I don't know why our Occupy protesters didn't think of eating newspaper as a way of getting attention. North Korea is definitely one step ahead of us there!
That is because the glorious Juche Principle guides and unites the People, properly directing them along the path of Historical Inevitability. North Korea is one step ahead of ALL foreign imperialists, thanks to the efforts of Dear Leader and His appointed successor.
Behold! How the words of the Party feed and nourish the masses! The Westerners can not eat their newspapers! Long Live Kim Jong-un!
North Korea is like an embarrassing member of China's family. Its the only country North Korea has a real diplomatic relationship with. China really just gives them money and hopes they won't cause too much trouble outside their borders.
I've seen more realistic "dying of starvation" acts from my community theater group. These people are clearly faking the whole dying of starvation thing just to be kept out of prison.