The idea that North Korea can be appeased with economic incentives is a misconception
"North Korea is struggling, but there are no signs of a food crisis yet"
[Asia Economy International Desk Reporter] Thomas Sch?fer, former German ambassador to North Korea who served twice, described North Korea as "a very patient country." Sch?fer served as the German ambassador to North Korea from 2007 to 2010 and again from 2013 to 2018.
On the 18th (local time), in an interview with Germany's Die Welt, Sch?fer stated, "You need to have patience to deal with (North Korea)." He argued that many, including the former Trump administration, mistakenly believe North Korea can be persuaded with economic incentives, but the North Korean military views such economic development as an invasion of foreign ideology.
Regarding his two postings in Pyongyang, Sch?fer said, "As a foreigner in North Korea, you can have a certain degree of influence," adding, "You realize that deception is impossible, and gaining respect is a prerequisite." He emphasized, "Because it is so difficult to understand North Korea from the outside, the political situation is best understood on the ground," and "I felt I could make a meaningful contribution in Pyongyang."
About his daily work as ambassador to North Korea, Sch?fer said, "It is extremely difficult to comprehend anything as a foreigner in North Korea," and "Often, I would spend the entire workday reading statements issued by the North Korean regime, almost drowning in propaganda." He explained, "Only a very few people see all the statements released by the leadership, and even fewer can ask about their background," adding, "This is a decisive disadvantage for countries like the U.S. or South Korea, which do not have embassies there."
Sch?fer said, "I try to discern the political line from the statements, but they are also tools for deception." He recalled a North Korean citizen telling him, "I have to attend regular classes to memorize propaganda, but sometimes I don't know what is true and what is false," and that this made the person angry and feel like going crazy. He added that confusing the truth is also intended by the North Korean government, saying, "I had to face this throughout my working hours."
Regarding North Korea's recent food shortages, Sch?fer said, "As one of the last foreigners in North Korea, a Russian ambassador who is also an acquaintance of mine said a few weeks ago, 'The situation is difficult, but we have not found signs of a food shortage,' and this is the most reliable statement."
Meanwhile, the German government temporarily closed its embassy in North Korea and temporarily withdrew staff on February 28 last year due to the spread of COVID-19.
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