North Koreans unimpressed by missile tests as prices soar

North Koreans expressed frustration this week over a series of missile test launches carried out amid soaring food prices, with many people saying the government should focus on stabilizing markets rather than showcasing military capabilities.

“Residents of Hamhung have recently been saying they wish the government would take action to keep prices from rising. That reaction is particularly prominent among housewives,” a source in South Hamgyong province told Daily NK on Monday.

North Korea test-fired strategic cruise missiles from its 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer on March 4 and 10, followed by a dozen ballistic missiles on March 14. The launches appear to be both a response to recent joint military exercises by South Korea and the United States and an effort to reinforce domestic solidarity. But as volatile exchange rates drive up the cost of food and other goods, people’s attention has remained fixed on livelihood concerns, exposing a gap between regime propaganda and public sentiment.

“When people are on the verge of going hungry, nobody is cheering about the test launches,” the source said.

Some people have gone further, suggesting the government should fire fewer missiles and import more rice instead.

Rising prices overshadow military messaging

A source in Ryanggang province reported similar frustrations.

“Reports about the missile test launches on television and in the newspapers are eliciting more complaints than normal. That’s because the skyrocketing prices are putting a bigger strain on people’s livelihoods,” the source said.

“Rhetoric about ‘stronger defense’ or ‘strike ability’ goes in one ear and out the other. For people living hand to mouth, the only welcome news would be a drop in the price of food and other goods,” the source added.

Citizens have been voicing discontent openly. “We’re not asking for free food; we just want the government to take steps to reduce the price of rice,” one person said, according to the source. “Prices have gone up so much that we’re reaching the limits of self-reliance,” another remarked.

Rumors about the war in Iran have compounded anxiety in Ryanggang province, a border region. Some people are speculating about the possibility of North Korean troops being deployed there.

“People who have heard these rumors were shocked to learn the war didn’t end with the death of the supreme leader. They’re curious about how much longer it will last,” the Ryanggang source said. “Families with sons scheduled to begin military service seem concerned about the possibility of overseas deployment. But others reassure them that North Korean troops probably won’t be sent to Iran when the war in Russia is still going on.”

The source added: “In the end, people are most interested in things that impact them directly, such as rising prices, livelihood issues, and potential overseas deployment. If the government ignores that and keeps bragging about a stronger national defense, public dissatisfaction will only grow.”

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