Unsung Heroes: Who is behind Kim Jong Un’s economic reforms? | NK News
NK News Logo
December 23, 2024

NK News is hiring

Evergreen

Unsung Heroes: Who is behind Kim Jong Un’s economic reforms?

A North Korean perestroika is taking place, but it is being pushed by officials with little sway

One of the best decisions by Kim Jong Un’s government so far has definitely been the move to conduct a series of economic reforms. Readers of NK News are probably well aware of these changes, which focus on agricultural and industrial management.

The former was conducted in two stages. Under Kim Il Sung, North Korean farmers were grouped in large work units – roughly 15-20 households. They worked together and all their harvest was confiscated by the state. This, essentially, was a form of state serfdom.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.