He pioneered a new policy of South Korean reconciliation with the North, beginning with the historic Mr.Kim won the Nobel Peace Prize after that meeting - although the event was later tarnished by allegations South Korea paid the North half a billion dollars to hold the summit.

VOA: standard.2009.08.21

North Koreans are now paid about 2, 000 North Korean won a month, instead of 100-150 won.

BBC: North Korea brings in 'market reform'

The DPRK's official currency is the North Korean won, but Jang said everything in North Korea was pegged on the U.S. dollar, including the black market economy.

CNN: How does North Korea make its money?

More sanctions and increased naval exercises in the region won't help everyday North Koreans, and they won't make the Korean peninsula safer.

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