As June came to a close and July began, North Korean state media reviewed the first half of the year’s economic performance and pressed for higher output in the second half. Coal featured prominently, following last week’s plenum decision to improve the sector. Outlets reported the reactions of miners almost daily, portraying workers spurred by the leader’s attention. However, a recent report by a Seoul-based NGO argued that the renewed focus on coal may be related to illicit exports rather than meeting domestic demand. 

On the environmental front, the summer monsoon season set in