North Korea in the news

North Korea is the last Stalinist state on earth, and in 2006 it became the latest country to join the nuclear club.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

Over the past two decades, it has swung between confrontation and inch-by-inch conciliation with its neighbors and the United States, in an oscillation that seems to be driven both by its hard-to-fathom internal political strains and by an apparent belief in brinksmanship as the most effective form of diplomacy.

The uncertainty surrounding the actions of Pyongyang deepened with the announcement by state media on Dec. 19, 2011, that its ailing ruler, Kim Jong-il, had died on Dec. 17.

The uncertainty surrounding the actions of Pyongyang deepened with the announcement by state media on Dec. 19, 2011, that its ailing ruler, Kim Jong-il, had died on Dec. 17.

The uncertainty surrounding the actions of Pyongyang deepened with the announcement by state media on Dec. 19, 2011, that its ailing ruler, Kim Jong-il, had died on Dec. 17.

The uncertainty surrounding the actions of Pyongyang deepened with the announcement by state media on Dec. 19, 2011, that its ailing ruler, Kim Jong-il, had died on Dec. 17.

Mr. Kim had been the hereditary and eccentric ruler of North Korea, the country founded by his father, Kim Il-sung, from the time his father died in 1994.

Mr. Kim had been the hereditary and eccentric ruler of North Korea, the country founded by his father, Kim Il-sung, from the time his father died in 1994.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

It has also become the world’s most isolated state, one in which unknown numbers starved during recurrent famines, while money flowed to the country’s military programs.

Increasingly reclusive since a reported stroke in 2008, Mr. Kim began taking actions to transfer power to his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who in September 2010 was appointed a four-star general in the People’s Army.

Increasingly reclusive since a reported stroke in 2008, Mr. Kim began taking actions to transfer power to his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who in September 2010 was appointed a four-star general in the People’s Army.

Increasingly reclusive since a reported stroke in 2008, Mr. Kim began taking actions to transfer power to his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who in September 2010 was appointed a four-star general in the People’s Army.

Increasingly reclusive since a reported stroke in 2008, Mr. Kim began taking actions to transfer power to his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who in September 2010 was appointed a four-star general in the People’s Army.

Increasingly reclusive since a reported stroke in 2008, Mr. Kim began taking actions to transfer power to his youngest son, Kim Jong-un, who in September 2010 was appointed a four-star general in the People’s Army.

In February 2011, his son was named vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, the country’s most powerful body led by his father.

In February 2011, his son was named vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, the country’s most powerful body led by his father.

In February 2011, his son was named vice chairman of the National Defense Commission, the country’s most powerful body led by his father.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

Under Mr. Kim, the country followed a consistent policy of swinging wildly between confrontation and threats against South Korea and the United States and periods in which it pursued negotiations toward closer ties.

In 2010, the North undertook a series of provocative actions, including the apparent sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and the shelling of a South Korean island outpost.

In 2010, the North undertook a series of provocative actions, including the apparent sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and the shelling of a South Korean island outpost.

In 2010, the North undertook a series of provocative actions, including the apparent sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and the shelling of a South Korean island outpost.

In 2010, the North undertook a series of provocative actions, including the apparent sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and the shelling of a South Korean island outpost.

In 2010, the North undertook a series of provocative actions, including the apparent sinking of a South Korean naval vessel and the shelling of a South Korean island outpost.

Observers tied the incidents to Mr. Kim’s desire to establish Kim Jong-un’s credibility with the military.

Observers tied the incidents to Mr. Kim’s desire to establish Kim Jong-un’s credibility with the military.

Observers tied the incidents to Mr. Kim’s desire to establish Kim Jong-un’s credibility with the military.

Observers tied the incidents to Mr. Kim’s desire to establish Kim Jong-un’s credibility with the military.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

Years of on-and-off talks that have been marked by recriminations and broken promises have left officials in Seoul unsure whether North Korea is willing to give up its nuclear weapons programs in return for economic and diplomatic rewards, or whether it has simply been using the talks to win economic aid.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

But the United States and its allies have been unable to find an effective alternative to dialogue, except for applying sanctions and appealing to China.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

In October 2011 the United States decided to resume long-suspended talks with North Korea in Geneva and appoint a full-time envoy with a background in nuclear issues, American officials said, as North Korean media reported that Kim Jong-il had made rare comments of encouragement on the talks.

