Sourced fact
The News
Satellite images have captured a luxurious yacht measuring 80 meters in length off the coast of Wonsan, North Korea, from July until mid-October this year. The yacht features a 50-meter-long swimming pool on its deck, equipped with a series of water pipes at one end. After remaining in maintenance facilities for several months, the yacht moved to waters near the Kalma Peninsula in early July. This area is close to Wonsan, a tourist destination that includes a large villa used by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his family.
Other large ships were also spotted in the images, suggesting that these vessels are used by the North Korean political elite. Ri Jong Ho, a former official at the Korean Workers' Party Office No. 39, stated that large ships are typically used during summer for recreation and swimming. He added that the ships return to maintenance facilities in winter.
Estimates suggest that the value of such luxurious vessels could reach hundreds of millions of dollars. However, most North Koreans struggle with food shortages and difficult living conditions. According to a UN report, approximately 40% of the population suffers from malnutrition. While Kim Jong Un and his family live in luxury, most of the population struggles to even obtain one meal a day.
The movements of these large ships indicate that Kim Jong Un and his family use them as private retreats away from public view. Wonsan is a favored destination for the family, as Kim Jong Un spent part of his childhood there. Experts and defectors have noted that this area has been used as a refuge for the political elite since the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.
Despite the state media avoiding references to Kim spending his holidays in Wonsan, some defectors have pointed out that the family knows this area is used as a refuge. While the government claims that Wonsan boasts advanced tourist facilities, most people cannot afford the costs of trips there. The per capita income in North Korea is estimated at only around $667, compared to South Korea's $36,227.
Satellite images show the movement of four large ships around Wonsan, including the largest one at 80 meters in length, which has remained in the waters of Kalma since July. The images also show smaller vessels transporting people, fuel, and materials to the large ships. According to satellite imagery expert Chung Song Hak, these ships provide private retreats away from public scrutiny.
Analysis & context
Analysis & Context
Analytically, this report reflects the vast disparity between the opulent lifestyle of North Korean leaders and the harsh living conditions of the majority of North Koreans. While Wonsan is marketed as a tourist destination, most North Koreans cannot afford such trips.
In a broader context, this report highlights how the North Korean elite use the country's limited resources to enhance their luxurious lifestyles while the people suffer from food shortages and a lack of basic rights. This stark contrast underscores the internal contradictions within the North Korean system.
