kim jong un yachts

North Korea

• South China Sea
• Environment
• Asia Fact Check Lab
• Jobs and internships

Trappings of North Korean leader’s lavish lifestyle visible by satellite

Bruce Songhak Chung is the deputy director of the Geo Satellite Information Research Institute at Kyungpook National University in South Korea. Using Google Earth, he identified as many as 30 luxury villas and several private islands used by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his family on vacation. He also spotted a fleet of five supersize yachts, one of which has a four-lane, Olympic-sized swimming pool.

The extravagance of the Kim family lifestyle is a stark contrast to the living conditions of the majority of North Koreans, who struggle to make ends meet in an economy devastated by international sanctions and a lengthy trade pause with China due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The sanctions, imposed in response to North Korea’s nuclear ambitions, are supposed to prevent imports of luxury goods into the country, but, as Chung’s research shows, they have not prevented the first family from continuing to live the high life. 

Chung recently presented his findings to RFA’s Korean Service. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

RFA: How many of Kim Jong Un’s luxury villas have you identified through satellite images?

Chung: There are 20 to 30 exclusive luxury villas in North Korea used by the family of General Secretary Kim Jong Un. Among them, General Secretary Kim is particularly fond of his villa in Wonsan, Kangwon province, his hometown. The Wonsan facility, as seen from the satellite images, is equipped with luxurious cruise ships, a marina, a horse-riding range, a shooting range, a water play area and many other splendid entertainment facilities. In 2013, Dennis Rodman, a former basketball player from the United States, was invited there twice, in February and September, as Kim showed off his luxurious pleasure facilities.

RFA: What does the Wonsan facility look like in the latest satellite imagery? What facilities can you see?

Chung: There is a long, soft, white sand beach in front of the Wonsan villa. The sandy beach is famous for its outstanding scenery. His father, [former leader] Kim Jong Il, also enjoyed fishing and swimming here. The length of the white sand beach is 530 meters (0.3 miles), and there about 10 large and small villas located on the beach, and they have good views. If you look at the satellite image taken in January 2022, you can see the 50-meter (164 ft) long cruise ship with a blue roof in front of the villa. In front of the beach, you can also see a building where Secretary Kim had lunch with Rodman. The walking trails and gardens are well maintained. At a glance, you can tell that it is a large-scale villa complex.

RFA: You also were able to identify Kim Jong Un’s cruise ships. Is it true that one of them has an international standard-sized swimming pool and a waterslide?

Chung: Yes, General Secretary Kim owns luxurious cruise ships. We identified four cruise ships so far at the Wonsan villa. The lengths of cruise ships are 50, 55, 60 and 80 meters (262.4 feet). Besides these, he owns many smaller luxury boats. On the deck of the 80-meter cruise ship, we can see a 2.5-meter wide pool that has four 50-meter lanes. That makes international standard size and four people can compete at the same time. We can also see four circular slides. Recently, the 55-meter long cruise ship has been refurbished. Its roof deck has been expanded from 20 meters to 40 meters and freshly painted.

RFA: Was it confirmed that one of Kim’s luxury cruise ships disappeared?

Chung: Yes. So far, a total of five luxury cruise ships have been identified in the satellite images. One of them has now been retired, and only four remain. That one was 60 meters long and nine meters wide, and it disappeared in November 2017. According to foreign media reports, the cruise ship had reached the end of its lifespan and it was dismantled and decommissioned. General Secretary Kim's cruise ships were all generally introduced in the 1990s. Each ship’s life expectancy is estimated to be about 30 years.

RFA: Has anything in these luxury ships violated U.N. sanctions against North Korea? Do we have any satellite evidence of sanctions violations?

Chung: I believe that these cruise ships were introduced in the 1990s under Kim Jong Il. The U.N. sanctions against North Korea were implemented from the mid-2000s because of North Korea's continuous missile and nuclear tests. Therefore, these cruise ships must have been introduced before that. Luxury goods are prohibited items from trade with North Korea by U.N. sanctions, but North Korea secretly purchases luxury items such as cars, boats and expensive whiskey, so they seem to be able to find a way to purchase these items.

RFA: After Rodman visited the area, he had a lot to say about some of the surrounding islands. Are they visible on the satellite photos as well?

Chung: There are three beautiful islands. Their names are Sa-do, Tongdok-do and Chon-do. Each island has ship berthing facilities and their own villas too. Rodman, who visited North Korea twice in 2013, said in an interview with The Sun, a British daily, that the luxury villa on one of those islands was like a seven-star luxury hotel. If you look down on the island, the villa is situated in a forested area. Rodman said it was more fantastic than a luxury vacation in Hawaii or Spain. Even the richest people in the U.S. would not have been able to enjoy such luxury. I can't imagine how big the interior [of the villa] is. However, if you look at the satellite image, you can see that each island has well-established recreational facilities and is well organized.

RFA: Kim Jong Un's villas, luxury cruise ships and fantasy islands seem to be a grave departure from the lives of ordinary North Koreans today. Would you agree?  

Chung: I have analyzed Kim's villas and luxury cruise ships for a long time. They are always kept in pristine condition. I believe a lot of resources and money go into maintaining them. The villas and cruise ships of the Kim family are so splendid that ordinary residents cannot even imagine [what they are like]. On the other hand, I heard that North Koreans who do not know anything [about the resorts] are worried about General Secretary Kim, saying ‘Our great leader worries about the people so much that he suffers in sacrifice by eating only rice balls and sleeping for just a few hours [each day].’ I feel scared of how propaganda works so well for Kim that North Koreans idolize him to the extent that they do.

Translated by Claire Shinyoung Oh Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Written in English by Eugene Whong.

