor living conditions in North Korea have not improved even after the DPRK has enhanced its nuclear capabilities over the past few years. As a result, even North Koreans protesting on the streets are questioning why they are still “talking about the U.S. and its imperialist plans these days” and continuing to blame the U.S. for the nation’s failing economy.

HOW THE KOREAN WAR WAS “FORGOTTEN”

The Korean War, which lasted from 1950 to 1953, is often referred to as the “Forgotten War” in the U.S. It was not until 1988 that a memorial dedicated to those who served in the war was built in Chicago, followed by the opening of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in Washington in 1995 and the signing of a bill to allow the construction of a remembrance wall in 2016. 

There may be several factors as to why this war was “forgotten.” First, unlike World War II or the Vietnam War, the Korean War did not receive extensive attention by the public. The timing of this war may offer some insight – the conflict occurred shortly after World War II, which was a period when many Americans were weary of war. In addition, the war’s stalemate nature and the lack of significant territorial changes made it less newsworthy. Second, although the Korean War was the first major conflict of the Cold War, involving the U.S. and its allies against North Korea, China and the Soviet Union, it was not framed as a clear-cut battle between good and evil, as World War II had been. Instead, it was seen as a complex struggle against the spread of communism that ended with an ambiguous outcome. Finally, the Korean War did not leave a lasting cultural impact in the same way the World War did. There are fewer movies, books and television shows about this war, except for the 1972 television series “M*A*S*H,” which depicted the war’s medical and human aspects.

Despite being called the “Forgotten War,” the Korean War has significant consequences. Not only did it solidify the division of the Korean Peninsula, leading to the establishment of the heavily fortified DMZ and the ongoing tension between the two Koreas, but it also set the stage for future diplomatic conflicts and shaped U.S.-Korean military and foreign policy for decades. Korea is the only divided country on earth.

North Korea Back at the Olympics After Absence in 2020 and 2022

North Korea’s official delegation, led by the Olympic Committee of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, arrived in Paris with a team of 16 athletes competing across seven sports including athletics, boxing, gymnastics, table tennis, wrestling and judo. After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the nation’s athletes have returned to the Summer Olympics this year, marking their eleventh appearance in the international sporting event. This is considered a significant moment for the isolated country, as it seeks to engage in sports diplomacy globally.

NORTH KOREA’S PAST ABSENCE

Pyongyang’s decision to miss the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics (which was postponed to 2021) sent shockwaves through the international sporting community. While officials cited Covid-19 concerns, North Korea has used major sporting events as a diplomatic tool for many years, thus by skipping the Tokyo Games, they signaled their displeasure and perhaps sought to gain leverage in nuclear talks with the United States. After the North failed to send a team to Tokyo, the International Olympic Committee (“IOC”) suspended North Korea from the Beijing 2022 Winter Games. IOC’s president, Thomas Bach, also announced that the North Korean Olympic Committee would not receive financial aid during the suspension and would forfeit money it was due from previous Olympics. While the exact amount remained undisclosed, it could be substantial, given the stringent international sanctions in place.

Not only would skipping both games underscore the geopolitical complexities surrounding North Korea and highlight their isolation, for North Korean athletes, missing two consecutive Olympics would be a bitter pill to swallow. Elite athletes enjoy preferential treatment in North Korea and can receive luxury gifts such as cars or even apartments as rewards for winning at the Olympics. Sporting champions were reportedly given “national hero status” upon their return and received “big attention from our people,” according to North Korean weightlifting coach, Kim Kwang-dok. Therefore, absence from these international events would deny athletes the rare opportunity to seek a better life for themselves and their families, especially considering the country’s substandard living conditions and chronic food shortages.

THE CONTENDERS

North Korea’s Culture and Sports Minister, Kim Il-guk, joined as part of the delegation to Paris this year. 

Athletics

In athletics, North Korea’s sole track and field athlete, Han Il-ryong, is expected to compete in the men’s marathon. 

Boxing

Two boxers, Pang Chol-mi (women’s bantamweight) and Won Ung-yong (women’s lightweight), also secured their spots in the Paris Games after advancing to the semifinals at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. This would mark 12 years since the DPRK team has gained a place in the Olympic Games’ boxing events. The team holds an Olympic boxing record of two gold, three silver and three bronze medals between 1972 and 2012, and is considered one of the best Asian teams on this list.

