could be lean harsh times from august to october of this year. so there is certainly a concern and residents in pyongyang have told me that they have seen these prices increasing, prices of potatoes, for example, have tripled in the market, one market in pyongyang that's well known amongst locals and foreigners and tourists when tourists are allowed into north korea. so certainly the story on the ground as well is that the prices are going up and it is becoming more difficult for local residents to get by. >> very serious situation for many people there. turning to the leader, any more details on kim jong-un's health? there's been lots of speculation. any more clarity there? >> reporter: no, and there wouldn't be, kim, unless kim jong-un himself decided that he wanted to address the issue of his wait and that's highly unlikely to happen.