A spate of recent news articles has highlighted the efforts of everyday North Koreans to earn a living by engaging in market activities. Adam Smith would easily recognize this as the beginnings of a free-market economy and Charles Darwin would point out that this is survival of the fittest. Even though these nascent undertakings show great promise for the North, they also face some serious obstacles. Nonetheless, given the now-obvious entrepreneurial spirit of a few bold individuals, it is possible to have have some hope that capitalism can advance from the tiny toe hold it currently has in North Korea.
THE PROBLEM
A spate of recent news articles has highlighted the efforts of everyday North Koreans to earn a living by engaging in market activities. Adam Smith would easily recognize this as the beginnings of a free-market economy and Charles Darwin would point out that this is survival of the fittest. Even though these nascent undertakings show great promise for the North, they also face some serious obstacles. Nonetheless, given the now-obvious entrepreneurial spirit of a few bold individuals, it is possible to have have some hope that capitalism can advance from the tiny toe hold it currently has in North Korea.
THE PROBLEM
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.