The stop and go success of a North Korean entrepreneur | NK News
NK News Logo
November 23, 2024
NK News is hiring
Columns

The stop and go success of a North Korean entrepreneur

Even relatively successful people struggle to provide enough for their families in the DPRK

Let me introduce a North Korean businessman — Mr. Yi, an owner of several small fishing boats.

Born in a large port city on the east coast in the mid-1960s, Yi graduated from high school and did his obligatory eight years of military service, joining the Workers’ Party of Korea while in uniform. Once back home, the state assigned him to work at a construction company.

Become a member for less
than $5.75 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • 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.