After the talks, officials on both sides agreed that they had narrowed their differences but parted without fixing a date for further bilateral or multilateral talks.

After the talks, officials on both sides agreed that they had narrowed their differences but parted without fixing a date for further bilateral or multilateral talks.

After the talks, officials on both sides agreed that they had narrowed their differences but parted without fixing a date for further bilateral or multilateral talks.

Recent International Confrontations

Recent International Confrontations

After setting off its first atomic device, the secretive, isolated, heavily militarized and desperately poor country slowly moved away from confrontation — and then slowly moved back toward it.

After setting off its first atomic device, the secretive, isolated, heavily militarized and desperately poor country slowly moved away from confrontation — and then slowly moved back toward it.

After setting off its first atomic device, the secretive, isolated, heavily militarized and desperately poor country slowly moved away from confrontation — and then slowly moved back toward it.

In 2009 it successfully conducted its second nuclear test, again defying international warnings.

In 2009 it successfully conducted its second nuclear test, again defying international warnings.

Another international crisis was sparked by the sinking in March 2010 of a South Korean warship, the Cheonan, by a North Korean torpedo.

American intelligence officials said they were increasingly convinced that Kim Jong-il hadordered the sinking of the ship to help secure the succession of his youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

American intelligence officials said they were increasingly convinced that Kim Jong-il hadordered the sinking of the ship to help secure the succession of his youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

American intelligence officials said they were increasingly convinced that Kim Jong-il hadordered the sinking of the ship to help secure the succession of his youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

American intelligence officials said they were increasingly convinced that Kim Jong-il hadordered the sinking of the ship to help secure the succession of his youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

Relations between North and South deteriorated to their worst point in many years, as South Korea‘s president, Lee Myung-bak, recast North Korea as its “principal enemy” — a designation dropped during inter-Korean detente in 2004 — and the North retaliated by severing its few remaining ties with the South.

The Obama administration announced that it would impose further economic sanctions against North Korea.

The Obama administration announced that it would impose further economic sanctions against North Korea.

The Obama administration announced that it would impose further economic sanctions against North Korea.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

In November 2010, in the most serious clash in decades, North and South Korea exchanged artillery fire after an estimated 175 shells fired from the North struck a South Korean island near the countries’ disputed maritime border.

The North asserted that the South had fired first.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

The country’s founder, the so-called Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, was succeeded at his death in 1994 by his son, the “Dear Leader,” Kim Jong-il, an eccentric playboy invariably seen (in his public appearances) in platform shoes and a khaki jumpsuit.

In 2008, Mr. Kim disappeared from sight for several months, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a stroke.

In 2008, Mr. Kim disappeared from sight for several months, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a stroke.

In 2008, Mr. Kim disappeared from sight for several months, and it was later revealed that he had suffered a stroke.

Due to his age and health problems, speculation deepened about succession plans.

Due to his age and health problems, speculation deepened about succession plans.

Kim Kyong-hui, who is Kim Jong-il’s sister, was promoted to general.

She is also the wife of Jang Seong-taek, often regarded by outside analysts as a potential caretaker for the government should Mr. Kim suddenly become incapacitated.

She is also the wife of Jang Seong-taek, often regarded by outside analysts as a potential caretaker for the government should Mr. Kim suddenly become incapacitated.

She is also the wife of Jang Seong-taek, often regarded by outside analysts as a potential caretaker for the government should Mr. Kim suddenly become incapacitated.

She is also the wife of Jang Seong-taek, often regarded by outside analysts as a potential caretaker for the government should Mr. Kim suddenly become incapacitated.

Self-Imposed Isolation and Poverty

Self-Imposed Isolation and Poverty

Self-Imposed Isolation and Poverty

North Korea took steps in the 1990s toward warmer relations with South Korea, before questions about its nuclear ambitions plunged it back into isolation.

North Korea took steps in the 1990s toward warmer relations with South Korea, before questions about its nuclear ambitions plunged it back into isolation.

