SEOUL -- North Korea's economy contracted by 4.5% last year, according to an estimate released on Friday by South Korea's central bank, marking the biggest downturn under Kim Jong Un's regime as the country faced sanctions, severe weather and fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Economy
North Korean economy shrinks 4.5%, worst slump under Kim Jong Un
Pandemic, sanctions and severe flooding inflict a triple blow
A North Korean soldier patrols the border with China in April. The regime closed the border in January 2020, a move that sharply curtailed trade. © Kyodo
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