Awoman in a suit watches her brother chatting with Russian officials from a few meters away. In her hand is a black leather luxury item. In her hand is a quilted bag by the French brand Christian Dior.
On September 15, Kim Yong-Un and his brother, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un, visited the Yuri Gagarin fighter aircraft factory in eastern Russia, and their belongings have become a topic of conversation. According to the Korean media “JoongAng Ilbo” and other media, the item in his hand was Dior’s “Canage Ultra Matte Calfskin”. According to the official website, it is a luxury item priced at over 1 million yen.
The JoongAng Ilbo reported that many North Korean officials visiting Russia were wearing luxury goods. The watch Kim Jong-Un was wearing was a Swiss-made “IWC,” which costs about 2 million yen depending on the brand. The fountain pen he used to sign official documents was a “Montblanc” fountain pen, which costs more than 100,000 yen. Foreign Minister Choi Sun-hee also carried a bag from the Italian luxury brand Gucci, which costs no less than 1.4 million yen,” said a Korean newspaper reporter.
Kim Yo-jeong was the most glamorous of all. She escorted Kim Jong-Un in a miniskirt and watched with a smile as the meeting with Russian officials began. She was also very present with her Dior bag.
From his brother’s hairstyle to his thick-soled shoes
Mr. Yoseong’s bright personality and obedient nature have earned him the immense trust of Mr. Jong-un. He is so trusted that he is rumored to be controlling his brother. She not only manages Jong-un’s schedule, but also prepares his hair style, glasses, and even the thick-soled shoes that make him look taller.
She accompanies her brother to many diplomatic meetings. At dinners, she drinks with a smile on her face, and her openness to conversation is well received by foreign dignitaries. Because she often appears in a miniskirt, she is called a “diplomatic idol” in South Korea and China. She is said to be one of the candidates to succeed Kim Jong-Un.
Kim Yo-Jung is highly regarded by Kim Jong-Un and other foreign countries. However, the people of North Korea must be looking at him with mixed feelings, as he is dressed up in luxury brand clothes and behaves in a glamorous manner.
According to South Korea’s National Statistics Office, the gross national income (GNI) per North Korean citizen is about 140,000 yen. If one were to purchase a luxury bag owned by Kim Yo-jong, it would take 7 to 8 years even if one were to hold off on all other expenses.
North Korea is subject to sanctions by the United Nations Security Council, and luxury goods such as jewelry, fur products, and cosmetics are embargoed. According to the United Nations, more than 10 million people are on the brink of starvation. It is not surprising that the people, who are struggling to make ends meet, feel antagonistic toward Kim Yo-jong and other leaders of the country who are dressed up in luxury goods.
At home, many people are starving with little income, while abroad, Kim Yo-jong is a “diplomatic idol” with expensive goods. This gap represents a major contradiction that North Korea faces
