UnNews:North Korea premier apologizes for starvation
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| North Korea premier apologizes for starvation | 
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11 February 2010
SEOUL, South Korea -- North Korea's premier offered a rare public apology after the country's recent currency revamp triggered starvation, a South Korean newspaper reported Thursday.
In late November, the North ordered citizens to turn in old bills for new, redenominated currency. However, the measure, which rendered everyone's money worthless, unexpectedly led to people dying of hunger in the country's northeast.
On Friday, Premier Kim Yong Il apologized for the aftermath, the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo reported, citing an unidentified source. "I sincerely apologize for the lack of sufficient preparation," Kim read from a statement, implying there is a right way to render the nation's money worthless.
Kim added that the newly issued currency is actually pretty tasty, and more nutritious than eating tree bark, another noted peasant response to government reforms.
South Korea's Unification Ministry couldn't confirm the published report. But a spokeswoman said it would be "rare" for a top North Korean official to apologize for anything. Lee Jong-joo said the North might next apologize for its multi-generational personality cult, exporting terrorism, and shooting missiles over Japan.
Sources[edit]
- Hyung-Jin Kim "NKorea's premier apologizes over currency revamp". The Washington Post, February 10, 2010