NORTH KOREA:

Nuclear Expansion vs. Malnutrition

International sanctions failed to convince North Korea that they cannot survive as
nuclear weapons state. But, North Korean leaders still believe that they can manage
economic cost resulting from nuclear development. The estimated cost of nuclear
program compared to the to the economic growth with the benefits of becoming a
normal economy reveals the steep price of the Byungjin policy.

According to Korea Institute for National Unification

Byungjin is a parallel development policy of economy and nuclear weapons.

Kim Jung-un the president of North Korea, said that Byungjin policy is essential given
the current world order, and a lawful prerequisite for revolutionary development

Lee Doonwon a Yonsei University professor made a study about the economy of the
North Korea. Based on his study North Korea trade volume would grow by 5.6 to 8.3
times if North Korea were to become a normal economy. The normal inter-Korean trade
relationship would also increase the relative importance of inter-Korean trade as a
contributor to North Korean GDP (Gross National Income) from around 7 percent in
2008 to 40 percent, which would result too much faster overall growth for the North
Korean Economy.

The blue and red line represent the projected growth in inter- Korean trade were North Korea to pursue both
Meconomic reforms and denuclearization. The green line is the projected trade without the denuclearization.
Millions of North Korean children are not getting the right nutrition that they
need to develop and mentally, leaving some stunted and
malnourished,united nation said.

3 out of 5 children cant get the nutrition they need, particularly in rural
areas where food is scare and chronic diarrhea due to lack of clean water
and sanitation has become the leading cause off death among children.
Hospitals are spotless but bare; few have running water or power, and
drugs and medicine are in short supply. This are just some evidence the
inability of North Korea to feed its people.

The United State called for $198M in donation in 2012- mostly to help
feed the hungry. North Korea cannot produce enough food to feed its 24
million people. About 16 million North Koreans- two thirds of the country-
depend on twice monthly government ration. Rations usually consist of
barley, maize or rice , at best, while many children are growing up without
eating any protein. Malnutrition over a generation could have severe effect
on physical growth, cognitive capacity and the ability to learn.

In my opinion, North Korea should prioritize their people instead of

building up its military , testing rockets and pursuing a nuclear program.
What is the use of having nuclear program while your country is suffering
from malnutrition? If you could spend the money for nuclear program you
should also spend money for food.