Popular Despite Costing Nearly 100,000 Won per Carton
Distributed in China Through Smuggling
The "7.27" cigarette brand, widely known as the preferred choice of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has recently gained popularity in China.
Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, is holding a cigarette while his daughter Kim Juae is holding a matchbox with both hands. Screenshot from Korean Central TV
On June 8, Daily NK, a media outlet specializing in North Korea, reported that North Korean-made "7.27" cigarettes are currently being sold for 500 yuan (approximately 96,000 won) per carton in Chinese cities such as Dandong and Shenyang, Liaoning Province. This price is up to six times higher than that of typical Chinese cigarettes, which usually cost between 80 and 120 yuan (about 15,150 to 22,720 won).
Citing local sources in China, the outlet reported, "Despite being several times more expensive than local Chinese cigarettes, the 7.27 cigarettes imported from North Korea are selling well. There is a widespread rumor that 7.27 is the brand Kim Jong Un smokes, so wealthy people are buying them out of curiosity."
The source added, "North Korean cigarettes have long been smuggled in and sold privately. High-end brands like 7.27 used to be available only by special request, but recently, small quantities have been coming in through smuggling."
The outlet also reported that Chinese consumers have responded with comments such as, "It's definitely worth the price," "It doesn't disappoint," and "There's a reason Kim Jong Un smokes it."
The 7.27 cigarette comes in two types of packaging: a deep red pack and a light gray pack. The light gray version is considered more premium, is more popular, and is reportedly more expensive than the deep red one. Even in North Korea, the light gray 7.27 is classified as a luxury cigarette and is said to be difficult for ordinary citizens to obtain, even on special occasions such as holidays. The name "7.27" refers to July 27, the date of the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement. North Korea refers to this day as "Victory Day" and commemorates it annually.
Meanwhile, Kim Jong Un's smoking habit has been made public through various official appearances. Last year, he was seen observing a class in an elementary school with an ashtray beside him, and controversy arose when footage was released of his daughter Kim Juae walking with him while holding a matchbox. During a Navy Day celebration banquet, he was also shown smoking at a table with his wife Ri Solju and Kim Juae, as broadcast on television.
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