According to DailyNK, a North Korean specialist media outlet, North Korean residents have expressed expectancy for an improved standard of living following the visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
On June 30, North Hamgyong Province reported that “Residents in areas such as Hoeryong City and Chongjin City in North Hamgyong Province are full of hope that the people’s lives will improve with the visit of the Russian president,” adding, “Residents have generally responded positively.”
Some residents reportedly expressed nostalgia for the Soviet era upon Putin’s visit, buoyant for a return to those times when they had no worries about famine. These reactions were mostly from the parent generation in their 50s or older, longing for the days when they lived without worrying about deprivation.
Public opinion interprets the North Korean-Russian relationship will be further developed and diverse economic cooperation is realized, including food aid from Russia. Consequently, the living conditions of the residents will significantly improve compared to now.
Putin’s first visit was 24 years ago. He was personally received by Kim Jong Un at the airport. The two leaders signed a new Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement, which includes mutual support in emergencies clause, at the North Korea-Russia summit held in Pyongyang on June 19.
However, some residents are concerned that North Korea and Russia are only strengthening cooperation in the military field.
The source added, “Some residents are skeptical, saying, ‘Isn’t Russia reaching out to our country amid a war, so how would that help our lives? If the partnership is only related to the military, the daydream for improving people’s lives could evaporate.'”
Whether Putin’s visit will help ameliorate the lives of the residents remains to be seen, but if there is no tangible change in their lives after this visit, disappointment is expected to intensify.
