North Korea Recommends Dog Meat Soup During Heat Wave

North Korea has been hit by a severe heat wave, with state media urging residents to eat cooling foods as well as the traditional dog meat soup known as dangogi guk. On Thursday, temperatures in Pyongyang reached 36.7C, which state television said was the highest recorded in the capital since weather records began.

The ruling newspaper Rodong Sinmun quoted a doctor at a hospital in Pyongyang recommending watermelons, cucumbers and beans. He also promoted dog meat soup, fish and bean porridge as nutritious foods. State news agency KCNA highlighted chicken soup with ginseng and sticky rice as another recommended meal.

State media have also advised people to stay hydrated, swim where possible and avoid strenuous physical activity during the extreme heat. North Korea has not released any data on heat-related deaths. South Korea has reported at least 19 deaths linked to the heat wave.

At the same time, state media have highlighted Kim Jong Un's past visits to construction sites and factories during previous heat waves, portraying him as a leader who endures harsh conditions alongside the public. They have not reported on his activities during the current heat wave.

(Reuters, Lud)