He knew that North Korean troops have shoot-to-kill orders against anyone trying to flee. This defector’s plight is a window onto North Korean life. Such is the cruelty of North Korea’s regime — and such is the responsibility of those foreign governments that enable it. North Korea once had relatively productive heavy industry, in addition to minerals and other natural resources. Malnutrition makes children in North Korea significantly shorter and thinner than children in South Korea.

Source: New York Times November 24, 2017 23:48 UTC