• 100,000 North Koreans work abroad, earning US$500 million a year: UN
• Chinese residents of North Korea worry about returning from China
• North Korean citizens ordered to provide cloths for soldiers to wrap their feet
• North Koreans shocked as Cuba establishes ties with South Korea
• COVID symptoms kill 5 North Korean children, schools and daycares shuttered

• UK relaxes rules for Hong Kong migrants ahead of new security law
• Chinese arrests jump nearly 50% amid clampdown on ‘hostile foreign forces’
• Military conscription poised to start in Myanmar’s Yangon
• Experts: China is sequencing Uyghur DNA for organ harvesting
• Irregularities taint military draft lottery in Myanmar’s Ayeyarwady

Satellite images show Kim Jong Un's waterslide yacht in action, while North Korea struggles with famine and COVID-19

• Satellite images caught the movements of Kim Jong Un's luxury yacht.
• North Korea is undergoing food shortages and struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The amusement-park-themed yacht can be a good indicator of Kim's whereabouts, NK News reported .

Kim Jong Un's 260-foot luxury yacht has been spotted moving toward his private compound as North Korea struggles with famine and COVID-19. 

Satellite-imaging company Planet Labs captured pictures of the yacht, as well as a second 200-foot yacht, moored at the private beach near Kim's palace at Wonsan on July 12.

The images were published by the South Korean outlet NK News , which marked up the images on its website. The weather around Wonsan in July is warm, and the temperature on Tuesday was 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

A tweet from May about the yacht's movements included an image of the yacht.

—NK NEWS (@nknewsorg) May 26, 2021

The larger of the yachts is constructed as a floating amusement park, with a double waterslide, an Olympic-size pool, and a multistory lounge, the outlet reported. 

It is unclear who is using the luxury boats, which have been lent to friends and family in the past.

Related stories

The yachts' movements coincide with days the leader did not make public appearances and can be a reasonably reliable indicator of his movements, NK News reported. 

In April last year, during an extensive withdrawal from public view, Kim's 200-foot yacht was spotted moving around the same spot.

Less than a month ago, Kim made a rare announcement. He said there was a "tense" situation with North Korea's food supply , which he attributed to typhoons in the past year. Food prices have skyrocketed, prompting one UN official to propose lifting sanctions in order to prevent mass starvation, Reuters reported . 

The country also recently hinted at a COVID-19 surge, after Kim reshuffled his senior officials , blaming them for a "great crisis" in their response to the pandemic.

North Korea does not release COVID-19 data, and it's long said that it's free of the virus, but reports from outside the country suggested that there have been surges in the past year .

The country has been sluggish in attempting to access vaccines, despite being entitled to 2 million doses through the UN's COVAX scheme, Voice of America News reported . 

US and South Korean officials said that it's plausible that Kim used the resort to shelter from the virus in May last year, Sky News reported .

Kim is a heavy smoker , a high risk factor in complications for COVID-19. 

Watch: Inside Kim Jong Un's secretive childhood and family

• Main content

• Latest Latest
• The West The West
• Sports Sports
• Opinion Opinion
• Magazine Magazine

Welcome aboard Kim Jong Un’s party boat

It has waterslides. yes, plural.

By Aspen Pflughoeft

Relaxing aboard a luxury yacht seems like a far-off dream for many of us — not so much for North Korea ’s Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un .

• Recent reports and satellite imagery show that the dictator may be enjoying his luxury yacht for the first time in multiple years, reported The New York Post .
• The party boat was spotted near Kim’s Wonsan mansion compound along the eastern coast of North Korea earlier this week, reported NK News .

What is Kim Jong Un’s party boat like?

Kim’s Princess-brand luxury yacht is decked out with twin twisting waterslides, an Olympic-size swimming pool and a multistory lounge, per NK News.

• The party boat is 260 feet long and recently underwent repairs and a remodel, according to The New York Post .
• NK News described the yacht as a “ floating amusement park. ”

The yacht was last seen at the Wonsan mansion in 2019 but returned to the mansion this week. The ship’s arrival coincided with days that Kim did not make any media appearances, reported The New York Post.

• The timing suggests that Kim has been “ chilling out ” on the yacht or possibly recovering from sickness since the dictator has reportedly lost some weight recently, said The New York Post.
• The “ famously reclusive and rotund ” leader has lost up to 44 pounds recently, according to The New York Post. Kim’s sudden slimness has fueled speculation about his health and his potential successor, who remains unnamed.

Kim’s family, friends or other trusted associates could be at the Wonsan mansion, which has previously hosted guests, per NK News.

• Another smaller boat was docked at Kim’s Hodo Peninsula palace in early July. This palace is 10 miles up the coast from the Wonsan mansion, reported The New York Post.

What’s going on in North Korea?

While the leader of North Korea may be relaxing, the rest of the country does not have that luxury. Conditions in the country have seemed increasingly concerning in recent weeks, reported The New York Post.

• The country is facing a food shortage due to failed crops, international sanctions and a strict COVID-19 lockdown, reported the Deseret News .
• North Korea has continued to claim that it has zero coronavirus cases. However, last month, Kim admitted that the country faced a “ grave incident ” related to the pandemic, per Deseret News .

Satellite images show luxury yachts around coastal resort where North Korea's Kim Jong Un could be staying

Kim's seaside compound in Wonsan is dotted with guest villas and serviced by a private beach, basketball court, and private train station. It also has a horse track

Author of the article:

You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account.

Article content

Satellite imagery showing recent movements of luxury boats often used by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his entourage near Wonsan provide further indications he has been at the coastal resort, according to experts who monitor the reclusive regime.

Speculation about Kim’s health and location erupted after his unprecedented absence from April 15 celebrations to mark the birthday of his late grandfather and North Korea’s founder, Kim Il Sung .

Satellite images show luxury yachts around coastal resort where North Korea's Kim Jong Un could be staying Back to video

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

• Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay, Rex Murphy and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.
• Unlimited online access to National Post and 15 news sites with one account.
• National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.
• Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.
• Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

• Access articles from across Canada with one account.
• Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.
• Enjoy additional articles per month.
• Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Don't have an account? Create Account

On Tuesday, North Korea-monitoring website NK PRO reported commercial satellite imagery showed boats often used by Kim had made movements in patterns that suggested he or his entourage may be in the Wonsan area.

That followed a report last week by a U.S.-based North Korea monitoring project, 38 North , which reported satellite images showed what was believed to be Kim’s personal train was parked at a station reserved for his use at the villa in Wonsan.

