Hunger crisis deepens as Pyongyang's needy beg outside eateries
A hunger crisis is escalating in North Korea. Residents of Pyongyang, in desperation, are asking for food scraps from exclusive restaurants, reports the DailyNK portal.
In recent weeks, more people have been seen asking for food in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.
"Wherever rich people congregate at restaurants flaunting elegance and luxury, homeless children and elderly have started to appear, asking for assistance," said a DailyNK source.
Poor residents approach wealthy restaurant guests before they enter, begging to share a meal. "I’m starving, and leftovers would be fine—please wrap what you don’t finish and give it to me when you leave. Just one piece of meat, please" are the pleas directed toward the affluent.
Restaurants attract wealthy clients
Despite attempts to ban begging by the police and security services, people continue to ask for food. Exclusive venues in downtown Pyongyang attract customers by refreshing their menus with new items.
Some serve foreign desserts, such as coconut milk or sweetened fruit slices. Rumours about these delicacies attract crowds of young people from wealthy families, significantly increasing restaurant revenues.
