North Korea could face famine of biblical proportions, state newspaper warns

This picture taken on December 15, 2012 shows a group of North Korea workers making their way along a path after finishing work in the North Korean border town of Siniuju, across from China's northeastern city of Dandong.

The announcement follows a fresh wave of sanctions, leveled by the UN after several nuclear tests by the North.

Back in 1994, the country of North Korea suffered a famine of biblical proportions.

Years of economic mismanagement, drought and floods resulted in a four-year period of starvation and economic decline, known to North Koreans as the "Arduous March."

There are no official numbers from the government, but some human rights groups put the death toll in the millions.

So when a North Korean newspaper suggested earlier this week that it might be time for the country to prepare for another famine, the world took notice.

The announcement follows a fresh wave of sanctions, leveled by the UN after several nuclear tests by the North.

Now, many are concerned about what will happen to the Korean people if the sanctions continue.

For a look at the potential impact of these new sanctions, Take Two spoke to David Kang, director of the Korean Studies Institute at USC.

The announcement follows a fresh wave of sanctions, leveled by the UN after several nuclear tests by the North.

Press the blue play button above to hear the interview.