Mick Hartley

Reports of high drug usage in North Korea are nothing new. Still, this is interesting:

Illicit drug distribution and consumption is pervasive across all regions of North Korea, according to new research presented by the Database Center for North Korean Human Rights (NKDB). Of particular note, it was found that a high proportion of Pyongyang residents use illicit drugs on a regular basis.

Lee Gwan Hyeong, a researcher at NKDB, headed a seminar on December 1st at the Korea Press Center to discuss the findings of a research project that involved detailed interviews with 18 subjects from February to October 2016.

“The research revealed that the regular use of illicit drugs became socially acceptable after 2010. At least 30% of all North Koreans are estimated to consume illegal drugs, with usage rates being higher in North Korea’s economic and political capital: Pyongyang,” Mr. Lee said.

To quote a former resident of Pyongyang who was interviewed for the project: “90% of Pyongyang residents use drugs including methamphetamine or opium. It’s gotten to the point that people look at you funny if you don’t do drugs.” Another defector who lived in the Pyongyang area said that drugs are a frequent topic of conversation between friends, and discussing them has become something of a greeting. When asked just how widespread usage has become, Mr. Lee remarked that today’s levels are without precedent even for North Korea.

“The problem is particularly severe because the distribution and availability of drugs has become ubiquitous throughout the country. A huge proportion of the population – independent of age, sex, or class – has become an active user of ‘ko,’ [the name for a type of methamphetamine],” Mr. Lee continued.