On the Korean Peninsula

The pro-North Korea Moon government has struck a blow against North Korean defectors and South Koreans whose activism is instrumental in de-programming those who live in North Korea:

South Korea's Ministry of Unification revoked license permits of two civil groups led by anti-North Korea activists, stating that their operations "raise tensions" and "harm public interest." 

The donor-supported groups, Fighter for Free North Korea (FFNK) and Kuensaem, have been sending propaganda leaflets across the border into North Korea several times a year. But the cancellation of corporate licenses will no longer allow them to claim tax deductions, nor will donors receive tax benefits.

I suspect an appeal is in order.





Wow. South Korea must be desperate to ask a country without clout for help:

South Korea's finance minister on Friday asked his Canadian counterpart to support a Seoul minister's bid to become the next director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Finance Minister Hong Nam-ki held telephone talks with Canadian Finance Minister Bill Morneau earlier in the day during which Hong emphasized South Korea's role as an arbitrator among WTO members.

Morneau said Canada will "seriously review" Hong's request, the ministry said in a statement.

You do know who Morneau works for, right, South Korea?




Drug use in North Korea:

Drugs are a means of leisure for the privileged and a means of escape for the impoverished. Many are driving themselves into ruin for a momentary escape from their depressing reality.

Thankfully, those North Korean defectors who had once said that they would never be able to beat the drugs have completely abandoned them and are now living diligent lives. Their once enfeebled bodies have now recovered.

There are times when North Koreans use drugs not to help them live but to help them die.

(Merci, Souris de Nuit)