North Korea’s economy is booming – even US media can’t ignore it

For years, the media narrative surrounding North Korea has focused on extreme isolation, famine, and economic decay. But recent articles from The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal reveal a jarring new reality: a booming economy complete with new skylines, Chinese EVs, modern restaurants, and widespread smartphone technology.

Ju-Hyun Park, BT’s engagement editor and member of Nodutdol, joins Amanda Yee to break down the reality behind an economic surge so successful, even corporate media can no longer deny it.

They also pull back the curtain on diplomatic shifts happening behind closed doors. Earlier this month, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a historic state visit to Pyongyang, marking his first trip to North Korea in seven years. While Western media dismissed the summit as purely symbolic, Park discusses how the meeting actually marks an important development in the Beijing-Pyongyang strategic partnership.

This is just part of this episode. The full interview is available to BreakThrough News members only. Become a member at breakthroughnews.org/subscribe