Judo and Table Tennis

Mun Song-hui (women’s middleweight) will represent North Korea in judo, while three table tennis players, Pyon Song-gyong, Ri Jong-sik and Kim Kum-yong, have all gained their tickets to Paris in the 2024 International Table Tennis Federation World Mixed Doubles.

NORTH AND SOUTH KOREAN GYMNASTS POSE FOR VIRAL SELFIE

As the Paris Olympics kicks off, memories of South Korean gymnast, Lee Eun-ju, and North Korean gymnast, Hong Un-jong, posing for a selfie during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games continue to linger. In a heartwarming moment during the games when Lee and Hong defied decades of hostility and took a smiling selfie together, the photo’s impact of a seemingly simple act resonated far beyond the gymnastics arena. This picture went viral on the internet and was hailed as a representation of the Olympic spirit, marking a brief pause in the ongoing tension between their nations. As their selfie stands as a powerful symbol of unity today, the world remains hopeful that the Paris Olympic Games can bridge gaps and foster friendship between the two Koreas that are technically still at war.

Top Headlines from North Korea - July 2024

The national flag of Cuba.

SENIOR NORTH KOREAN DIPLOMAT DEFECTED TO SOUTH KOREA

• A senior North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba, Ri Il-kyu, fled to South Korea with his wife and child back in November 2023.

• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed the incident, which marks the highest-ranking North Korean diplomat to escape since 2016.

• Ri was reportedly a 52-year-old counselor working at the North Korean Embassy who had defected due to disillusionment with North Korea’s political system, an unfair job evaluation by Pyongyang’s Foreign Ministry and the ministry’s disapproval of his hopes to visit Mexico to treat his neural damage.

• The South’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper described that Ri’s work involved stopping Havana from forging official diplomatic ties with Seoul, though the two governments eventually established official relations in February 2024.

• According to the news agency, Ri joined North Korea’s foreign ministry in 1999 and received a commendation from Kim Jong-un for successfully negotiating with Panama to secure the release of a North Korean ship caught carrying arms from Cuba in 2013.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv3xk9klwzo
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-diplomat-defects-cuba-south-korea-501f64302b42782fcb8f7d02ff7e4ef6 

SEOUL SANCTIONS HONG KONG SHIPPING COMPANY

• South Korea has imposed sanctions on a Hong Kong shipping company, HK Yilin Shipping Co., and a North Korean cargo ship for engaging in an illegal transfer of North Korean coal in March in violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

• According to Seoul’s foreign ministry, any entity planning to engage in financial transactions with the shipping company must obtain authorization from South Korea’s financial watchdog and its central bank. Sanctioned vessels are also unable to enter South Korea without receiving permission.

• The ministry described that its sanctions demonstrated the government’s “strong will to end North Korea’s illegal nuclear and missile development by blocking its illegal maritime activities.”

• Under United Nations sanctions, maritime transshipment with North Korean vessels and the export of North Korean coal are prohibited.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/news/korea/hong-kong-shipping-sanction-07182024042645.html
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/fc/4/218524/South-Korea-sanctions-HK-firm-for-illegal-transfer-of-North-Korea-coal 

NEW WAVE OF NORTH KOREAN BALLOON LAUNCH PROMPTS ANTI-PYONGYANG LOUDSPEAKER BROADCASTS 

• South Korea’s military conducted a loudspeaker broadcast campaign against North Korea in response to the “despicable, shameful and vulgar” launch of balloons by Pyongyang carrying trash across the border.

• Previous broadcasts included K-pop songs, weather forecasts, news on Samsung and criticisms of North Korea’s missile program and its crackdown on foreign videos.

• Given the North fired artillery rounds across the border when the South restarted loudspeaker broadcasts for the first time in 11 years back in 2015, South Korean military is now on alert for possible reactions by North Korea.

• Meanwhile, South Korea denounced the North for floating trash balloons in its seventh such balloon campaign in recent months.

Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/south-korea-conducts-loudspeaker-broadcasts-north-korea-2024-07-18/
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-trash-balloons-south-6300e7f182920e9a9ba0de7b1ffcb575 

SOUTH KOREA APPOINTS NORTH KOREAN DEFECTOR ITS VICE MINISTER

• Tae Yong-ho, a former minister of the North Korean Embassy in London who had defected to South Korea in 2016, was recently appointed as a vice minister in South Korea.

• After Tae’s defection to the South, North Korea called him “human scum” and accused him of embezzling government money and committing other crimes.

• This new appointment marks the highest-level government job for any North Korean defector who has resettled in the South.

• As the new head of the unification council, Tae will be advising on peaceful Korean unification as he is able to utilize his experience living in North Korea and work experiences as a member of South Korea’s parliament’s committee.

Source:
https://www.businessinsider.com/south-korea-defector-minister-role-annoy-north-korea-experts-2024-7
https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/north-korean-diplomat-appointed-vice-minister-south-korea-112053512

Two Hands

This June, a missions team from Shepherd Church in California spent a week in South Korea serving and loving on the North Korean women of Elim House and Elim Community. The team led an art therapy activity with our Elim House residents called “Two Hands.” It was led by Althea, one of the members of the team, who works as a nurse in a hospital caring for the mentally ill. The “Two Hands” activity we did with our Elim House residents was one that she does with her patients back home.

As part of the activity, we traced both of our hands on a large piece of construction paper. Using markers, we were asked to fill the left hand drawing with words, phrases or pictures of things we needed to hold onto. On the right hand drawing, we were asked to fill it with things we needed to let go of.

A powerful time of sharing ensued. We were struck by the universality of our pain and suffering as we shared the things we needed to let go of. As Americans, we were worlds apart in so many ways from the North Korean refugees sitting across from us, yet we could immediately empathize with their core feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, insecurities, and pain inflicted by others. Our Elim House residents also expressed surprise and empathy while listening to our Shepherd Church members’ struggles which were similar to their own.

We also found commonality in the things that we needed to hold on to. Most of us mentioned exceptional people in our lives who showed us incredible love to help us get to where we were. Many of us had Jesus at the center of our drawing.

At the same time, there were moments that sharply demarcated our residents’ struggles with our own. Like when Brenda shared that she needed to hold on to the memories she had of her two lost sons in North Korea and let go of her memories of endless days of starvation in North Korea. Or when Jamie shared that she needed to hold on to her mom who was still in North Korea. That afternoon she showed me a picture of her mom that was taken a year ago. The woman who stared back at me in the picture looked gaunt and lifeless. Jamie kissed the picture on her phone screen as she muttered under her breath about the injustice of her 73-year-old mom looking like she was well past 90.

Through the disparities and similarities, we connected deeply with one another in the short time we spent doing this activity. Being vulnerable with each other as we shared some of our deepest pains and joys gave us a sense of unity in our life journeys. We encouraged and prayed for each other to earnestly surrender with both hands those things that held us back from our full flourishing. At the same time, we rejoiced as we witnessed each other dearly holding with both hands the gifts God had graciously given us to push us towards more hope, joy, and love.

“Beyond Utopia”: A film review by our executive director, Dan Chung

(Warning: This Article Contains Spoilers)

North Koreans who escape their country have a long and arduous journey to freedom. They must traverse about 2,000 miles from North Korea to Laos. Through Laos, they walk on drug roads through mountains for hundreds of miles in order to reach Thailand, where they are finally free. If they are caught in China, Laos, or Vietnam, they will be sent back to North Korea where they will likely receive the harshest of treatment.

I have heard hundreds of testimonies over the years about this perilous journey but, because of the sensitive nature of the refugees and their stories, I have never seen video footage. The 2023 documentary “Beyond Utopia” is some of the first footage I have seen from this journey, and it is shocking. The film offers an up-close look at the hardships of the journey from the physical challenges, to their emotional and mental struggles.

The main story of this documentary is about Pastor Seungeun Kim who has been helping North Korean refugees through the perilous Modern-Day Underground Railroad since 2000. In the movie, he helps a family, a father, mother, two daughters, and a grandmother through China. Together, they escape North Korea into China and are looking for people to help them to escape to Thailand, where they will receive refugee status. North Koreans are extremely vulnerable in China because they have no human rights and most are sold into China’s expansive sex trade industry.

