By Kang Hyun-kyung
Staff Reporter

North Koreans are eager to learn English more than any other foreign languages, a monthly magazine published by a pro-North Korea newspaper reported in its November issue.

A magazine tentatively titled "Homeland," published by the Choson Sinbo in Japan, ran a story regarding the English boom in North Korea in its latest issue.

It reported that an increasing number of Pyongyang residents were attending foreign-language courses offered at the Grand People's Study House, a huge library located in Pyongyang.

According to the report, English is in the highest demand, followed by Chinese and Russian,

To meet the soaring demand for English and Chinese, the magazine said that authorities planned to introduce more English and foreign-language courses through e-library programs.

Given the North Korean economy's ever-growing dependency on China, people's eagerness to learn Chinese is understandable.

About 80 to 90 percent of commodities in North Korea are made in China.

More job creation in trade with China appears to be inevitable in the near future after Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao visited the North on Oct. 4 on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Wen offered a high-priced gift set to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il during the visit ― an economic cooperation package of more than $200 million, which included a bridge project on the Yalu River.

The question of why English is so popular in the Stalinist state, where people have little chance of communicating with English-speaking nationals, remains unanswered.

Cheong Seong-chang, senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute, told The Korea Times that English was a major tool in enabling North Koreans to earn cash abroad.

"In North Korea, men involved in foreign trade and the export industries are considered the most eligible bachelors among young women. These people are working closely with Europeans and Southeast Asians, and it is no wonder that English is widely used in their business," Cheong said.

The expert also speculated that the popularity of English as a second language in North Korea also had something to do with its alleged next leader's personal traits and ambitions.

"Recently Kim Jong-un, North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's third son, reportedly formed a task force to prepare for economic openness. I think Jong-un will try to work closer with China and Europe, rather than the United States or Japan," Cheong said.

In his adolescent years, Jong-un spent around a year in Switzerland, taking coursework at the International School of Berne.

Kenji Fujimoto, the chef who closely observed North Korean leader Kim and his family from 1988 to 2001, recalled in his book that Jong-un worked hard on his English skills.

Cheong said Jong-un's personal experience in the European country and understanding of the need for English in international communication could also explain the English boom in North Korea.

"If his power base becomes stable, Jong-un would put a priority on tightening bilateral relations with China and Europe to make sure the economy survives," he said.

If this happens, the North Korea watcher predicts that English and Chinese will become the most important tools in the country.

hkang@koreatimes.co.kr