N. Koreans showing inclination to possess cars: unification ministry
2017/01/31 15:14
SEOUL, Jan. 31 (Yonhap) -- Ordinary North Koreans are showing an inclination to own cars as the growth of marketplaces fuels capitalism even as the country is run by a repressive regime, South Korea's unification ministry said Tuesday.
Under civil law, North Koreans are allowed to possess cars and bequeath or inherit them, but in reality, people register cars under the name of organizations, not under the name of individuals.
Local newspaper JoongAng Ilbo reported that ordinary North Koreans have been permitted to register cars in their names since late last year, a move that heralds the recognition of private ownership.
The Ministry of Unification, which handles inter-Korean affairs, said more North Koreans are moving to own vehicles for personal use.
"But more information is needed to verify the report," it said.
The North had operated the state-controlled rationing system for a long time. But marketplaces have gradually become more commonplace since the mid-1990s, when North Koreans had to find ways to survive in the wake of a severe famine and economic hardship, widely known as the "Arduous March."
Since the North's young leader Kim Jong-un inherited power in late 2011, the country's economy has posted marginal growth with its marketplaces noticeably expanding influence.
Seoul's spy agency said in 2015 that around 380 markets exist across the North that has helped to instill market capitalism among ordinary North Koreans.
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