Officials in South Korea and the United States say it is plausible Kim may be staying there, possibly to avoid exposure to the new coronavirus, and have expressed skepticism of media reports he had some kind of serious illness.

They caution, however, that Kim’s health and location are closely guarded secrets and reliable information is difficult to obtain in North Korea.

The last time official media in North Korea reported on Kim’s whereabouts was when he presided over a meeting on April 11, but there have been near-daily reports of him sending letters and diplomatic messages.

Kim’s seaside compound in Wonsan, on the country’s east coast, is dotted with guest villas and serviced by a private beach, basketball court, and private train station, according to experts and satellite imagery. An airstrip was bulldozed last year to build a horse riding track, while a boathouse nearby shelters Kim’s Princess 95 luxury yacht, valued at around $7 million in 2013.

“It’s one of his favourite houses,” said Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the U.S.-based Stimson Center, who has compared Kim’s affinity for Wonsan to U.S. President Donald Trump’s favoured resort, Mar-a-Lago in Florida.

Madden said Kim is believed to have about 13 significant compounds around the country, though he appears to only regularly use about half of them.

“All of them are set up to serve as the leader’s headquarters, so they are all equipped for him to run the country,” he said.

Wonsan is one of the larger and better appointed compounds, but it also has a useful location that allows Kim to easily travel to other areas along the coast, or return quickly to Pyongyang in his private train or along a special highway designated for use only by the Kim family or top officials, Madden said.

Wonsan also holds symbolic power for the Kim dynasty: It was there Kim Il Sung, who helped found North Korea at the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945, first landed with Soviet troops to take over the country.

Wonsan is believed by some experts to be Kim Jong Un’s birthplace, partly because he spent his early years at the family’s palace there, although official history has never confirmed where he was born.

The Japanese chef Kenji Fujimoto, who worked for the Kims and visited Wonsan, recounted in his memoirs how a young Kim Jong Un described rollerblading, playing basketball, riding jet skis and playing in the pool at the compound.

Later, photos showed Kim sipping drinks there with American basketball player Dennis Rodman when the star visited North Korea in 2013.

The Wonsan area has also become emblematic of Kim’s strategy for survival based on a combination of economic development, tourism, and nuclear weapons. He is rebuilding the city of 360,000 people and wants to turn it into a billion-dollar tourist hotspot.

In recent months, the project has been repeatedly delayed, undermined in part by international sanctions imposed over the North’s nuclear and missile programs, which have restricted its ability to seek foreign investment.

Wonsan has also been the scene of some of Kim’s renewed military drills and missile tests, which he resumed amid increasing frustration with a lack of progress in denuclearization talks with the United States and South Korea.

Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark nationalpost.com and sign up for our daily newsletter, Posted, here .

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information.

Secret RCMP report warns Canadians may revolt once they realize how broke they are

A small town suspended its entire police force leaving residents 'blindsided' and 'concerned'

Jesse Kline: Why won't Freeland admit the alcohol escalator tax was a bad idea?

John ivison: trudeau can be popular again. but he needs to leave, first, they disappear without a trace after landing in toronto. then came one missing a passport, coffee-tinted lips were a major oscars makeup moment. here's how to recreate the look at home.

This colouring offers a warm brown tone with a touch of pink.

Here are the 5 spring fashion MVPs you need in your closet

From a timeless topper to a must-try footwear find, here are the closet MVPs (ahem, that's most valuable products) to invest in this spring.

Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.

Beauty Buzz: Sulwhasoo The Ultimate S Collection, Hermès Hermessence Oud Alezan, and Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Capsules

Three buzzed-about beauty products we tried this week.

Amazon Big Spring Sale: The best deals in Canada 2024

Shop top deals in spring fashion, cleaning products, home organization, fitness gear and more

What you need to know about hyperpigmentation: Top skincare products, according to a doctor

Dr. Pam Kapend shares the science behind hyperpigmentation and suggests skincare products

This website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here . By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy .

You've reached the 20 article limit.

You can manage saved articles in your account.

and save up to 100 articles!

Looks like you've reached your saved article limit!

You can manage your saved articles in your account and clicking the X located at the bottom right of the article.

Kim Jong-un's yacht, island and 7-star party lifestyle unveiled

Dennis Rodman reveals the luxury details of his week-long party with North Korean dictator

• Newsletter sign up Newsletter

NORTH KOREAN leader Kim Jong-un parties on his own private island and owns a "seven-star" Disney yacht, Dennis Rodman has revealed.

The basketball star has become an unlikely friend to the North Korean dictator, making his second visit to the country last month.

While ordinary North Koreans face chronic and widespread malnutrition, with millions dependent on external food aid, Rodman insists that "life in North Korea is not that bad".

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

In an interview with The Sun , he describes Kim's 200ft yacht as a "cross between a ferry and a Disney boat" and says guests get "everything you want, he has the best".

The former Chicago Bulls star spent seven days on Kim's private island partying and drinking during his visit. "Kim's island is amazing," he said. "It's like going to Hawaii or Ibiza – but he's the only one that lives there. I got to have dinner with Kim, go for lunch with him, ride horses... Everything there is seven-star – it's so immaculate it's insane. You can't find a speck of dirt on the ground or a scratch on the wall. His people love to work, especially to make him happy."

Even Kim's closest family stand up and clap when he leaves a room, says Rodman, who insists that P Diddy would be "way humbled" by Kim's wealth and power.

Earlier this month a report found that the regime spent $645.8m last year on luxury goods, from exotic pets and perfume to saunas and luxury watches. Imports of high-end alcohol alone cost $30m, according to data submitted to the South Korean parliament.

Rodman initially visited North Korea earlier this year to make a documentary about basketball, of which Kim is a huge fan, reports the Daily Telegraph. He hopes to bring the US and North Korea together by organising the first basketball game between the two countries in January and also plans to train the North Korean basketball team for the next Olympics.

