Over the past two months we have been reporting on the outbreak of foot and mouth disease among North Korean livestock.  This is a very serious disease that can devastate the nations supply of pigs, cattle, goats and other cloven-hoofed animals.  The latest reports are that it continues in the North but there is no clear knowledge of the extent. Soon after the first cases occurred, South Korea offered help in eradication and prevention but the North has not responded. South Korea sustained a devastating outbreak several years ago and works very hard to prevent more.

  

In addition to the threat to the meat supply there is growing concern over the food supply in general.  

 

Except for those who have the special privilege of living in Pyongyang, people throughout the country are struggling.  The provision of rice and other staples through the Public Distribution System has ceased.  Last year, many people received rations from the special stores set aside for the military--which were often moldy and full of bugs--but even that is not being provided this year resulting in a great deal of dissatisfaction.  At the same time, Choco-pies and Ramen noodles provided through South Korean companies at the Kaesong Industrial Park are the basis for a whole separate economy.  Meanwhile, the government's efforts to assure agricultural bounty through the use of the military continues to backfire breeding corruption and hardship and the rise of a new class conflict. Additionally, soldiers being detailed to important construction projects are taking the food they need from the general populace.

 

Of course, food is not the only problem the people face as efforts to stem defection increase.  More families face internal exile because of family members who have crossed illegally into China while those who do so legally are under pressure to report on any defectors that they hear about. North Korea is also sending teams of security agents into China to search out and arrest North Koreans who have escaped into the country.

 

An interesting development on the political front is the apparent removal from power of Kim Jong Un's aunt, Kim Kyung-Hui, wife of executed former number-two-man, Jang Son Thaek by eliminating her from all records.  A video that had included her has just been re-released with her edited out of it.

 

Kim Jong Un has been quite active lately in carrying out inspections around the country. May 5th is Children's Day in South Korea and May 8th is Parents' Day.  As we think about these holidays, it is good to think about the children and families of North Korea as well as the idolization of the leader as a father for all the people.

 

And, we continue to pray for Ken Bae's release.

 

Ben Torrey,

Director

The Fourth River Project, Inc.