North Korean Leader Pushes for Tasty Rations in the Army
Short recap: On a mid‑morning tour of a military food factory, Kim Jong Un announced that soldiers “should eat better.” This follows a dramatic case last year when a defecting soldier’s stomach revealed, quite literally, a diet of corn‑flakes.
It’s a big move—especially after Kim shifted Korea‑North’s focus from nuclear missiles to economic‑growth dreams in April.
Why the Ration Drama?
- The World Bank estimates North Korea’s population near 25.4 million.
- South Korea’s defense ministry figures about 1.28 million remain on active duty.
- Soldiers mostly eat rice, maize, kimchi, and bean paste—low on fats and protein.
- Last year, a brave one‑step former soldier was found with “corn kernels” in his stomach—an image that shook the headlines and raised concerns about nutrition.
Kim’s Food‑for‑a‑Cause Cheek
During the factory inspection[1], Kim championed a “tasteful and nutritious” approach. He urged factory staff to exceed production plans “on all indices” and reminded them to keep the late‑father’s spirit alive: Kim Jong Il’s nurture for his troops. The line from him reads: “Make sure they feel his loving care.”
What’s on the Menu?
- Kim mentioned a push for soybean‑based fare—especially fermented soybean products—rich in protein (about 36 %).
- He wants the army to stop counting on only grains and kimchi, and start adding variety.
- It’s less about the calories and more about nutrient powerhouses—a “no‑skimping” approach that will keep soldiers healthy and on the field.
This visit is just one of many site inspections as Kim travels across the country, looking at industrial sites and special economic zones by the China border. He seems determined to pivot North Korea’s future away from weapons and towards a healthier workforce—and maybe a tastier one too.
Sources: KCNA state media, World Bank demographics, World Food Programme reports, South Korean defense estimates.
