North Korean leader Kim Jong-un banned Choco Pies as a form of bonus pay for workers because they contribute to black market activity, according to The Washington Post. 

North Korean officials gave orders not to hand out Choco Pies, a popular chocolate snack in South Korea. The employers are planning to provide other food as bonuses, like sausages, chocolate or powdered coffee. 

“The ‘Choco Pie Bonus’ was banned because it helps the black markets thrive. North Korean people got to know about this delicious snack through South Korean companies, which handed out the snacks because they were prohibited from paying the workers money as bonuses,” according to the report.

After the temporary closing of the Gaeseong industrial park, the price of Choco Pies went up as high as 14 euros (about 19,000 won) per box, despite the fact that black markets are illegal in North Korea. North Korea judged that Choco Pies are a contributing factor in the proliferation of black markets and banned them as a form of bonus payment. 

By Cho Han-na, Intern reporter (hnncho@heraldcorp.com)