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox

A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com

The Explainer Three dogs died during the race in addition to five that died during training

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 19 March 24

Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day

By Harold Maass, The Week US Published 19 March 24

The Week Recommends From the 'best-attended women's sports event in history' to insider access to the pro golf world

By Austin Chen, The Week UK Published 19 March 24

Speed Read The protests came after 18-hour rolling blackouts and food supply shortages

By Peter Weber, The Week US Published 19 March 24

In Depth Iranian voters delivered a 'stinging rebuke' to the regime in parliamentary elections

By The Week UK Published 16 March 24

The Explainer Potential challengers to Vladimir Putin have been jailed, exiled or barred from ballot

By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published 14 March 24

speed read Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation

By Peter Weber, The Week US Published 12 March 24

Today's Big Question Low turnout is expected in poll seen as crucial test for Tehran's leadership

By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published 1 March 24

Today's Big Question The hermit state commonly outsources forced labor to China, Russia and other countries

By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published 27 February 24

Speed Read Hungary's parliament overwhelmingly approved Sweden's accession to NATO

By Peter Weber, The Week US Published 27 February 24

Speed Read Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a rare official military death toll

By Peter Weber, The Week US Published 26 February 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Advertise With Us

The Week is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

Kim Jong Un's Princess Motor Yacht

Apr 29, 2020

Kim Jong Un’s 95 Foot Princess Motor Yacht

The Dictator of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has a luxurious yacht he keeps off the coast of his Wonsan resort. The image of a luxury yacht in North Korea might take some by surprise, given that the UN Security Council blocked the sale of ‘luxury goods’ to North Korea in 2006 with Resolution 1718. Despite this, individual member states were able to independently determine what constituted a ‘luxury good’ and a lot of trade, therefore, continued.

Princess Yachts , the manufacturer of the 95MY, belongs to the luxurious LVMH group that owns Louis Vuitton, Moet Chandon, Christian Dior and over 60 other brands with a reputation for luxury and, above all, expense.

NK News valued the beautiful Motor Yacht at $7 million dollars in 2013. A spokesperson for Princess Yachts, , a part of the luxury LVMH group, told NK News that as the boat had not been produced for several years, it was likely bought on the secondary market.

“The expansive flybridge deck, generous staterooms and full width saloon and dining area can accommodate up to ten people in elegant style; taking the pleasures of extended life on-board to an entirely new level,” a Princess 95MY brochure reads.

Here are some photos of the yacht via Princess’ website:

In recent news…

Kim’s disappearance from the public has many people wondering if he is dead or alive after his heart surgery. He has not made a public appearance since April 11, 2020. According to satellite imagery by NK, Pro, North-Korea’s-monitoring website, the boats made unusual movements around April 14. Which may suggest the dictator himself or his entourage is located in the vicinity.

Kim’s compound in Wonsan, a city of some 360,000 on the country’s east coast, is lined with guest villas and includes a private train station, according to experts and satellite imagery. Also, his boathouse, which covers the 95 MY Princess. “It’s one of his favorite houses,” Michael Madden, a North Korea leadership expert at the US-based Stimson Center, told the news outlet, adding that Kim is believed to have about 13 large compounds around the country.

The North Korean Dictator has tried before to infringe on UN sanctions on the procurement of “luxury goods” back in 2009 when Italy stopped the export of two locally manufactured Azimut Yachts. The Austrian national who brokered the deal was fined by the UN, and Italian financial authorities auctioned the seized yachts.

Sources: Business Insider: “Sweet Pictures Of The Luxury Yacht Allegedly Owned By Kim Jong Un”

NK News: Exclusive: “Fit for a princess: Kim Jong Un’s $7m yacht”

Off the Hook Yacht Sales has a proven process for both dealers and private sellers to liquidate their used boats and trades immediately! We have been the industry leader in marine wholesale since 2012. If you are looking for a fast, fair and competitive number on your boat please click here!

Have a Boat to Sell?

