The Unexpected Rise of North Korea’s Economy

The Unexpected Rise of North Korea’s Economy

August 18, 2026 · 20 min

About this episode

The episode discusses North Korea's unexpected economic boom and its implications for geopolitical alliances.

North Korea was supposed to be broke and isolated. Now, it’s enjoying an unexpected economic boom. On today’s Big Take Asia podcast, Bloomberg’s Cat Barton and host K. Oanh Ha unpack North Korea’s shift from pandemic-era hardship to a multibillion-dollar windfall, and discuss how the country’s newfound wealth is reshaping geopolitical alliances. Read more:  Kim Jong Un Flouted Sanctions to Amass $22 Billion Windfall Further listening: North Korea’s Nuclear Program Reaches Tipping Point for the US Watch, from Originals:  Why Sanctions Aren’t Stopping North Korea See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Host: K. Oanh Ha

Guest: Cat Barton

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Bloomberg

Books & works: North Korea’s Nuclear Program Reaches Tipping Point for the US, Why Sanctions Aren’t Stopping North Korea

Places: North Korea

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