Disney characters dancing around on stage, women wearing pants and platform shoes; farmers (reportedly) allowed to keep and sell their product in private markets, a once powerful Vice Marshal removed from the ranks, and the right-hand man of the regime sent to China. In recent months, the signs that reform is afoot in North Korea have become so great that even the most jaded North Korea watcher must take notice. But while these changes may seem trivial while an estimated 200,000+ still languish in North Korean gulags, some hold real promise if the North Korean regime is actually serious about reform.

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