Presumed to Be a Chinese Honor Magic Series
Potential Violation of North Korea Sanctions
Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party, was spotted using a latest-generation smartphone from a Chinese company. In photos released by North Korea's official media outlet, the Korean Central News Agency, on December 14, Kim can be seen holding a smartphone in her right hand while accompanying Chairman Kim Jong-un at a hospital completion ceremony in Kusong, North Pyongan Province. Kim Yo-jong is the younger sister of Chairman Kim.
Kim Yo-jong, Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, was spotted carrying a smartphone similar to the 'Magic V3,' a smartphone released by the Chinese brand Honor (red circle). Photo by Yonhap News Agency
Based on its appearance, the device is presumed to be from the 'Magic' series of foldable smartphones produced by the Chinese mobile phone brand Honor. Honor has promoted this product as "the world's thinnest foldable phone." However, it has not been confirmed whether the phone is indeed an Honor device, as Choson Sinbo, the organ of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, which represents North Korea's position, has reported that North Korea also "produces its own branded smartphones." If the smartphone Kim Yo-jong is carrying was imported from China, this would constitute a violation of United Nations sanctions against North Korea. The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2397 prohibits the export and import of electronic devices to and from North Korea.
Previously, Chairman Kim Jong-un was also seen appearing to use a foldable smartphone. In photos of Chairman Kim overseeing the test launch of the Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in July 2023, an object presumed to be a foldable smartphone with a black cover was seen on his desk. In another photo from March 2023, when Chairman Kim was inspecting artillery unit training, an object resembling an all-in-one smartphone was spotted. On the desk during his guidance of the super-large multiple rocket launcher test launch in August 2019, a tablet PC believed to be an iPad from Apple was seen.
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