But more broadly, North Korea has taken a consistent anti-Washington line since its creation in 1948, denouncing both the United States and South Korea as its puppet.

But more broadly, North Korea has taken a consistent anti-Washington line since its creation in 1948, denouncing both the United States and South Korea as its puppet.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

Since the end of the Korean War in 1953, the North has not attacked its neighbor, but to this day keeps large concentrations of troops and artillery focused on Seoul, and has regularly engaged in provocations like kidnappings, submarine incursions and missile tests over the Sea of Japan.

A ham-handed currency revaluation in 2009, aimed at reasserting central control over the economy, was reported to have badly backfired, producing unrest and disaffection with the government.

A ham-handed currency revaluation in 2009, aimed at reasserting central control over the economy, was reported to have badly backfired, producing unrest and disaffection with the government.

A ham-handed currency revaluation in 2009, aimed at reasserting central control over the economy, was reported to have badly backfired, producing unrest and disaffection with the government.

At the same time, the spread of cellphones and DVD players has broken the North’s self-imposed isolation, giving many of its citizens a sense for the first time of how poor and backward their country has become.

Signs of hardship are evident even in the capital, Pyongyang.

Signs of hardship are evident even in the capital, Pyongyang.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Commuters cram into decrepit electric buses, and pedestrians bow under huge bundles stuffed with goods for trade in private markets, which have eclipsed the ill-supplied state stores.

Power shortages occur frequently.

The pyramid-shaped, 105-story Ryugyong Hotel remains a shell nearly 25 years after construction began.

The pyramid-shaped, 105-story Ryugyong Hotel remains a shell nearly 25 years after construction began.

The pyramid-shaped, 105-story Ryugyong Hotel remains a shell nearly 25 years after construction began.

Outside the city, other abandoned construction projects scar roads.

Outside the city, other abandoned construction projects scar roads.

Outside the city, other abandoned construction projects scar roads.

Away from the capital, North Korea is a land of shuttered factories and skimpy harvests.

Away from the capital, North Korea is a land of shuttered factories and skimpy harvests.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Residents, especially in northern provinces, report that child beggars haunt street markets, families scavenge hillsides for sprouts and mushrooms and workers at state enterprises receive nominal salaries, at best.

Although malnutrition has improved in the past decade, one in three North Korean children is stunted, and nearly one in five is underweight, according to the World Food Program.

Although malnutrition has improved in the past decade, one in three North Korean children is stunted, and nearly one in five is underweight, according to the World Food Program.

Although malnutrition has improved in the past decade, one in three North Korean children is stunted, and nearly one in five is underweight, according to the World Food Program.

With paltry harvests, inflation of food prices is a chronic problem.

With paltry harvests, inflation of food prices is a chronic problem.

With paltry harvests, inflation of food prices is a chronic problem.

Food shortages have also been caused by years of economic mismanagement and underinvestment, and have been made worse in 2011 by poor weather and a reduction of food imports from China and South Korea.

Food shortages have also been caused by years of economic mismanagement and underinvestment, and have been made worse in 2011 by poor weather and a reduction of food imports from China and South Korea.

Food shortages have also been caused by years of economic mismanagement and underinvestment, and have been made worse in 2011 by poor weather and a reduction of food imports from China and South Korea.

In October 2011, Valerie Amos, the United Nations’ humanitarian chief, said that North Koreans, especially children, urgently need outside aid to fight “terrible levels of malnutrition.”

In October 2011, Valerie Amos, the United Nations’ humanitarian chief, said that North Koreans, especially children, urgently need outside aid to fight “terrible levels of malnutrition.”

In November 2011, South Korea authorized the World Health Organization to resume the distribution of medical aid for malnourished North Korean children.

In November 2011, South Korea authorized the World Health Organization to resume the distribution of medical aid for malnourished North Korean children.

In November 2011, South Korea authorized the World Health Organization to resume the distribution of medical aid for malnourished North Korean children.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

The decision “was based upon our belief that purely humanitarian support for the young and vulnerable in North Korea should continue,” a senior South Korean Unification Ministry official told reporters.

