Kim Myungsung

A North Korean Man Found Dead with Methamphetamine Suspended from his Leg

A dead body of a North Korean man was discovered on May 19th in the vicinity of Ganghwa Island in Incheon, with methamphetamine hanging from his leg.

The National Intelligence Service announced on May 27th that "our military discovered a corpse believed to be that of a North Korean male on the coastal area of Ganghwa Island on the 19th and conducted a joint investigation with relevant agencies."

Authorities have requested a detailed analysis of the drug suspected object found in the body's belongings from the National Forensic Service. If the object is confirmed to be a narcotic substance, it will be disposed of according to relevant regulations.

According to government sources, at the time of discovery, the body of the North Korean man had Styrofoam attached to his leg, and the investigation revealed the presence of Methamphetamine, which could be consumed by thousands of people. Although the reason for this man's defection has not been confirmed, there is a possibility of involvement in drug-related crimes. Authorities believe that the man may have drowned while attempting to cross the Northern Limit Line with the drugs in his possession.

Kim Jong-un, No Eldest Son? Claims of "Daughter Kim Ju-ae as Eldest" Arise One After Another

New claims have surfaced regarding the birth order of Kim Ju-ae, known as the second child of North Korea's Kim Jong-un, suggesting that she might be the eldest. This challenges the prevailing belief that Kim Jong-un's first child is a son and sparks ongoing controversies surrounding the eldest child of Kim Jong-un.

President Koh Yu-hwa of the Korea Institute for National Unification (KIN), a government-funded institute, stated during a meeting with the National Assembly Press Corps on May 26th that he personally sees a high possibility of Kim Ju-ae being the eldest and considers her a candidate for succession, although confirming the true successor can only be done when someone actually assumes the position.

Senior officials from the South Korean government also met with reporters on May 22nd and stated that they are unsure about the existence of a first child above Kim Ju-ae, and if there is one, whether it is a son or not, based on their personal assessments.

Previously, on May 25th, Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported that Kim Jong-un's close friend from his time studying in Switzerland, João Micaelo, stated, "This is the first time I've heard about Kim Jong-un having a son." He had met Kim Jong-un twice in North Korea, in 2012 and 2013.

Former North Korean Ambassador to Kuwait, Ryu Hyun-woo, who had a close involvement in foreign affairs and financial management, also commented on the matter, stating, "During my time in North Korea, I was aware of Kim Jong-un's daughter, but I have never come across any information regarding a son."

During an appearance on KBS Radio 1 in March, Kim Hong-geol, a South Korean lawmaker who visited North Korea in July 2019, made a statement regarding the matter. He said, "According to my understanding, Kim Ju-ae is Kim Jong-un's eldest daughter, and there is a son younger than her. In summary, Kim Jong-un has two daughters and one son."

Kim Jong-un Visits Mentor Hyon Chol-hae's Tomb, Kneeling in Tribute During Succession Period

North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un paid his respects to his mentor Hyon Chol-hae on the first anniversary of his passing. According to Korean Central Television (KCTV), Kim Jong-un visited Hyon Chol-hae's tomb and kneeled, offering a red rose as a tribute.

On the 22nd, RodongSinmun highlighted Hyon Chol-hae's exemplary loyalty, noting that despite mentoring three generations of leaders, he never sought special privileges. He remains a revered figure and a source of inspiration for all.

Hyon Chol-hae held influential positions within the Workers' Party of Korea, including the Political Bureau, Central Committee, and Central Military Commission. His close relationship with Kim Jong-il was evident when he accompanied him extensively during external events in 2008.

Known for playing a pivotal role in Kim Jong-un's control of the military and assisting with his power succession during the heir apparent period, Hyon's passing deeply affected Kim, who was seen shedding tears in front of his mentor's remains.

Kim Jong-un's act of kneeling and paying tribute reflects the loyalty demonstrated by Hyon Chol-hae towards the three successive leaders. It underscores Kim Jong-un's efforts to foster loyalty among the residents towards his regime.

North Korea Showcases Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center in China, featuring a Mandarin Mukbang Video of 'Hot Spring Eggs'

Amid expectations of increased border openings between North Korea and China, North Korean authorities recently promoted the Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center through a YouTube video.

On her YouTube channel 'NEW DPRK,' Yonmi, a North Korean woman from Pyongyang, uploaded an engaging 8-minute and 42-second video titled 'North Korean Girl Explores Famous Hot Springs and Savors Delicious Hot Spring Eggs' on May 22nd. This is her fourth video on the channel, following her debut on April 11th.

In the video, Yonmi spends one night and two days at the Yangdok Hot Spring Cultural Recreation Center, providing Mandarin commentary to introduce key facilities. Viewers can explore the resort's exterior, get a glimpse inside the hotel rooms, and experience the hot spring facilities. There are also scenes showcasing Yonmi's enjoyment of hot spring eggs.

Recently, there has been a surge in the creation of new YouTube channels related to North Korea, as well as a resumption of activities that were previously halted. Observers suggest that North Korea, which has kept its borders closed for over three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is preparing to reopen its borders soon.