• Select a Year
• Select a Make
• AB Inflatables
• Action Craft
• Albury Brothers
• American Custom Yachts
• American Tug
• Argos Nautic
• Arrow head ski
• Austin Parker
• Barker Boatworks
• Bass seeker
• Bass Tracker
• Boca Grande
• Boston Whaler
• Buddy Davis
• Californian
• Cap-N-Squid
• Carolina Cat
• Carolina Classic
• Carolina Skiff
• Carolina Skimmer
• Center Console
• Chaparral Vortex
• Chris-Craft
• Cinco Boatworks
• Competition
• Correct craft
• Cruisers Yachts
• Custom Carolina
• Custom Line
• Cypress cay
• De Antonio Yachts
• Deep Impact
• El ShaddieFla
• Fathom Yachts
• Ferretti Yachts
• Forest River
• Fountaine Pajot
• Freedom Boat Works
• Front Runner
• Gamefisherman
• Glacier Bay
• Grady-White
• Grand Banks
• Hacker-Craft
• Harris FloteBote
• Hunt Yachts
• Hydra sports
• Hydra-Sports
• Inmar Inflatable
• Intermarine
• Island Runner
• J&H Performance
• Jarrett Bay
• Jersey Cape
• Jet Williams
• Jones Brothers
• Judge Yachts
• Kadey-Krogen
• LaserPerformance
• Lazzara Yachts
• Lexington Pontoon
• Liquid Glass
• Little Harbor
• Macgregor/Venture
• Magnum Marine
• Maimi sport
• Malcolm Tennant
• Marine trader trawler
• Mastercraft
• Mathews Brothers
• Maverick Boat Co.
• Mckee Craft
• Midnight Express
• Miller Marine
• Misty Harbor
• Monte Carlo
• Monte Carlo Yachts
• Nautic Star
• Nordic Tugs
• North Coast
• OBX Boatworks
• Ocean Alexander
• Ocean Master
• Ocean Runner
• Ocean Yachts
• Outer Banks
• Outer Limits
• Pacific Mariner
• Pair Customs
• Palmer Johnson
• Polar kraft
• Pontoon Air Cruiser
• Ranger Tugs
• Reef Runner
• Release Boatworks
• Rockharbour
• Rodriguez Yachts
• Schaefer Yachts
• Seaswirl Striper
• Sessa Marine
• Shallow Sport
• Siar Moschini
• Silver wave pontoon
• Smoker Craft
• Smokercraft
• Steiger Craft
• Sun Tracker
• Tahoe tritton
• Tecnomar Yachts
• Tiara Sport
• Tiara Yachts
• Tracker Grizzly
• Tracker Marine
• Tracker pro160
• Tracker Tahoe
• Tracker Tahoe Q4 Ski
• True World Marine
• United marine
• Vintage Hickman
• Water Mocassin
• Williams Jet Tenders
• Williamscraft
• Windsor Craft
• Winter Custom Yachts
• Wooden sailing Dinghy
• Yamaha Boats
• yamaha linux
• ZAR Formenti
• Length (ft)
• 100 ft
• 101 ft
• 102 ft
• 103 ft
• 104 ft
• 105 ft
• 106 ft
• 107 ft
• 108 ft
• 109 ft
• 110 ft
• 111 ft
• 112 ft
• 113 ft
• 114 ft
• 115 ft
• 116 ft
• 117 ft
• 118 ft
• 119 ft
• 120 ft
• 121 ft
• 122 ft
• 123 ft
• 124 ft
• 125 ft
• 126 ft
• 127 ft
• 128 ft
• 129 ft
• 130 ft
• 131 ft
• 132 ft
• 133 ft
• 134 ft
• 135 ft
• 136 ft
• 137 ft
• 138 ft
• 139 ft
• 140 ft
• 141 ft
• 142 ft
• 143 ft
• 144 ft
• 145 ft
• 146 ft
• 147 ft
• 148 ft
• 149 ft
• 150 ft
• 151 ft
• 152 ft
• 153 ft
• 154 ft
• 155 ft
• 156 ft
• 157 ft
• 158 ft
• 159 ft
• 160 ft
• 161 ft
• 162 ft
• 163 ft
• 164 ft
• 165 ft
• 166 ft
• 167 ft
• 168 ft
• 169 ft
• 170 ft
• 171 ft
• 172 ft
• 173 ft
• 174 ft
• 175 ft
• 176 ft
• 177 ft
• 178 ft
• 179 ft
• 180 ft
• 181 ft
• 182 ft
• 183 ft
• 184 ft
• 185 ft
• 186 ft
• 187 ft
• 188 ft
• 189 ft
• 190 ft
• 191 ft
• 192 ft
• 193 ft
• 194 ft
• 195 ft
• 196 ft
• 197 ft
• 198 ft
• 199 ft
• 200 ft

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

Satellite images reveal Kim Jong-Un superyacht at secret beach resort

Share this with

Satellite images show one of Kim Jong-Un ’s mysterious superyachts parked close to a secret beach resort off the North Korean coast.

The huge 180ft (55m) vessel was spotted on the Hodo Peninsula, north of Wonsan, between August 3 and August 5.

The sighting, by Planet Labs, comes after the dictator returned to public view to declare victory over Covid , following what is believed to be an almost fortnight-long absence.  

It is thought to be the first time the superyacht – which features a distinctive red roof – has arrived at the resort, which is only accessible by sea or small roads far from major cities.

The yacht’s roof was painted green when it was spotted at one of the tyrant’s coastal mansions in Wonsan in April 2020.

Earlier the boat appeared at a separate mansion owned by the North Korean leader on the Hodo Peninsula in July 2019.  

It was apparently seen anchored at Sin Island, off the coast of Wonsan, while Kim took a hiatus from public life in July, according to The Sun .

He has an even larger superyacht measuring 195ft (60m) – which is said to have been taken out of storage and placed in front of his main Wonsan beach compound between August 5 and 10.

The vessel, dubbed a floating amusement park, includes two waterslides, an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a multi-storey lounge.

Kim has become increasingly reclusive as the notoriously secret country battles the Covid pandemic.

Yesterday he claimed North Korea’s widely disputed success in containing the virus in three months would be hailed a global miracle.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

But his own sister suggested he had succumbed to the outbreak – which he blamed on patients touching ‘alien things’ from South Korea.  

However the pandemic has not hindered his ambitions to wage war on the West – as he vowed to use nuclear weapons if tensions with South Korea and the US escalate into a war .

Metro.co.uk exclusively revealed satellite images showing North Korea’s huge underground arms lair – said to spread over 176,000 sq ft.

The secretive Kanggye General Tractor Plant is thought to employ up to 20,000 people in what is widely regarded as the engine room of the rogue state’s defence infrastructure.

Got a story for Metro.co.uk?

Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at [email protected] . For more stories like this, check our news page .

Sign Up for News Updates

Get your need-to-know latest news, feel-good stories, analysis and more.

Privacy Policy

Get us in your feed

latest in US News

15 minutes to arrest a single fare-dodger and one with 200 busts:....

FAA warns of impacts to air travel during Great North American...

Dog groomer loses hand after freak hair drying accident before bed

Appeals court orders judge to probe claims of juror bias in...

'Teacher of the month' claims she was fired over parent's...

Nurse who called himself the 'Rock Doc' sentenced to 20 years for...

American Airlines passenger put in headlock, forced off plane...

Air Force intel analyst busted for child porn also accused of...

Kim jong un reportedly enjoys revamped party boat with waterslides amid nation’s woes.

• View Author Archive
• Email the Author
• Follow on Twitter
• Get author RSS feed

Contact The Author

Thanks for contacting us. We've received your submission.

A slimmed-down Kim Jong Un may have been relaxing on his remodeled yacht, complete with twin waterslides and an Olympic-size pool, as North Koreans grapple with famine and a prolonged COVID-19 lockdown.

The leader, who reportedly has shed up to 44 pounds, was believed to be at his mansion in Wonsan, where his “floating amusement park” was spotted on the private beach, NK News reported .

The 260-foot-long vessel, which also features a multistory lounge, was confirmed to be docked at the site Monday for the first time since 2019, according to the news outlet, which cited imagery from Planet Labs.

The activity in and around Wonsan took place on days Kim did not make public appearances, suggesting that he has been chilling out or possibly recuperating from an ailment in recent days, NK News said.

