Conflicting reports are emerging from North Korea regarding the enforcement and application of new smoking restrictions as part of a nationwide anti-smoking campaign launched earlier this year.

North Korean state media announced in May that a non-smoking campaign was under way, with headlines such as “No-smoking Campaign Brisk in DPRK” featuring on the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Choson Exchange, a Singaporean based NGO that operates workshops on business development and economics with North Koreans, has seen signs that some restrictions are becoming noticeable.

“The DPRK has one of the highest smoking rates in the world, among males…however, now it