Since the start of COVID-19, North Korea has adopted the most stringent lockdown globally, further intensifying its economic difficulties. Reports suggest an increased number of army deserters, an inability to print money, and a lack of food and medical supplies. North Korea’s worsened living conditions may force it to open its borders to China and Russia as early as November. According to South Korea’s National Intelligence Service members on Oct. 28, North Korea is preparing to lift its lockdown measures toward China and Russia and currently negotiating to resume railway transportation and trade with the two countries, indicating a possible start in this month. Since the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) virus outbreak in January last year, North Korea has suspended all border transactions, including with China. The bilateral trade between China and North Korea has decreased significantly. However, in the past few months, North Korea has shown signs of accepting …