While it’s possible Kim was present, a day after he reportedly met with his favorite band in Pyongyang, the activities also could have involved his children, close relatives or trusted associates using the boat and mansion, the outlet noted.

In addition, a smaller boat was docked at a private beach at Kim’s Hodo Peninsula palace located about 10 miles up the coast from the main Wonsan compound on July 6 and 7, according to NK News.

The waterslide pleasure craft recently underwent major repairs and a remodeling job that included expansion of the multistory lounge.

The vessel also appeared on May 24 when it was towed from its private parking spot in the Wonsan bay toward Kim’s main Wonsan mansion, but there was insufficient imagery to determine its final destination, according to the report.

Recent images of the famously reclusive and rotund leader, who previously weighed 308 pounds, appeared to show that the 37-year-old has lost a large chunk of weight , sparking renewed speculation about his health.

Kim’s health is the focus of considerable global attention as he hasn’t publicly anointed a successor who could take charge of the Hermit Kingdom’s advancing nuclear arsenal targeting the US and its allies if he is incapacitated.

Share this article:

Advertisement

MORE SECTIONS

• Social Casino

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters

Kim Jong-un’s ‘180ft mystery superyacht’ spotted near luxury mega-mansion as tyrant goes missing for nearly two weeks

• Anthony Blair
• Published : 11:50 ET, Aug 10 2022

NORTH Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's mystery superyacht has been seen for the first time after the tyrant went missing for several weeks.

The mammoth ship was spotted close to a series of new mansions owned by Kim 's cronies in an exclusive resort on the east coast of North Korea .

Kim's apparent stay on his 180-foot (55m) megayacht comes as rumours swirl over the dictator's continuing absence from public life.

As of today, North Korea's leader hasn't appeared on state TV for 12 days, his second-longest break this year after a further 19 days out of the spotlight in July.

Imagery from Planet Labs shows the megayacht parked at a beach on Hodo Peninsula north of the beach resort of Wonsan between August 3 and August 5.

A smaller 60-foot (18m) boat is parked alongside the yacht and further down the beach in separate shots.

READ MORE ON NORTH KOREA

Border guards seize N.Korean defectors and drag them back to ‘meet their doom’

Satellite pics reveal North Korea’s huge ‘176,000sq ft’ underground lair

Kim's distinctive superyacht can be seen with its red roof covering the entire length and setting it apart from his larger white-roofed and slightly smaller blue-roofed crafts of a similar build.

This is the first time the yacht has been captured in satellite imagery at this particular beach - which can only be reached by sea or small roads far away from any major cities.

The last time Planet Labs imagery captured any boat parked in the same spot was in August 2016, when Kim's 165-foot (50m) megayacht was spotted there.

His famous red-roofed yacht was spotted at one of Kim's coastal mansions in April 2020 at the leader's Wonsan compound, when it was painted green instead.

Most read in US News

Incredible drone footage shows home of new 'Edwin Castro' who won $1.7b

Barron Trump snubbed by family no birthday messages for Don's youngest

Kyle Rittenhouse is rushed from stage after protesters take over speech

Vigilantes set gang members on FIRE & cut victims’ hands off in Haiti

It also appeared at a separate mansion owned by Kim on Hodo Peninsula, just after the house was finished in July 2019.

The yacht has been spotted several times in recent months, as Kim has become more and more reclusive.

When the tyrant last disappeared in July, it was seen anchored at Sin Island off the Wonsan coast for the first time, while in April, it was spotted at the nearby Tae Island.

It received repairs or upgrades in May at Kim's private marina in central Wonsan.

Kim's biggest superyacht, his 195-foot (60m) craft, has also been spotted recently, when it was taken out of storage and placed in front of his main Wonsan compound beach between August 5 and August 10.

The huge ship features twin waterslides, an Olympic-sized pool and a multi-storey lounge, and has been dubbed a "floating amusement park".

Last year, the North Korean leader's biggest yacht was seen at Kim's private beach at his Wonsan mansion,  NK News  reported.

Kim has made fewer and fewer public appearances in the past few years, sparking speculation over his health.

Increasingly, he has withdrawn into his luxury palaces, as the country battles a devastating Covid pandemic and economic catastrophe.

The  North Korean elite own a number of mansions and yachts  and live lives of disgusting luxury while many of their people starve.

But this hasn't stopped Kim's sabre-rattling with the West, with the tyrant claiming last month  North Korea is "ready to mobilise" its nuclear weapons  at any moment in fresh conflict threats.

This week, it was claimed North Korea is preparing to send 100,000 volunteers to Russia to aid its war against Ukraine.

Read More on The US Sun

Tristan Thompson 'ordered to pay Maralee Nichols $57k in back child support'

Escaped prisoner & accomplice suspected of killing 2 on run after eerie find

Speaking on Russian state TV Channel One, defence expert Igor Korotchenko said: "There are reports that 100,000 North Korean volunteers are prepared to come and take part in the conflict and North Korean builders are ready to work alongside ours."

Calling the troops "resilient, undemanding and motivated," the Russian journalist said the Kremlin "shouldn't be shy in accepting the hand extended to us by Kim Jong-un".

• Kim Jong-un
• North Korea

• Economy & Markets
• Digital Life

Kim Jong Un Has A 7 Million Dollar Luxury Yacht [PHOTO]

North Korea stereotypically conjures up images of impoverished civilian life and military goose-stepping under the command of the nation’s supreme leader Kim Jong Un. Which is not usually part of this image: a recently discovered 95-foot (30 meter) luxury yacht worth $7 million.

According to NK News , an independent North Korea news outlet, an exclusive investigation revealed that Kim Jong Un has been navigating his nation’s East coast on his 10-day "on the spot guidance" tour, cruising on a luxury vessel that would float well in a rap music video.

According to NK News, the yacht is a Princess 95MY model, manufactured by the British company Princess Yachts. Princess Yachts is a company with clout in the maritime world, being associated with other luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, Moet Chandon, Christian Dior and many others, all operating under their parent company LVMH Group (EPA:MC).