If you have read the harrowing tales of North Koreans on our website, this film will add incredible color and detail to these stories. We can tell you about the routes, the dangers, and what the refugees' memories are of their journeys. But the film gives the viewer a look at the beads of sweat that fall down the face of Pastor Kim and the families that he is helping along the way. It details the unpaved terrain through thick jungle that most of the 33,000 refugees in South Korea had to crawl through.

In one scene, the group is making its way through the Laotian jungle and Pastor Kim, a man who was in his 50s at the time of filming, looks absolutely exhausted. He sits down along the way and it appears as if he cannot make it another step. Somehow, he finds the strength to carry on. The grandmother of the party walks with a limp, she walks slowly up and down stairs in their well-maintained stopping point in Laos. She too must walk up and down unpaved, often slippery, terrain for hours on end. The children, who mostly are carried on their parents’ backs, often get cut by the overgrowth of the jungle.

One of the most dramatic moments of the documentary is an interview with the grandmother of the party. In Laos, far from the North Korean regime, they ask her what her thoughts are about the North Korean leadership, in particular, Kim Jong-un. She says that Kim Jong-un is a hard worker and that he cares for his people. Her daughter then whispers in her ear and says that she doesn’t have to say that anymore, and that they are free to express their true opinion about their leadership. The grandmother continues in her praise of the leadership and says that the only reason she escaped was because she wanted to stay with her family.

The family makes it to South Korea. We can see their new, clean apartment and the children playing. The grandmother seems to have made a shift in her thinking about the regime. She expresses her gratitude for her new country and how she would never be able to live like this in her old one.

I highly recommend this documentary to anyone who is interested in the plight of North Korean refugees. It is worthy of the praise that it has received and adds a healthy dose of humanness to the perilous journey that readers of our website know so well.

Inaugural North Korean Defector’s Day

In January, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for a day devoted to North Korean defectors to promote their “inclusivity and settlement support” in South Korea. The administration officially designated July 14 as North Korean Defectors’ Day.

Seoul is currently gearing up for this inaugural celebration. "In commemoration of the first North Korean Defectors' Day, we hope that both South and North Korean citizens will appreciate the importance of freedom and human rights, and foster mutual understanding and consideration," said Lee Dong-ryul, head of the Administration Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Starting on Sunday, July 14, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will host events throughout the week, with a goal of combating prejudice against North Korean defectors and encouraging and fostering a sense of unity and belonging among all Seoul citizens, South and North Koreans alike. From talks given by government officials and subject matter experts throughout the week to movie screenings and cultural experiences, there is a concerted effort to raise awareness and encourage change in South Korea.

Problems North Koreans Face

A Lack of Community

A majority of North Koreans who arrive in South Korea do not have family and struggle to find a community. According to the Hana Foundation's survey of North Korean refugees in South Korea, “living away from family (family in North Korea or a third country)” is the top reason for dissatisfaction of living in South Korea (29.1 percent of respondents in 2022). In 2021, only 18.4 percent of respondents said they engaged in any type of social group activities.

Physical Health

Only a third of North Koreans living in South Korea rated their health status as “good.” Most defectors received what is called “Tier 1” Medical Benefits of the Basic Livelihood Security Program as a part of their resettlement services. From our experience in helping North Koreans through Elim House, this poor self assessment is not from a lack of access to medical benefits but a combination of a somatization of the trauma they carry with them and a desire to not draw negative attention to themselves.

Suicidal Impulses

The rate of suicidal impulses felt by North Koreans living in South Korea continue to be more than double that of their South Korean neighbors, which points to the hopelessness many feel. The top four reasons for feeling this impulse were “physical-mental illness or disorder,” “economic hardship,” and “loneliness, solitude,” and “family troubles,”  which totaled 79 percent. 

Discrimination

South Korea is a homogenous country made up of 95 percent Koreans. Many of the 4.9 percent foreign residents are ethnically Korean with citizenship in other countries, which makes South Korea even more homogenous. It is difficult to be a foreigner in such a homogenous setting. Our conversation with both refugees and those who work in the field of helping North Koreans affirm that most North Koreans in South Korea experience some form of racial discrimination.

