January 20th, 2012
02:34 AM ET

South Korea to allow food aid to North for first time since Kim's death

The South Korean government on Friday approved the first shipment of food aid to North Korea since the death of dictator Kim Jong Il last month.

The South Korean Unification Ministry has given the green light to the sending on January 27 of 180 tons of flour to elementary schools and day care centers by the Korea Peace Foundation, Kim Hyung-suk, a ministry spokesman, said at a briefing.

North Korea has agreed to receive the shipment, according to the ministry.

Pyongyang announced Kim's death on December 19, setting off speculation about the stability of the reclusive state and its possible consequences for the broader region. Kim's youngest son and chosen successor, Kim Jong Un, has replaced him as the regime's "supreme leader."

The country's dysfunctional economy, hurt by failed policies and international sanctions, has resulted in famines and widespread malnutrition during the past two decades. Other countries and international organizations have repeatedly stepped in with food aid, most recently to alleviate chronic malnutrition among the most vulnerable groups.

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Filed under: Kim Jong Il • Kim Jong Un • North Korea • South Korea
soundoff (7 Responses)
  1. Scottish Mama

    They always say sanctions hurt the people more than the government. I hope they let people in to evaluate how much starving and access the needs. I was hoping that Un was educated enough to want to help his people.

    January 20, 2012 at 6:07 am | Report abuse |
  2. Gravity7

    Reblogged this on Gravity7.

    January 20, 2012 at 7:23 am | Report abuse |
  3. Bill

    Nothing beats a growling gut to make one overlook past and petty problems! Betcha this shipment of flour isn't hyjacked by "rebels" or whomever!

    January 20, 2012 at 9:13 am | Report abuse |
  4. Pop

    Where is the proof that NK is starving its people because i doubt it

    January 20, 2012 at 10:19 am | Report abuse |
  5. Hey, Pop....

    ....use your mighty computer to do a little research, fool.

    January 20, 2012 at 11:45 am | Report abuse |
  6. North Korea

    Yummers

    January 20, 2012 at 2:48 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Mandy O'pry

    Reblogged this on theninetiesrevolutionist.

    January 20, 2012 at 8:30 pm | Report abuse |
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