In 2009, South Korea donated $13 million for a W.H.O. program to send medicine and medical supplies to the North.

In 2009, South Korea donated $13 million for a W.H.O. program to send medicine and medical supplies to the North.

But it asked the United Nations agency to suspend the distribution of the money after the March 2010 sinking of its warship, the Cheonan.

But it asked the United Nations agency to suspend the distribution of the money after the March 2010 sinking of its warship, the Cheonan.

On Nov. 8, the Unification Ministry accepted the W.H.O.’s request to distribute the remaining South Korean money, totaling about $7 million, the official said.

On Nov. 8, the Unification Ministry accepted the W.H.O.’s request to distribute the remaining South Korean money, totaling about $7 million, the official said.

But ever so slowly, North Korea is opening to foreign investment.

A focus of its strategy is developing previously created “free trade and economic zones” on the borders that have languished.

A focus of its strategy is developing previously created “free trade and economic zones” on the borders that have languished.

A focus of its strategy is developing previously created “free trade and economic zones” on the borders that have languished.

A focus of its strategy is developing previously created “free trade and economic zones” on the borders that have languished.

A focus of its strategy is developing previously created “free trade and economic zones” on the borders that have languished.

An example can be found in the remote northern port towns of Rajin and Sonbong.

An example can be found in the remote northern port towns of Rajin and Sonbong.

About 30 miles from China, the combined towns, called Rason, are central to the new push.

Since designating Rason a special zone in 1991, North Korean officials have tried on occasion to attract investment there, with poor results.

Since designating Rason a special zone in 1991, North Korean officials have tried on occasion to attract investment there, with poor results.

Some foreign analysts and businesspeople remain skeptical, saying the country’s investment climate is still too unstable, but others argue that North Korea could be establishing here the kind of laboratory that the Chinese Communist Party set up in the fishing village of Shenzhen in 1980 to help move China forward.

Some foreign analysts and businesspeople remain skeptical, saying the country’s investment climate is still too unstable, but others argue that North Korea could be establishing here the kind of laboratory that the Chinese Communist Party set up in the fishing village of Shenzhen in 1980 to help move China forward.

Some foreign analysts and businesspeople remain skeptical, saying the country’s investment climate is still too unstable, but others argue that North Korea could be establishing here the kind of laboratory that the Chinese Communist Party set up in the fishing village of Shenzhen in 1980 to help move China forward.

Some foreign analysts and businesspeople remain skeptical, saying the country’s investment climate is still too unstable, but others argue that North Korea could be establishing here the kind of laboratory that the Chinese Communist Party set up in the fishing village of Shenzhen in 1980 to help move China forward.

Some foreign analysts and businesspeople remain skeptical, saying the country’s investment climate is still too unstable, but others argue that North Korea could be establishing here the kind of laboratory that the Chinese Communist Party set up in the fishing village of Shenzhen in 1980 to help move China forward.

On the surface, Rason is an unlikely site for a boomtown.

On the surface, Rason is an unlikely site for a boomtown.

The area, home to 200,000, suffers from blackouts.

In the town center, bicyclists navigate dirt tracks.

In the town center, bicyclists navigate dirt tracks.

In the town center, bicyclists navigate dirt tracks.

But Rason’s port remains ice-free, a rarity in Northeast Asia, and officials there see shipping as a pillar of economic growth, along with seafood processing and tourism.

But Rason’s port remains ice-free, a rarity in Northeast Asia, and officials there see shipping as a pillar of economic growth, along with seafood processing and tourism.

They say they also want foreign-run assembly plants and high-technology factories.

They say they also want foreign-run assembly plants and high-technology factories.

As inducements, they say they would offer tax breaks, full foreign control and minimum monthly wages set at $80 per worker, lower than in China.

As inducements, they say they would offer tax breaks, full foreign control and minimum monthly wages set at $80 per worker, lower than in China.

The central question is whether the ideologies of Kim Jong-il and senior officials in the Korean Workers’ Party will allow for long-term reforms to spur economic growth.

The central question is whether the ideologies of Kim Jong-il and senior officials in the Korean Workers’ Party will allow for long-term reforms to spur economic growth.

