North Korean forest rangers fired for turning tree nurseries into vegetable gardens

North Korea has dismissed several forest rangers after a government probe revealed they were using tree nurseries to grow vegetables like cabbage, radishes, and chili peppers for personal use. Inspectors also found rangers harvesting pine nuts from immature trees and selling them privately. The investigation, led by the North Korean Cabinet in September, uncovered the worst violations in Myongchon County, North Hamgyong Province. Officials condemned the actions as "corrupt" and a misuse of state resources, declaring that "forestry resources are not private property." The scandal has left many rangers frustrated, citing poor rations and harsh punishments as reasons morale is collapsing.