North Koreans Flock to Informal Labor Markets as Jangmadang Decline
Growing numbers of North Koreans turn to informal labor markets to earn a living. Tightened controls on jangmadang during rice-planting season make everyday trading...
North Korea’s Wealthy Convert Apartments Into Duplexes to Hide Cash From State
Wealthy entrepreneurs in North Korea are buying adjacent apartment units and converting them into private duplexes. This asset protection trend emerges from fear that...
South Korea, Japan Agree to Boost Energy Cooperation Amid Iran War Disruptions
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Tuesday in Lee's hometown of Andong. This energy cooperation summit carried...
Ethnic Chinese in North Korea Export Soy Meat and Tofu Across Border to China
Ethnic Chinese residents of North Korea buy Chongjin soy meat and fried tofu from local vendors. They then sell these foods across the border...
Japan Auto Industry Faces Thinners Shortage After Hormuz Blockade
A de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has triggered a thinners shortage in Japan. Naphtha imports from the Middle East have ground...
