Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, has been seen with luxury recreational vessels at his summer residence in Wonsan. These vessels, which vary in length, have been spotted multiple times in satellite images in the coastal waters of Wonsan from July to early October this year. An 80-meter vessel with a 50-meter, four-lane swimming pool and a collection of water slides has particularly drawn attention.
Presence of Luxury Vessels in Wonsan
This 80-meter vessel, which had been idle for months at a maintenance center, was moved to the Kalma Peninsula in early July. This location, near Wonsan, is considered a recreational area for Kim Jong Un and his family. Other vessels have also been seen near Kim's villa in satellite images, indicating the leisure activities of the ruling family.
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Former officials and experts on North Korea believe that ownership of such vessels is impossible without connections to the ruling leadership. Ri Jong Ho, a former official of the Workers' Party of Korea, states: "They were kept in shipbuilding during the winter and moved to Kim's villa or the Kalma area in the summer."
Contrast Between Extravagant Living and Economic Situation
While the United Nations and other organizations have identified North Korea as one of the poorest countries in the world, the luxurious lifestyle of its officials is clearly in stark contrast to the general economic situation. Estimates suggest that 40 percent of North Korea's population suffers from malnutrition due to food shortages.
Despite these realities, the cost of the vessels seen in satellite images is unclear, but the price of luxury yachts can reach tens of millions of dollars. Kim Jong Un's large vessels have been frequently observed in the waters of Wonsan as part of his and his family's extravagant lifestyle.
These vessels and the gatherings around them, especially during periods when Kim has been absent from public appearances, indicate the private and secretive activities of the ruling family. Wonsan, where Kim spent part of his childhood, has always been linked to the ruling family.
Ultimately, although Kim Jong Un and his family's life is portrayed in luxury and comfort, there are bitter realities of everyday life for the people of North Korea that highlight the deep contrasts between social classes in this closed and secretive country.
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