Official media photos from Kim’s official tour of the North Korea’s coasts were the biggest giveaway, says NK News, which found that the luxury ship had been included in several of the photographs. “During an inspection of the ‘August 25th Fishery Station,’ the starboard side of a large luxury yacht was captured in a May 28 KCNA photo of Kim and his generals walking along the docks -- indicating it might have been deliberately included in the photo,” the news outlet says. With the help of an unnamed aficionado familiar with the boats, NK News was able to determine the make and model of the ship.

“Compare the details on the hard top roof between this and the Princess 95MY,” the boat broker familiar with Princess Yachts and other luxury yachts said to NK News. “The opening, the three stainless-steel bar supporters under the flying deck room and the detailing on the radar arch are all identical,” the source added.

The acquisition of the Princess 95MY, if confirmed, would be a first for North Korea under Kim Jong-Un, but it does maintain other personal ships. Kim Jong Un’s predecessor, Kim Jong Il, had two large ‘superyachts’ and a mobile swimming pool moored amongst other military naval craft. Kim Jong Il tried to add to his collection in 2009, but was blocked by international law. In The sale of two Azimut yachts that were reportedly bound for North Korea was halted because of UN Security Council resolution that prohibited the sale of ‘luxury goods’ to North Korea under Resolution 1718.

© Copyright IBTimes 2024. All rights reserved.

Global Music Biz Sees 10.2% Growth In 2023: Industry

In Spain, Hi-tech Hops Keep Beer Bitter As Climate Bites

Amid Crime Surge, Vendors In Bogota Turn To Hired Guns

The Pain And Money Behind The Afghan Game Of Buzkashi

Talks Push On In Haiti As Gangs Choke Capital

Regulator Legislation Exposes Rift In English Football

Creeping Ice Clouding Vision Of Europe Space Telescope Euclid

Vietnam Farmers Struggle For Fresh Water As Drought Brings Salinisation

TikTok And Its 'Secret Sauce' Caught In US-China Tussle

Iconic US Magazine Sports Illustrated Gets Publishing Lifeline

Kim Jong Un takes ride in luxury Russian limo given to him by Putin

State media says car ride is ‘clear proof’ of the close and deepening relationship between the two countries.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un took his first ride in the luxury car that was given to him as a gift by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Pyongyang and Moscow have forged closer ties since Kim met Putin in Russia last September , their first summit in four years.

Keep reading

North korea’s kim test-drives new tank, orders troops to prepare for war, north korea’s covid curbs still strangling economy, report says, north korea’s kim jong un orders heightened war preparations, n korea sent russia millions of munitions in exchange for food, says seoul.

Putin also invited Kim to try out his high-end Aurus Senat limousine, and the vehicle arrived in Pyongyang in February.

On Friday, Kim used the car for the first time, according to his sister and prominent government official Kim Yo Jong.

The journey was “clear proof of the DPRK-Russia friendship, which is developing in a comprehensive way on a new high stage”, Kim Yo Jong was reported as saying by state-run KCNA, using the acronym for North Korea’s official name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.

According to Russian state media, Aurus is Russia’s first luxury car brand and has been used in motorcades of top officials since Putin first used an Aurus limousine during his inauguration ceremony in 2018.

Kim Jong Un, 40, has a collection of foreign-made luxury cars believed to have been smuggled into the country. During his Russia visit, he travelled between meeting sites in a Maybach limousine that he brought with him on his special train. Other limousines Kim has reportedly used include a Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62.

A 2021 United Nations report highlighted an attempted shipment of luxury vehicles worth more than $1m allegedly from the United Arab Emirates to Ningbo, China, for onward delivery to North Korea.

North Korea and Russia have become increasingly close over the past year as North Korea advances its weapons and nuclear programmes and Moscow continues its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The United States and South Korea have raised concerns that North Korea is supplying Russia with weapons to use in its war in Ukraine in return for technological expertise.

Russia and China, North Korea’s oldest ally, have repeatedly blocked attempts to impose new UN sanctions on North Korea over its banned ballistic missile tests.

South Korea’s  Ministry of Unification said it had assessed that the gift of the Aurus was also a violation of UN sanctions.

“We condemn North Korea for its brazen attitude of publicly disclosing violations of the UN sanctions,” a ministry official told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“Russia should also be aware of its responsibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council and stop an act that undermines international norms,” the official added.

State media said that Kim also monitored paratroop drills on Friday that were aimed at showing his soldiers’ ability to occupy an “enemy region at a stroke”.

He was accompanied by his daughter.

Kim Jong Un's inaugural ride in Putin's gift limousine symbolizes deepening Russia-North Korea ties

L ast year, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un received a luxurious, armored Aurus Senat limousine from Russian President Vladimir Putin. This week marked Kim Jong Un's inaugural journey in the vehicle. On this occasion, Kim Jong Un's sister released a special statement.

For the first time, Kim Jong Un embarked on an official journey in the opulent, armored Aurus Senat limousine—a gift from Russian President Vladimir Putin. KCNA, the government agency, commenting on the event, described it as a  significant symbol of the friendship between Russia and North Korea .

Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's leader and a senior official in the Workers' Party of Korea, issued a statement. She highlighted that “the official use of the limousine by Comrade Kim Jong Un, a gift from the President of the Russian Federation, visibly confirms the deepening and evolving friendship between the DPRK and Russia."

"Tank on Wheels"

In a demonstration of friendship, Russian President Vladimir Putin presented Kim Jong Un with a state-of-the-art, Russian-made Aurus Senat limousine. This gift was transferred to Kim in the fall of 2023 during a North Korean delegation's visit to Russia's Far East, including a stop at the Vostochny cosmodrome. The vehicle was then sent to Pyongyang in February of the following year.

According to Russian media, the ceremonial armored Aurus Senat, dubbed a "tank on wheels," boasts a hybrid propulsion system. It's powered by a 4.4-liter (approximately 268 cubic inches) V8 gasoline engine.

Outrage in North Korea over Putin's lavish gift to Kim amid widespread poverty

Known for his love of cars, Kim owns a collection of luxury foreign vehicles, which were presumably smuggled into North Korea. In September, Putin showcased his limousine to Kim and even invited him to sit in the backseat, reports Reuters.

