North Korea Says Foreign Goods Are a ‘Toxic Addiction’

On Monday, North Korea warned against relying on foreign goods, describing the import disease as a malignant tumor.

The ruling Workers’ Party’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, emphasized this point in an article titled, Those Infected with Import Disease Become Blind, stating that the import disease is a highly harmful ideological toxin currently obstructing our progress.

The newspaper argued that import disease involves neglecting to mobilize, utilize, and develop one’s resources, instead idolizing and mindlessly purchasing foreign goods. It claimed that those afflicted with “import disease” eventually become blind and turn into fools unable to exit through an open door.

The publication particularly cautioned that falling into nihilism and defeatism can lead to intellectual disease, which can ultimately corrupt one’s ideology. It urged readers to firmly adopt the perspective of believing in their strength and confronting obstacles with their power.

To achieve this, the newspaper emphasized that party organizations should intensify ideological education to eradicate “import disease.” It stressed the importance of studying party policies and enhancing internal wisdom and strength, rather than daydreaming about others, to confidently pave the way for comprehensive revitalization and development.

North Korea, facing chronic economic hardships, has consistently urged its citizens to abandon dependence on external assistance and to tackle financial challenges through self-reliance and self-sufficiency.

This year, being the final year of the five-year economic plan and with the mid-year review approaching, the regime appears to be focusing on strengthening internal unity. Additionally, as the influx of foreign influences has resumed following the end of COVID-19 restrictions, the government seems to be reinforcing ideological discipline.