There was an incident recently in which North Korean soldiers were beaten unconscious while trying to rob residents of acorns they had collected.
On the 30th of last month, Daily NK, a media outlet specializing in North Korea, quoted a source from South Pyongan Province and said, “Gathering of wild fruits such as acorns and Schisandra chinensis has been in full swing near the Jangsan Coal Mine since mid-September, but in the middle of this month, two soldiers blocked the road and took away the acorns picked up by residents. “When I tried to get back, I was beaten and passed out,” he said.
According to sources, a young man working at the Jangsan Coal Mine at the time encountered two soldiers while coming down from the mountain after picking up acorns after working the night shift to make a living.
When the soldiers tried to take away the bag containing the acorns, the young man fought back with force. At this time, another young man who had previously experienced the same situation appeared and joined the fight. the two young men knocked out the two soldiers.
The source explained, “Residents in the area near Jangsan Coal Mine climb the mountain around this time every year to collect fruits and herbs to supplement their livelihood,” and added, “At that time, soldiers who commit banditry appear.”
It is known that soldiers block roads under the pretext of being a security zone and take away fruits and other fruits that residents have collected from the mountains.
The source said, “If it was a high-water area, they blocked the way from entering the area, but only when coming down. They even took all the fruits and backpacks they had collected, so the residents were very dissatisfied.”
Some residents are said to have responded with exhilaration to the incident that knocked out the soldiers, saying, “I feel refreshed.”
Recently, the food shortage has worsened in North Korea, and it has been reported that starving soldiers are carrying out weapons and looting nearby homes.
Hyewon Lee, Donga.com Reporter hyewon@donga
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Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We have with us Dr. Min-Jun Choi, an expert on North Korean affairs. Dr. Choi, we recently saw an alarming incident reported by Daily NK where North Korean soldiers attempted to rob local residents of acorns and were beaten unconscious. Can you provide some context regarding this situation?
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: Thank you for having me. This incident highlights the increasingly desperate conditions in North Korea—especially among its military ranks. Due to severe food shortages, soldiers have resorted to extreme measures that include banditry, as we’ve just seen. This specific incident points to a breakdown in the normal order and an increasing estrangement between the military and civilian population.
Time.news Editor: It’s shocking to hear that soldiers faced physical resistance from the local residents. What does this tell us about the state of morale among civilians and soldiers in North Korea?
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: Indeed, it’s quite striking. It shows that the citizens are not entirely powerless; they are responding to what they perceive as oppression and theft. The report cites that these local residents, who were collecting acorns—a vital supplement to their meager diets—felt invigorated by their resistance against the soldiers. This sentiment can indicate that the citizens are growing weary of military oppression and asserting their rights, albeit at great personal risk.
Time.news Editor: Some residents reportedly felt exhilarated by the incident. What does this suggest about the relationship between the citizens and the military?
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: That exhilaration is telling. It signifies a shift in the dynamics of fear and power. While the military traditionally holds a position of authority, the desperation faced by both soldiers and civilians due to economic hardships is creating friction. You have ordinary citizens standing up to the military, which, under normal circumstances, would have been unthinkable. This could be a sign of rising resistance and a potential change in the power dynamics within North Korea.
Time.news Editor: With food shortages worsening, what can we expect in terms of future incidents of this nature?
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: If the economic situation does not improve, I anticipate more confrontations like this. The combination of hungry soldiers and impoverished civilians could lead to increased tensions and violence. Additionally, if these incidents become more frequent, we might see a gradual shift in public perception toward the military. Citizens may begin to organize more actively against the military’s predation, leading to more significant civil unrest.
Time.news Editor: It seems like a precarious situation. How might the international community respond to these developments?
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: The international community must continue to monitor the situation closely. Though North Korea is often perceived as a closed-off society, these incidents provide a glimpse into the underlying unrest. Engaging diplomatically and providing humanitarian aid can help alleviate suffering, but it must be done cautiously to avoid enabling the regime’s oppressive practices. The goal should be to foster an environment where civil society can grow stronger and more autonomous.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Choi. Your insights shed light on a troubling dimension of life in North Korea that often goes unnoticed. We appreciate your expertise on such complex issues.
Dr. Min-Jun Choi: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to continue discussing and bringing attention to these matters. The plight of the North Korean people, and the moral complexities faced by its soldiers, deserve our awareness and concern.