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Kim Jong-un Cracks Down On The Weather

by Abby Johnston

We've all got beef with weathermen. Currently, I estimate that they owe me at least three pairs of sandals for faulty sunshine forecasts that turned into a sudden deluge. Unable to deal with their shenanigans any longer, North Korea's Kim Jong-un scolded a group of North Korea weather forecasters, basically telling them to, you know, get it right. And probably not for the sake of his sandals.

An odd report from state-run paper Rodong Sinmun details the Dear Leader's trips to meteorology centers throughout North Korea to "learn in detail about meteorological observation and weather forecast." Then, with a very deep understanding way greater than the people who actually gave him this knowledge in the first place, he mansplained the science to the researchers.

From the Rodong Sinmun report (which is worth looking at if only for the photos of Kim clearly yelling at the researchers), it seems that Kim's primary goal in improving the forecasting was to stave off the impact unexpected weather could have on North Korea's economy. Oh yeah, on people and property, too.

Apparently, Kim blamed outdated science and technology for North Korea's inability to predict the weather. But in a reclusive country with almost no outside contact or method for sharing scientific data easily, is that so surprising? Kim called for modernization with the methods, which should be done, as reported by Rodong Sinmun, "with deep loving care."

North Korea is currently suffering through one of the worst spring droughts it has had in 30 years, which poses serious threats to thousands of acres of crops, according to Agence France Presse.

Handout/Getty Images News/Getty Images

While sure, better meteorological methods could help North Korea understand how to prepare for droughts, it won't make rain come. It seems to me that maybe Kim's time would be better spent on other areas that could benefit the country. Just some ideas:

  • Food crisis : Over one-fourth of North Korea's children are reportedly stunted from chronic malnutrition. Two-thirds of the country do not know where their next meal is coming from.
  • Prison camps : Testimony after testimony has come from survivors of North Korea's prison camps. The stories are horrifying, unthinkable, and corroborate reports of more than 200,000 imprisoned people. The UN has officially condemned the camps as a crime against humanity.
  • Education : Children are forced to provide their own supplies, but required to go to school. They are often also asked (read: forced) to produce goods for the government.

Yeah, you're right, Kim Jong Un. The weather forecast seems pretty bad, too.