Kim Myungsung

⦁ Kim Jong-un Returns from Russia with ‘Suicide’ Drones

⦁ North Korean 5-star General Bows Before Kim Jong-un's 11-year-old Daughter, Kim Ju-ae—Preparations for Fourth-Generation Succession?

⦁ Amidst North Korean People's Hunger, Kim Yo-jong Flaunts 10 Million KRW Luxury Bag

Kim Jong-un Returns from Russia with ‘Suicide’ Drones

North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, has concluded his visit to Russia, returning home with a surprising gift: lethal drones. These drones were presented to him during his visit. On the final day of his trip, Kim Jong-un, guided by Oleg Kozhemyako, the governor of Primorsky Krai, explored a weapons exhibition where he was introduced to Russian-made drones and bulletproof vests. According to reports from TASS Russian News Agency and other sources, Governor Kozhemyako gifted Kim Jong-un with six drones, a drone control system, and bulletproof vests.

<Photo> Oleg Kozhemyako, the Governor of Russia's Primorsky Krai, shared this photo on his social media / Telegram from Governor Oleg Kozhemyako

Of the six drones, five were suicide drones, and one was a reconnaissance drone equipped with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. All of them were manufactured in Primorsky Krai. However, this generous gift from Russia has raised concerns. Critics argue that it violates United Nations Security Council Resolution 2397, enacted in 2017, which prohibits the export of all industrial machinery to North Korea. Additionally, the quantity of these drones may also run afoul of United Nations Resolution 1718, which specifically prohibits North Korea from importing items that have the potential to directly enhance their military capabilities.

South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed its concerns, suggesting that Russia's drone provision could potentially violate United Nations Security Council sanctions against North Korea. North Korea has been actively using drones and unmanned aerial vehicles as provocative tools, as evidenced by the incursion of five drones into the airspace of South Korea's capital region last December. During a military parade in July, North Korea unveiled models reminiscent of the US's high-altitude UAVs, the RQ-4 Global Hawk and MQ-9 Reaper, under the names 'Satbyeol-4' and 'Satbyeol-9', respectively.

North Korean 5-star General Bows Before Kim Jong-un's 11-year-old Daughter, Kim Ju-ae - Preparations for Fourth-Generation Succession?

A remarkable scene unfolded at the military parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of North Korea's regime. Pak Jong-chon, the military political director, was captured on camera, kneeling and engaging in conversation in front of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of Chairman Kim Jong-un.

<Photo> Pak Jong-chon, North Korea's Military Marshal and Director of Military Affairs for WPK, in conversation with Kim Jong-un's daughter, Kim Ju-ae, during the 75th-anniversary military parade. (Source: Korean Central Television)

On the 9th, during the broadcasted recording of the military parade by Korean Central Television, viewers witnessed Pak Jong-chon, who holds the highest military rank, salute and exchange words with Kim Ju-ae from a special seating area.

In recent times, Pak Jong-chon has accompanied Kim Jong-un on significant inspections, solidifying his position as a close military aide. With a rank equivalent to a five-star general, Pak Jong-chon holds the title of Marshal, which surpasses the rank of a general in the North Korean military. While he could have easily conversed with Kim Ju-ae from his seat, his act of kneeling was considered exceptional. Although there have been several instances of North Korean elites kneeling before Kim Jong-un, this marked the first time such a gesture was directed towards Kim Ju-ae.

During the event, Kim Ju-ae's elevated status was evident. She sat beside Kim Jong-un at the military parade celebrating North Korea's regime establishment. This contrasted with the previous military parade in February, where she sat with her mother, Ri Sol-ju, and other party officials. The absence of the First Lady, Ri, emphasized Kim Ju-ae's prominent role. North Korean media referred to her as the "respected heir," sparking speculations about preparations for a fourth-generation succession.

Amidst North Korean People's Hunger, Kim Yo-jong Flaunts 10 Million KRW Luxury Bag

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, which has left over 10 million North Korean residents struggling with starvation and malnutrition, a controversial issue has emerged: the elite's indulgence in luxury goods. High-ranking North Korean women, including Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of WPK, were seen carrying foreign luxury bags ranging from several hundred thousand to several million KRW during Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia.

<Photo> Handbags Worn by Prominent North Korean Women at Recent North Korea-Russia Summit. Left to Right: Kim Jong-un's Sister, Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of WPK; Choe Son-hui, Foreign Minister; and Hyon Song-wol, Deputy Director of WPK. / NK News

In a recent photo from the Korean Central News Agency, the bag carried by Choe Son-hui, North Korea's Foreign Minister, was identified as a rare product from the high-end Italian brand, Gucci. This bag, made of ostrich leather and now discontinued, is currently trading on an Icelandic website for $10,000 (approximately 13.2 million KRW).

Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of WPK, also drew attention when she was spotted carrying a black 'Lady Dior' handbag from the luxury brand Dior during Kim Jong-un's visit to a fighter jet factory. Made from calf leather, the bag is currently retailing on Dior's website for $7,000 (approximately 9.25 million KRW).

Among the entourage, Hyon Song-wol, Deputy Director of the Propaganda and Agitation Department of WPK, was seen with what appeared to be a cheap Chinese-made bag, reportedly selling for $8 (around 10,000 KRW). It was unusual for Hyon Song-wol, known to be wealthier than Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui, to be seen with such an inexpensive bag. Recent behavior suggests she might be conscious of foreign media reports accusing her of privately accumulating foreign currency and taking bribes through the secretive operation of a trading company.

Kim Jong-un himself has been spotted several times wearing a watch from the Swiss luxury brand IWC. His wife, Ri and daughter, Kim Ju-ae, have been seen with Dior handbags and outerwear. This display of opulence by North Korea's elite has sparked criticism, especially when so many of the country's residents are grappling with severe hardships.