North Korean Workers in China Stage Protests Over Unpaid Salaries, Sparking Violence

Reports have emerged of violent clashes between North Korean workers in China and a North Korean government official, resulting in one death and three serious injuries. The protests were triggered by poor working conditions and the discovery that their salaries had been sent to the ruling Workers’ Party without their consent or knowledge. The National Intelligence Service has confirmed the occurrence of these incidents and is currently gathering more information. The protests took place in Helong, Jilin province, where garment factory workers expressed anger over the diversion of their wages. Former North Korean diplomat Ko Young-hwan stated that thousands of workers in clothing factories and fisheries processing plants had protested for the payment of their overdue wages. The protests reportedly ceased after assurances from the ruling party that workers would be paid. If these reports are accurate, it would mark the first organized defiance against the North Korean regime, which could have significant implications. The number of North Koreans working abroad remains uncertain, with estimates indicating around 100,000 worldwide, primarily in China. The situation poses a challenge for Kim Jong-un, as repatriating all overseas workers could lead to political unrest among the North Korean elite, while taking no action may result in attempts by workers to escape. These incidents reflect growing frustration among North Koreans against the totalitarian regime.