The central question is whether the ideologies of Kim Jong-il and senior officials in the Korean Workers’ Party will allow for long-term reforms to spur economic growth.

Some analysts say Mr. Kim’s visit to Rason in December 2009 was a signal that the town should embrace experimentation.

Some analysts say Mr. Kim’s visit to Rason in December 2009 was a signal that the town should embrace experimentation.

The United States came close to military action against North Korea in 1994, as President Clinton weighed the idea of air strikes against its nuclear sites.

In 2002, President Bush included Pyongyang in the "axis of evil,” and American officials charged later that year that North Korea had violated the earlier agreement.

Pyongyang declared the agreement void and expelled international nuclear inspectors.

Pyongyang declared the agreement void and expelled international nuclear inspectors.

Pyongyang declared the agreement void and expelled international nuclear inspectors.

Pyongyang declared the agreement void and expelled international nuclear inspectors.

North Korea agreed in September 2005 to abandon its nuclear programs in exchange for economic assistance and diplomatic incentives from other parties to the six-party talks, which include China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, in addition to North Korea and the United States.

North Korea agreed in September 2005 to abandon its nuclear programs in exchange for economic assistance and diplomatic incentives from other parties to the six-party talks, which include China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, in addition to North Korea and the United States.

North Korea agreed in September 2005 to abandon its nuclear programs in exchange for economic assistance and diplomatic incentives from other parties to the six-party talks, which include China, Japan, Russia and South Korea, in addition to North Korea and the United States.

But the agreement collapsed in a dispute over how thoroughly North Korea should reveal its nuclear activities and subject its nuclear facilities to outside inspections.

But the agreement collapsed in a dispute over how thoroughly North Korea should reveal its nuclear activities and subject its nuclear facilities to outside inspections.

But the agreement collapsed in a dispute over how thoroughly North Korea should reveal its nuclear activities and subject its nuclear facilities to outside inspections.

But the agreement collapsed in a dispute over how thoroughly North Korea should reveal its nuclear activities and subject its nuclear facilities to outside inspections.

North Korea’s continuing nuclear activities, its testing of missiles and the lethal shelling of the South Korean island — as well as the sinking of the South Korean naval vessel — all added to the chill in relations.

In November 2010, the North revealed a vast facility built secretly and rapidly to enrich uranium.

In November 2010, the North revealed a vast facility built secretly and rapidly to enrich uranium.

The Obama administration concluded that the North’s plant to enrich nuclear fuel uses technology that is “significantly more advanced” than what Iran has struggled over two decades to assemble.

The Obama administration concluded that the North’s plant to enrich nuclear fuel uses technology that is “significantly more advanced” than what Iran has struggled over two decades to assemble.

The Obama administration concluded that the North’s plant to enrich nuclear fuel uses technology that is “significantly more advanced” than what Iran has struggled over two decades to assemble.

The Obama administration concluded that the North’s plant to enrich nuclear fuel uses technology that is “significantly more advanced” than what Iran has struggled over two decades to assemble.

The Obama administration concluded that the North’s plant to enrich nuclear fuel uses technology that is “significantly more advanced” than what Iran has struggled over two decades to assemble.

In January 2011, former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned that North Korea was within five years of being able to strike the continental United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile, and said that, combined with its expanding nuclear program, the country “is becoming a direct threat to the United States.”

In January 2011, former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned that North Korea was within five years of being able to strike the continental United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile, and said that, combined with its expanding nuclear program, the country “is becoming a direct threat to the United States.”

In January 2011, former Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates warned that North Korea was within five years of being able to strike the continental United States with an intercontinental ballistic missile, and said that, combined with its expanding nuclear program, the country “is becoming a direct threat to the United States.”

In late August 2011, Kim Jong-il went to Russia, where he met with President Dmitri A. Medvedev.

During their meeting, Mr. Kim agreed to consider a moratorium on nuclear weapons tests and production, and said he wanted to return to the stalled talks on the nation’s nuclear program.

During their meeting, Mr. Kim agreed to consider a moratorium on nuclear weapons tests and production, and said he wanted to return to the stalled talks on the nation’s nuclear program.