The Ways It Can Have Impact

North Korean refugees we encounter through Elim House are often lonely, in poor health and fleeing from destructive relationships. Creating nation-wide awareness that open dialogue is a good and promising step towards helping people who continue to struggle to find their place. Korea has already established resettlement services through the Hana Foundation, its own nonprofit arm that assists North Koreans. However, help is needed beyond services, training and financial support. Most North Koreans carry with them a great deal of trauma from the oppression in North Korea, human trafficking, and the threat of repatriation in China, and the inability to be accepted in South Korea.

We believe that their ultimate sense of hope and belonging can only come from Jesus. Until they have an encounter with this living hope, a recurring reminder like North Korean Defector’s Day will cause the 51 million living in South Korea to pause and consider the people who suffer quietly in their midst.

North Korea’s Latest TikTok Sensation

Kim Jong-un on TikTok (KCTV)

In an unexpected twist, North Korea’s latest propaganda song, “Friendly Father,” has taken the TikTok world by storm. The upbeat melody with a Soviet-sounding twist has garnered praise from Gen Z users on the social media platform. However, beneath its upbeat melody lies a more sinister message. The popularity of this propaganda song highlights the power of music and social media in shaping global perceptions. This appears to be an ongoing tactic deployed by North Korea both inside and outside the country. For instance, it is reported that the former North Korean Youtuber, Song A, who posted videos of her life in Pyongyang back in January 2022 before her channel was shut down by Google for promoting the North Korean regime in June 2023, has recently reappeared in the media as a promising first-year student at Pyongyang Missionary Elementary Middle School and winner of a national foreign language conversation contest, with more content expected to be released.

THE RISE OF “FRIENDLY FATHER” AND ITS HIDDEN MESSAGE

North Korean music is not created for the sake of art or entertainment, but must follow the “seed theory,” which implies that a piece of artwork must contain an ideological seed that is disseminated to the masses as art, in other words, as propaganda. “Friendly Father” is no exception. Released in April, “Friendly Father” describes the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, as “warm-hearted” and “friendly.” The lyrics encourage singing praises to Kim, referring him as “the great leader” and “our friendly father” who holds “a million children in his arms and takes care of us with all of his heart.” TikTok users flooded the platform with reactions. Some found the song “dystopian in the catchiest way possible,” while others likened it to the climactic scene in a movie where the whole town gathers to sing in unity while spinning in a circle. Isolated users have even created dance moves and crafted piano versions of the song, joking that this is “real K-pop.” Despite the music video’s apparent ideological intent, commentators expressed their hope for “Friendly Father” to land on Spotify, as the tune gives them “anime vibes.”

Ironically, Kim Jong-un, the same leader praised in the song, has vowed to “thoroughly annihilate the US” and has launched dozens of ballistic missiles this year alone. Considering the juxtaposition of “Friendly Father’s” innocent tune and its alarming intentions, North Korea’s propaganda machine challenges us to consider the impact of seemingly harmless pop songs. In particular, as North Korean analyst, Peter Moody, described, “North Korean songs have gone viral before, but usually, it’s been to mock them. But this is one of the first, if not the only, times I’ve heard about a North Korean song going viral with people in different parts of the world expressing appreciation for it, musically.” As TikTok users dance to its beat, they unwittingly become part of a global conversation – one that blurs the lines between entertainment and political messaging.

SOUTH KOREA SHUTS IT DOWN

However, not everyone is grooving to “Friendly Father.” South Korea swiftly banned videos featuring the song, citing violations of the National Security Act that blocks access to the North’s government websites and media, as well as penalizes behaviors and speeches in favor of the regime. According to Seoul’s Korea Communications Standards Commission, 29 versions of the music video will be blocked, as requested by the country’s National Intelligence Service to restrict exposure of the efforts by Kim’s regime to glorify its leader. Violations of the National Security Act can lead to up to seven years’ imprisonment, though enforcement of the law has eased recently.

In response, the ban has attracted the interest of many South Koreans, who left comments on the video asking the authorities to leave it accessible “so that more people can enjoy the joke.” Some TikTok users even said that they listened to the song while working out at the gym or doing homework, while others praised how its nostalgic tune reminded them of older Spanish and French pop music. The captivating tune’s glorification of Kim Jong-un undeniably clashes with the tense relations between the two Koreas. Despite the ban, the song continues to resonate beyond borders, sparking discussions about the intersection of music and politics.