A North Korean man in his 40s was fatally struck by a hit-and-run driver in Pyongsong, South Pyongan province, earlier this month. Despite the presence of a security camera at the scene, it wasn’t operational due to a power outage, hindering police efforts to identify the perpetrator.
According to a source who spoke to Daily NK recently, the incident occurred early in the morning on March 10. The victim, identified by the pseudonym Kang, was transporting goods with a handcart near the Pyongsong marketplace when he was struck. By the time local residents discovered him, he had already died.
Pyongsong police investigators have struggled to find leads in the case. The security camera at the accident site wasn’t functioning because of a power outage.
“Security cameras are useless during frequent power outages. Since the accident happened in the early morning, there were no witnesses either. The chances of catching the culprit are slim,” the source said.
The incident has sparked criticism from locals. “I don’t understand why they install security cameras that don’t work,” one person remarked. “It would make more sense to use that money to distribute rice to the public,” commented another.
Kang, who lived in Pyongsong’s Yokjon neighborhood, was supporting two teenage sons. The family had relied on income from his wife’s neighborhood stall, but it wasn’t enough. Last year, Kang became an “8.3 worker” – someone who pays their official employer a monthly fee to work independently.
He had become a handcart operator, transporting goods around the Pyongsong market from early morning until late night, earning praise from locals for his work ethic. With the growing popularity of home delivery among market customers, Kang had become the preferred choice for many vendors, securing him steady income.
“Kang was known in the neighborhood as hardworking and helpful at home. His agreeable personality led many merchants to rely on him for deliveries. Other handcart operators envied his success,” the source said.
On the morning of the accident, Kang had set out earlier than other workers, hoping to earn extra money—a detail that made his death particularly tragic to locals.
“Kang’s funeral was held on March 12. His death devastated his wife, who remains bedridden with grief,” the source said.
“People are angry not only at the hit-and-run driver who fled but also at the police’s incompetent investigation. Security cameras serve no purpose without electricity, and the police can’t even catch someone who kills people. That’s just how things are in North Korea,” the source concluded.
March 26, 2025 at 07:21AM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)