Top Headlines from North Korea - May 2025

Pyongyang Housing: Cityscape Changes as Major Project Nears Completion

Reports from early May indicate North Korea is making a significant push to complete the final stages of its ambitious 50,000-home construction project in Pyongyang. This initiative, part of a five-year plan, aims to transform parts of the capital's residential landscape.

• State media highlighted that construction for 10,000 apartments in the Hwasong area was in full swing.

• The project, launched in 2021, has seen several phases of new housing blocks completed in districts like Songhwa and Hwasong.

• This massive undertaking is presented as a key achievement aimed at improving citizens' living standards in the capital.

• While showcasing development, the focus for residents will be on the quality, accessibility, and actual living conditions in these new complexes.

• The completion of such large-scale projects often coincides with significant state anniversaries or events.

Source:

• Korea JoongAng Daily: 

• Daily NK

Families in North Korea Stretch Budgets as School Uniform Costs Bite

A report from late in the specified period (around May 19th) shed light on the economic pressures faced by ordinary North Korean families, particularly concerning the costs of school uniforms for their children. This highlights everyday financial challenges.

• Families are reportedly finding it necessary to spend their own money, sometimes significant portions of their income (likened to the cost of rice), on school uniforms.

• This situation arises because state-supplied uniforms are often insufficient in quantity or quality.

• Ensuring children have proper attire for school becomes a priority, adding to household financial burdens.

• The issue underscores the gap between official provisions and the actual daily needs and expenses of the populace.

• Such reports offer a grassroots view of economic conditions and how citizens cope with them.

Source:

• Daily NK

Pyongyang Women Reportedly Paying to Avoid Mandatory Farm Work

An intriguing report from around May 19, 2025, indicates that some married women in Pyongyang are paying significant sums of money to gain exemptions from mandatory agricultural labor mobilizations. This practice highlights social and economic dynamics within the capital.

• Married women in Pyongyang, known as "housewives," are typically required to participate in state-organized farming support during busy agricultural seasons.

• Some are reportedly paying officials around $300 to be excused from these mobilizations, a substantial amount considering average incomes.

• This suggests a desire to avoid strenuous labor and potentially a way for officials to supplement their income.

• The ability to pay for such exemptions likely reflects a degree of economic stratification even within the constraints of North Korean society.

• This phenomenon offers a glimpse into the informal ways citizens navigate state requirements and the subtle interplay of money and obligation.

Source:

• Daily NK English

• Asia Press

North Korea's Spring Trade Fair Opens with Noticeable Lack of Foreign Participants

Three Revolutions Exhibition, source: Koryo Tours (North Korea)

North Korea held its 26th Pyongyang Spring International Trade Fair in mid-May 2025, the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, observations from the event noted a conspicuous absence of foreign businesses and participants compared to pre-pandemic years.

• The trade fair, which opened around May 13th at the Three Revolutions Exhibition House, traditionally aimed to attract foreign investment and showcase goods.

• Reports indicated that the fair primarily featured North Korean domestic products, with very few international vendors present.

• This contrasts sharply with previous fairs where Chinese and other foreign companies often had a significant presence.

• The reduced foreign participation may reflect ongoing border restrictions, the impact of international sanctions, or a cautious approach from international businesses.

• The focus on domestic goods could also be a sign of the country emphasizing self-reliance, while still signaling an openness to eventual international economic engagement.

Source:

• NK News

North Korean Defectors Sold Out for Profit in China

Escaping North Korea is already a high-risk gamble, but what is even more chilling is the rise of fake helpers – individuals in China who claim to assist defectors in reaching South Korea but ultimately turn them over to law enforcement in exchange for financial rewards.

AN EXPANDING DECEPTIVE SCHEME

Cut off from the outside world and with no means of navigating their escape alone, North Korean defectors have no choice but to entrust their fate to brokers and guides. As they undertake the arduous path across China, these intermediaries become their lifeline. Yet, it is no secret that some brokers exploit this desperation, deceiving defectors with promises of “newly-developed routes” or other false assurances to extort money. While such scams have existed for years, the troubling reality is that they are becoming increasingly widespread. What was once an isolated problem has now become a lucrative business for some, with even local Chinese residents openly acknowledging the practice as a way to earn quick money. Many justify their actions by claiming they are abiding by the law — framing their deception as not just legal but even righteous in the eyes of the authorities.

