North Korean elites tee off at golf event despite country’s economic woes

News

North Korean elites tee off at golf event despite country’s economic woes

Tournament underscores regime’s efforts to cater to wealthy and ‘keep up appearances’ through luxury sport, expert says

Shreyas Reddy October 21, 2022

North Korean elites tee off at golf event despite country’s economic woes

North Koreans compete in Pyongyang's Autumn Golf Enthusiasts’ Game | Image: KCNA (Oct. 21, 2022)

North Korea’s only 18-hole golf course in operation hosted a tournament for “enthusiasts” of the game this week, according to state media, in what one expert called the regime’s latest effort to keep the country’s elite happy.

The state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that the finals of the Autumn Golf Enthusiasts’ Game took place at the Pyongyang Golf Course on Oct. 19 and 20, with the winners receiving trophies, certificates and other prizes.

About the Author

Shreyas Reddy

Shreyas Reddy is a correspondent at NK News, based in Seoul. He previously worked as a researcher at BBC Monitoring, where his work focused on news and key people and organizations from the Korean Peninsula, Japan, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. Follow him on Twitter.

View more articles by Shreyas Reddy EMAIL Twitter Linkedin Got a news tip?Let us know!