In response to the growing pressure of a plummeting North Korean economy, and much of the private exchange of goods and services. Instead, produce of local farmers and private sellers will become the property of the State who will, in return, distribute it to the people. The hope is that regulating food distribution will help level the economy. Chosun Media reports:
"One source said, 'It's an attempt to stabilize food prices and supply by forcefully collecting food stockpiled by people amid the dire straits caused by international sanctions and border lockdown.'
A similar policy already failed once. In the early 2000s, the regime attempted to collect all grain production and sell it from state-run stores at fixed prices, but that only resulted in driving grey-market food prices up.
The regime is going to ban even small private enterprises like barbers, hairdressers, private tutors and porters."
Have those who work evil no knowledge,
who eat up my people as they eat bread,
and do not call upon God? (Psalm 53:4)
There they are in great terror,
for God is with the generation of the righteous.
You would shame the plans of the poor,
but the LORD is his refuge. (Psalm 14:5-6)
Father God, be a rock of refuge to which God's people in North Korea may continually come (Psalm 71:) as they are being eaten up by wicked rulers like bread. Provide physical and spiritual food for them like manna from heaven. Hear their prayers and let their worship be like a pleasing incense before you. Bring terror upon the rulers and wicked men of North Korea so that they might fear you and bow before the Living God. You who are of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong, why do you idly look at traitors and remain silent when the wicked swallows up the man more righteous than he? (Habakkuk 1:13).
In Jesus' Name, Amen.
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