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North Korea Moves to Improve Living Standards

North Korean Premier, Chay Yong Rim, said on September 8th that hastening economic growth to improve living standards is of critical importance. The public stat...

Federal News Network Staff

September 14, 2010 8:00 am

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wfedstaff | June 3, 2015 2:10 pm

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North Korean Premier, Chay Yong Rim, said on September 8th that hastening economic growth to improve living standards is of critical importance. The public statement indicates Kim Jong-il’s government has made a major change in strategic priorities in favor of non-military development. Kim Jong-il’s father, Kim Il-sung, reached the same conclusion in 1993 because North Koreans were in danger of starving. In 1994, under threat of a military revolt, Kim Jong-il reprioritized military production. Sixteen years later and facing death, Kim apparently had an epiphany about the wisdom of his father. Once again, North Koreans are malnourished and in danger of starving.