{
  "id": 18498787,
  "title": "North Koreans fed up with folk remedies as colds spread",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/06/north-koreans-fed-up-with-folk-remedies-as-colds-spread",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-11-06T12:08:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Daily NK",
    "slug": "daily-nk",
    "url": "https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-kaechon-respiratory-illness-cold-medicine/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Cold and flu cases are on the rise across North Korea, particularly in Kaechon and other areas of South Pyongan province, as the region experiences a wave of respiratory illness this fall. Health authorities offer only basic recommendations, such as washing hands and gargling with salt water, leaving many North Koreans frustrated and seeking better solutions. Traditional remedies like magnolia berry tea have been mocked before, but demand for cold medicine is surging at local markets. Many turn to private medicine traders for self-diagnosis and treatment, leading to soaring drug prices and increased hospital visits as people grow weary of ineffective folk remedies.",
  "summary": "A wave of respiratory illness is sweeping parts of North Korea as the seasons change this fall, with adults and children alike battling colds that drag on for weeks. Health authorities, however, offer little beyond advice to wash hands and gargle with salt water, and frustrated North Koreans want a real response. Cold cases have […]",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}