A homegrown version of pepper spray has

become the latest item carried by female merchants in North Korea, namely to

combat sexual harassment and theft. For others, however, it plays an increasingly integral part in the perpetual struggle they face in trying to get by on a daily basis.

In most of the world, pepper spray, also

known as oleoresin capsicum or OC, is derived from the same chemical that gives

chili peppers their heat–but at much higher concentrations. North Korea’s

version of pepper spray forgoes any complex chemical processes; in fact,

instead of a spray, North Korea’s deterrent consists of pulverized chili

peppers tucked into an easily accessible sack, which residents have coined the “chili powder bomb.”

“Women in Chongjin, Hamheung, Pyongsong,

and other cities are carrying around ‘chili powder bombs’ for protection,” a

source from Hamkyung North Province told Daily NK on the 28th. “Women merchants

as well as travelers are using bags of ground chili pepper as a means of

self-protection.”

Many North Korean women play the role of

“wholesale runner” for market activities, purchasing specialty and ordinary

goods from other regions and transporting them to vendors at markets spanning significant distances and varied terrains. Naturally, this line of work requires the “runner” to keep a considerable

amount of money on her person, thus making her a likely target for thieves

hoping to run off with the cash. This situation prompted many women to take

matters into their own hands and find an innovative solution, according to the

source.

“A man who stole a high-end razor at the

market in the Hwesang District of Hamgeung City was brought down thanks to the

“chili powder bomb,” she explained. “The vendor pointed to the running thief

and shouted ‘Catch him!’. The other vendors around there proceeded to throw the

spicy powder in his face to stop him.”

Conversely, these “chili powder bombs” have

also been used by some to get a leg up by whatever means necessary–however ruthless. “A few days

ago, a mother living in Chongjin in her 30s hurled one of those ‘chili powder

bombs’ at a man riding his bicycle along the alleyways leading to and from

Sunam Market. As he writhed around in pain and struggled to open his eyes she

took off on his bicycle,” the source explained.

She added that upon her arrest days later,

the perpetrator confessed that she stole the bike to sell off and use the

profits to throw a birthday party for her 1-year-old son; without committing

the crime, she contested, affording any type of celebration for her child would have

been impossible.

Unfortunately, the source lamented, these

crimes show no signs of abating. “All kinds of crimes are being committed

because of the perpetual struggle residents face to make ends meet,” she said. “It’s like

someone could swoop in and cut off your nose as soon as you close your eyes.”