North Koreans "panic buying" at Pyongyang shops, sources say

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

Chad O'Carroll April 22, 2020

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

NK News

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.

About the Author

Chad O'Carroll

Chad O'Carroll is the founder of NK News/NK Pro and related holding company Korea Risk Group. In addition to being the group's CEO, O'Carroll is a frequent writer and commentator about the Koreas, having written about the two nations since 2010. He has visited the DPRK multiple times, worked and lived in Washington, D.C. with a focus on peninsula issues, and lived in the ROK since 2016.

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