[한눈에 이슈] 서서히 조이는 숨통...북한 최악의 위기 / KBS 2023.03.02. - Summary

Summary

The U.S. government has imposed sanctions on three organizations and two individuals linked to North Korea's efforts to fund nuclear and missile development. Additionally, the Korean Peninsula Peace Act, previously stalled in Congress, has been reintroduced. North Korea has convened an unusual plenary meeting of the Workers' Party's Central Committee, focusing on agricultural issues, indicating a serious food shortage. North Korea is grappling with economic difficulties due to sanctions and COVID-19, and its leader, Kim Jong-un, has ordered mobilization to secure food. Temporary currency is being printed due to a shortage of materials. The country has also restarted its Yongbyon nuclear facility, raising concerns. Kim Jong-un's actions and leadership style are being analyzed. Vice Minister Kim Yo-jong has taken on a significant role in foreign affairs and security.

Facts

Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:

1. The U.S. government added three organizations and two individuals to sanctions related to North Korea's nuclear and missile development.
2. The Korean Peninsula Peace Act, previously scrapped, has been reintroduced in the U.S. Congress.
3. The U.S. Treasury Department added world organizations, including North Korea's Chilsung Trading Corporation, to the sanctions list.
4. Companies connected to the North Korean regime engaged in illegal foreign exchange and hired undercover agents to collect foreign information.
5. Exports of prohibited statues by a company established in the Republic were carried out.
6. Designating North Korea as a target of sanctions would prohibit transactions and freeze assets.
7. North Korea reconvened the plenary meeting of the Workers' Party's Central Committee to address serious food shortages.
8. North Korea's annual food shortage is estimated at 800,000 to 1 million tons.
9. Starvation deaths increased in some areas of North Korea due to local blockade and natural disasters caused by COVID-19.
10. The plenary session aimed to encourage food settlement and strengthen state control over food distribution.
11. North Korea is considering a night military parade due to the food crisis.
12. North Korea's border closure due to COVID-19 has worsened food shortages.
13. Chairman Kim Jong-un ordered the mobilization of all residents to secure food.
14. North Korea is printing temporary currency due to a shortage of materials.
15. The Namheung Youth Chemical Plant suffered an explosion, and water-borne infectious diseases are spreading.
16. The Yongbyon nuclear facility was reportedly restarted, including the steelmaking facility.
17. Chairman Kim Jong-un's independent actions and efforts to create a friendly image were highlighted.
18. Vice Minister Kim Yo-jong is in charge of foreign affairs and security affairs.

These facts summarize the key information from the text without including opinions.