June 10, 2023
COVID-19

North Koreans “panic buying” at Pyongyang shops, sources say

Some sources don't connect recent surge in demand to Kim Jong Un health rumors, however

Updated at 21:29 KST and 11:30: This article was updated to reflect the fact that the shortages had been spotted at additional shops and grocery stories, as well as to make mention of a response to NK News reporting from Twitter account Coldnoodlefan.

"Panic buying" sprees have been spotted taking place in some of Pyongyang's stores and groceries since Monday, multiple informed sources told NK News, resulting in increasingly empty shelves and a growing shortage of key staples.