This document summarizes and discusses several sources that describe the North Korean famine in the 1990s. It begins by outlining Barbara Demick's 2009 New Yorker article about a North Korean woman named Song Hee-suk who survived the famine. It then briefly summarizes a CARE representative's video about visiting North Korean kindergartens and noting severe child malnutrition. Finally, it provides short summaries of additional sources that discuss the causes of the famine, China's role in North Korean agriculture and food supplies, and the long-term effects of malnutrition on North Korean citizens.

1. Tori & Alexis

2. • This project was prompted by Barbara Demick’s article, ―The Good Cook‖, in
the November 2nd, 2009 issue of The New Yorker Magazine. Demick’s article
begins with introduction to Song Hee-suk, a ―model citizen of North Korea‖
and a survivor of its 1900’s famine.
• She addresses the already strict rationing of food per family in North Korea,
and Mrs. Song’s faint memory when the rations started fading away even
more. Demick expands on North Koreas large dependency on its
neighboring countries, at the time, and how North Korea’s lack of ability to
repay its creditors would lead to a complete set back in their productivity as
a country.
• This set back largely included North Korea’s drastic shortages of food, and
thus triggered North Korea’s people –specifically Song Hee-suk—to rely on
herself to feed her family. The article touches on the coping methods,
business attempts and many sacrifices Mrs. Song made to feed her family
and herself. Not only does the article talk about Mrs. Song’s hardships she
endured, but the loses of her loved ones along the way.
• Demick ends the article on more upbeat note describing Mrs. Song liking
and adaptation to South Korea. She also gives insight on Mrs. Song’s
change in perspective on North Korea, and the North Korean famine she
endured.

3. • CARE representative
Williamson discusses aid for
North Korean citizens
• Williamson is granted special
access to visit some more
northern provinces
• Investigates the situation in
kindergartens and nurseries,
hospitals, and homes
• Notes the severe malnutrition
of children in these areas
(Full video:
• Proposes aid be granted to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30- Kindergartens in the regions he
2sPGNGEw&feature=related) has visited

5. http://38north.org/2010/05/why-north-korea-could-feed-itself/
• Randall Ireson sets up his article ―Why North Korea Could
Feed Itself‖ by explaining some of the severe agricultural
conditions which contributed to the North Korean Famine in
the 1990s
• Because of the previous ―Green Revolution farming
techniques‖ that had been set into effect, when North Korea
was cut off by its neighboring countries, it could not continue
with such techniques
• No long had efficient way to farm
• In addition, the past three years consisted of two years of flood
and a year of drought
• He goes on to discuss how today North Korea can solve these
agricultural issues and become self-sufficient

6. http://www.cfr.org/china/china-north-korea-relationship/p11097
• ―China is North Korea’s most important ally; biggest trading
partner; and main source of food, arms, and fuel.‖
• China has supported and ―lent political and economic backing
to North Korea’s leaders: Kim il-Sung and his son and
successor, Kim Jong- Il‖
• A wave in the relationship in October of 2006 when there were
disputes over North Korea’s testing of a nuclear weapon.
• China has much investment in North Korea, and Pyongyang is
very ―economically dependent on China‖ to provide both
energy and food supplies.
• China’s support for North Korea not only provides a friendly
nation and buffer zone (―between China and democratic South
Korea‖), but China also ―gains economically‖ from this
relationship.
• Overall China has clear ―leverage over North Korea in many
respects.‖

8. Bajoria, Jayshree. "The China-North Korea Relationship." Council on
Foreign Relations. N.p., 7 Oct. 2010. Web. 17 Sep. 2012.
http://www.cfr.org/china/china-north-korea-relationship/p11097
Davis, Mark. ―Famine – North Korea.‖ Youtube. Lighthouse Pacific,
1997. Web. 27 Sep. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30-
2sPGNGEw&feature=related>
Demick, Barbara. ―The Good Cook.‖ The New Yorker (2009): 58-64.
Ireson, Randall. ―Why North Korea Could Feed Itself.‖ 38 North, 2 May
2010. Web. 17 Sep. 2012. <http://38north.org/2010/05/why-north-
korea-could-feed-itself/>
MSLawdotedu. ―The North Korean Famine – Why Did It Happen?‖
Youtube. Web. 17 Sep. 2012.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhb5Ccc3TcI>
ReutersTV. ―North Korea’s children victims of food shortage.‖ YouTube.
Web. 17 Sep. 2012.
<http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ftc_zKlz7Lo>