North Korea: The 20x10 plan

As North Korea cracked down on most of the (technically always illegal) markets sprouting up across the country, nighttime markets are popping up to satisfy demand (Radio Free Asia, 28 February 2024).

World Watch Research analyst Thomas Muller explains: “This is not just an illustration of how the regime tries to control its people and the economy, it may also show some more basic challenges. As DailyNK reported on 1 March 2024, Kim Jong Un announced the implementation of a new rural development policy called ‘20x10’. This means that over the next ten years, the government plans each year to build one factory in 20 provinces. It is well-known that residents of Pyongyang have a very comfortable life, at least in the eyes of their compatriots in the provinces. It seems the regime now sees the need to adjust the balance. This may become a challenge as it will be paramount not to diminish the quality of life for the privileged people in the capital (The Diplomat, 13 February 2024).”

Thomas Muller ends with a note on something which may be of no great consequence and should not be overemphasized: “In the pledge of allegiance which all North Koreans have to make, Kim Jong Un is reportedly no longer referred to as ‘Great Leader’ but instead as ‘Great Comrade’ (Radio Free Asia, 29 February 2024). This might be a deliberate way of trying to lessen the distance between the leader and his citizens.”