North Korea declares that one her cities will become a special zone. There will be no censorship there, all media will be free and freedom of speech will be secured. The economic system will be capitalist – that is official. Moreover, foreigners will be allowed to visit visa-free. Sounds impossible – but this is no fantasy nor an alternate history novel. That is what actually happened in 2002, when Kim Jong Il started his most daring reform project, so bold that it surpassed even Deng Xiaoping in its audacity. Sadly, this project was later aborted – but not because Kim Jong Il had second thoughts.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
North Korea declares that one her cities will become a special zone. There will be no censorship there, all media will be free and freedom of speech will be secured. The economic system will be capitalist – that is official. Moreover, foreigners will be allowed to visit visa-free. Sounds impossible – but this is no fantasy nor an alternate history novel. That is what actually happened in 2002, when Kim Jong Il started his most daring reform project, so bold that it surpassed even Deng Xiaoping in its audacity. Sadly, this project was later aborted – but not because Kim Jong Il had second thoughts.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
Become a member for less than $4 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.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