According to DailyNK, some Chinese drivers, initially posing as confidants, betray their passengers for monetary gains. Defectors move in a relay system along the modern day “underground railroad”, switching vehicles at checkpoint to evade surveillance – originally designed to reduce the risk of capture. However, this strategy has now become perilous, as drivers reporting defectors can earn “double profits” by collecting both transportation fees and government rewards for turning them in. Moreover, even drivers trying to help defectors face their own perils, as those caught assisting escapees can be turned in for rewards as well. One reported case involved two North Korean defectors, one in their 50s and the other in their 30s, travelling across China from Jilin province. Their first driver secretly reported them, but authorities waited until they switched vehicles in Hunan province to detain not only the defectors but also their second driver, who had unknowingly become entangled in the unfolding trap.

THE ROLE OF CHONSUNJOKS

Many perpetrators are Chosunjoks — ethnic Koreans in China who share deep ancestral ties with defectors — or they disguise themselves as such to gain trust by exploiting this perceived kinship as distant relatives. A common method to target defectors, the majority of whom are women, is through fraudulent matchmaking scams. These defectors are promised a future with wealthy Chinese bachelors, often described as “tall, rich and handsome.” To further convince these young women, the perpetrators posing as sympathetic allies emphasize the deep cultural importance of marriage for women in Chosun society, portraying it as an essential path to stability and acceptance. After charging exorbitant fees, they hand their victims to authorities.

Another alarming case involved a 50-year-old Chosunjok man in Jilin province who has been approaching defectors, pretending to be a trusted escape facilitator, offering transportation and shelter, only to later report them to the police. According to a defector, escaping to South Korea now requires at least 2 million won (approximately $1,500 USD), a sum many defectors cannot afford. Desperate, they fall for this middleman’s false claim of anonymous donations funding their passage. He reportedly spoke with remarkable sincerity, and his insistence on hosting only two or three people at a time for security reasons make his scheme dangerously convincing. The number of victims remains unknown but is far more than just one or two. In mid-March, three female defectors stayed with this man, hoping to reach South Korea. One day, two stepped outside and met a Chinese neighbor, who warned them that police had recently raided their residence and arrested the third defector, a young woman in her 20s, who was left behind. Her family in China confirms she is now imprisoned and awaiting repatriation to North Korea, where an uncertain fate awaits her. It is chilling to know that this fraudulent intermediary has been deceiving defectors since December 2024 and remains active, luring new victims into his trap.

Sadly, the growth of these betrayal-for-profit schemes is likely linked to China’s high unemployment rates. With economic hardships affecting many, some individuals – particularly in Korean-speaking regions in China – see defectors as an easy source for quick financial gains.

Disappearing North Korean Restaurants in China

North Korean restaurants in China have long been a unique cultural and culinary presence. These establishments, run by North Korean staff under strict supervision, offer more than just a meal – they provide a rare, albeit tightly controlled dining experience in the exclusive world of the DPRK. However, in recent years these restaurants have been disappearing. Once thriving across major Chinese cities, North Korean restaurants are now shutting their doors at an alarming rate due to economic downturns, shifting consumer habits and wider geopolitical factors.

NORTH KOREAN RESTAURANTS RISE AMIDST CHINA’S K-CULTURE BOOM

A popular North Korean Restaurant in Incheon, South Korea

With the global rise of Korean culture (K-culture) by way of K-pop and K-drama, North Korean restaurants have also indirectly benefitted. Many Chinese nationals, under the historical and political influence of China’s long-standing alliance with Pyongyang and its diplomatic relationship with Seoul, often refer to Korea as “Chosun,” without distinguishing between the North and South. This broad perception has allowed North Korean restaurants to thrive alongside other Korean establishments, as local diners enjoy the cuisine without necessarily differentiating its origins. This blending of identities has, consequently, helped North Korean restaurants maintain customer interest. 

Historically, North Korean restaurants found a welcoming environment in China’s northeastern cities, particularly in Jilin, Liaoning and Shandong province, where Chosunjok (ethnic Korean Chinese) communities have long thrived. These close-knit communities established numerous Korean restaurants, creating a familiar culinary landscape that allowed North Korean eateries to blend in more easily. 

THE FALL

However, as economic conditions worsened and competition increased, North Korean restaurants struggled to maintain their presence in China. Over half of these establishments in Liaoning province have already shut down, with many in the city of Dandong ceasing operations entirely. This includes notable restaurants like Ryugyong Sikdang and Taebosan, whose staff and managers have returned to North Korea. These businesses, often dependent on North Korean trading companies for financial support, have found it increasingly difficult to sustain the high costs of rent and operations.

Even larger North Korean venues like Songdowon and Koryo Restaurant, despite being backed by powerful North Korean agencies and employing North Korean staff who serve and perform, are operating under immense financial strain. A key factor in their struggle to attract Chinese customers is their significantly higher pricing. For instance, a meal for four at one of these restaurants typically costs between 700 and 800 RMB (approximately $97 to $110 USD), which is substantially more expensive than the average dining cost for four in China, generally ranging from 80 to 320 RMB (approximately $11 to $44 USD). This makes local dining alternatives considerably more appealing as economic conditions in both North Korea and China have worsened.

Myung-tae (Alaskan Pollock) fish is a popular dish among North Koreans

Chosunjok-owned restaurants also adapted by embracing modern dining trends, for example, some even reinvented their menus with special dishes inspired by Netflix’s highly popular show, Culinary Class Wars, led by celebrity chef Paik Jong-won and Michelin-starred chef Ahn Sung-jae. To further enhance the atmosphere, these restaurants play upbeat K-pop hits, letting diners savor their meals while enjoying tracks like Bruno Mars and Rosé’s APT. This fresh, immersive approach keeps them ahead of the game, setting them apart from the rigidly traditional North Korean restaurants.

NORTH KOREAN RESTAURANTS FIND REFUGE IN MONGOLIA

Bucking the trend in China, North Korean restaurant expansion has recently extended to Mongolia. It is reported that the Pekkhwa Culture and Art Center in Ulaanbaatar, formerly known as the Pyongyang Baek Hwa Restaurant, has reopened after years of closure, featuring revamped decor while maintaining elements from its previous iteration. While the center's ownership remains uncertain, its operations are managed by a team of about a dozen individuals, with North Koreans overseeing service roles and Mongolians handling management duties.

This move suggests that North Korean businesses are seeking alternative markets to sustain their overseas operations, despite ongoing UN sanctions that prohibit DPRK nationals from earning income abroad. It is no surprise that North Korea sees Mongolia as a natural choice for expanding its restaurant presence. Ulaanbaatar has historically welcomed North Korean laborers in construction and the cashmere industry, creating a foundation of familiarity and cooperation between the two nations. With existing networks and past trade relations, North Korean businesses can continue operating in Mongolia with relative ease despite international restrictions.

Hanawon City Tour of Seoul for North Korean Refugees

It is a scene that I will remember for a long time. As new refugees in South Korea – all women – and the volunteers of the event parted in tears as the bus took the refugees back to Hanawon. It was as if they were together for a whole week, but in reality it was only a few hours. 

North Korean refugees board a bus headed back to Hanawon after their city tour.

I have had the privilege of meeting North Korean refugees on many stages of their journey to freedom. Many stand out in my mind, but in March, I got to witness something special. It was the first day that North Koreans arriving in South Korea were allowed out of their cocoon at Hanawon. The event was hosted by a church in Seoul. Each refugee was assigned a “buddy,” or older South Korean woman from the host church.

The Resettlement Process

In their first months in South Korea, North Koreans are not afforded the freedom to explore their new country. They must pass a strict interview process conducted by South Korean intelligence to ensure they are not spies. Then they go to Hanawon, which is a facility where they learn the basics of South Korean life. They learn about democracy, receive job training, and are given comprehensive medical care in this 12-week program. During this crash course on how to live in the free world, they are gradually immersed into “regular” life on days like the one I witnessed. 

As we waited for the groups to return from their day out learning how to use public transportation, going to a grocery store, and venturing into other shops, our team from Crossing Borders went to a nearby cafe. After spending a few minutes at this cafe, we saw some women from this refugee group enter the same cafe. The business specialized in dessert waffles and the women seemed intrigued at the menu. 

After their time out, we all gathered at the host church. I was given the opportunity to speak to this group to introduce them to Crossing Borders and the services we provide in South Korea. But before I got into the details, I told them a story about how, just that morning, my colleague and I got on the wrong bus and were confused about paying for our ride. I assured them that it is okay to not know everything in their new country and that, eventually, they’ll be pros.

Returning to Hanawon

The church group was kind enough to give each woman gifts for their new lives in South Korea: pots and pans they can use in their new apartments. As officials and pastors stood and gave brief remarks, refugees listened intently. Many held hands with their South Korean guides. It had the feel of parents teaching their children how to live on their own.

When it was time for them to go back to Hanawon, last goodbyes were said, accompanied by warm embraces and tears. It is against Hanawon policy for any of the volunteers to exchange contact information with the women they met. So for many, that would be the last time they would see their new friends. It made me think about the hard journey ahead for the refugee women. They were all filled with hopes, fears, and dreams, and these emotions were palpable to all who were there.

I prayed that they would remember this church, its volunteers and Crossing Borders if and when they faced hardship. It is simply not possible for those present at the event or even for the South Korean government to cover all of the needs of North Korean refugees resettling in South Korea. But God calls us to care for the vulnerable and love the lost. Whether that is a few days, a few months or many years in their new home, we hope to share the hope of Jesus to all North Korean refugees.