During his visit to Russia, Kim was seen traveling in his Maybach, which had been transported from Pyongyang by special train. Alongside the Maybach, Kim has been spotted in several other luxury vehicles, including Mercedes, Rolls-Royce, and Lexus models—each of which, according to United Nations Security Council resolutions, should not be available for sale to North Korea.

Biden urges Congress to back Ukraine aid, discusses Gaza crisis

Luxurious limousine for Kim Jong Un from Putin, as a symbol of Russian-North Korean camaraderie

Russia and North Korea have a plan. Lavrov met with Kim Jong-un

Putin's gift to Kim Jong Un may violate UN sanctions, South Korea suggests

North Korea's Kim rides car given by Putin, oversees drills

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Joyce Lee; Editing by Chris Reese, Tom Hogue and William Mallard

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

Russia, Ukraine see crisis eventually resolved through talks, China's special envoy says

Russia and Ukraine both believe the conflict will end through negotiations, China's special envoy for Eurasian affairs said on Friday, even though the warring states view the prospect of peace talks very differently and are adamant in their positions.

Watch CBS News

North Korea says Kim Jong Un test drove a new tank, urged troops to complete "preparations for war"

March 14, 2024 / 11:34 AM EDT / AP

Seoul, South Korea  — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un joined troops training on a new tank model and drove one himself, state media reported Thursday, as his rivals South Korea and the U.S. wrapped up their annual military exercises. It's the third time Kim was reported to have observed military exercises since the start of the 11-day South Korean-U.S. drills, which he views as rehearsals for an invasion.

The visits with troops are a less provocative response from Kim than missile tests, which North Korea has ramped up since 2022 , along with its belligerent rhetoric this year.

At the tank drills Wednesday, Kim praised the country's latest tank as "the world's most powerful" and told his troops to bolster their "fighting spirits" and complete "preparations for war," according to the official Korean Central News Agency. The other two drills he inspected recently were dedicated to artillery firing and maneuvering exercises.

The tank was first unveiled during a military parade in 2020, and its rolling during Wednesday's drill indicates that it's ready to be deployed, South Korean experts said.

Photos of the tank released by North Korea show it has a launch tube for missiles — a weapons system the former Soviet Union already operated in the 1970s. The new tank could pose a threat to South Korea, said Yang Uk, an analyst at Asan Institute for Policy Studies, but it remained unclear whether North Korea has the capacity to mass produce the machines.

The North's Defense Ministry last week threatened "responsible military activities" in reaction to the South Korea-U.S. military drills, which involved a computer-simulated command post training and 48 kinds of field exercises, twice the number conducted last spring. The U.S. and South Korea have been expanding their training exercises in a tit-for-tat response to the North's weapons testing spree .

Concerns about North Korea's military preparations have deepened since Kim vowed in a speech in January to rewrite the constitution to eliminate the country's long-standing goal to seek peaceful unification of the Korean Peninsula and cement South Korea as its "invariable principal enemy." He said the new constitution must specify North Korea would annex and subjugate the South if another war breaks out.

Kim's moves signal "North Korea's fundamental change on its South Korea policy, beyond just rhetoric," as the North's previous push for inter-Korean unity had allowed it to make a steadfast call for the removal of U.S. troops in South Korea, a senior South Korean presidential official told a small group of reporters Monday. He requested anonymity, citing the delicate nature of the issue.

Observers say Kim likely wants to use his upgraded weapons arsenal to win U.S. concessions like extensive relief of international sanctions on North Korea. They say North Korea is expected to extend its testing activities and ramp up warlike rhetoric this year as South Korea holds parliamentary elections in April and the U.S. a presidential election in November.

"The South Korean-U.S. training is over, but the North's isn't over yet," Yang said. "They won't just stand still... they've been talking about war."

• Kim Jong Un
• South Korea
• Nuclear Weapons
• North Korea

More from CBS News

Taps run dry in South Africa's biggest city amid spiraling water crisis

Russia launches huge missile attack on Kyiv for first time in 6 weeks

For first time ever, no White men lead any of the U.K.'s 4 governments

Iceland's latest volcanic eruption could impact Russia

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• March Madness
• AP Top 25 Poll
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

North Korea’s Kim enjoys a Russian luxury limousine gifted by Putin as the two nations expand ties

FILE - Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un shake hands during their meeting at the Vostochny cosmodrome outside the city of Tsiolkovsky, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) from the city of Blagoveshchensk in the far eastern Amur region, Russia, Sept. 13, 2023. Kim used a Russian luxury limousine gifted by Putin recently, Kim’s sister said Saturday, March 16, 2024, praising the car’s “special function” and the two countries’ deepening bilateral ties. (Vladimir Smirnov/Sputnik Kremlin Pool Photo via AP, File)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center left, and his daughter inspect a training of the Korean People’s Army airborne units in North Korea Friday, March 15, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, standing in front center, and his daughter inspect a training of the Korean People’s Army airborne units in North Korea Friday, March 15, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center right, and his daughter attend a completion and operation ceremony of Kangdong Greenhouse Farm in Pyongyang, North Korea Friday, March 15, 2024. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

• Copy Link copied

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un used a Russian luxury limousine gifted by President Vladimir Putin, Kim’s sister said Saturday, praising the car’s “special function” and the two countries’ deepening bilateral ties.

In February, Putin sent Kim a high-end Aurus Senat limousine, which he had shown to the North Korean leader when they met for a summit in Russia in September. Observers said the shipment violated a United Nations resolution aimed at pressuring the North to give up its nuclear weapons program by banning the supply of luxury items to North Korea.

In a statement carried by state media, Kim’s sister and senior official, Kim Yo Jong , said that her brother used that limousine for the first time during an open event Friday.

“The special function of the private car is perfect and can be thoroughly trusted,” Kim Yo Jong said, without specifying. “Kim Jong Un’s using of the private car sent by the president of the Russian Federation as a gift is a clear proof of (North Korea)-Russia friendship, which is developing in a comprehensive way on a new high stage.”

According to Russian state media, Aurus was the first Russian luxury car brand, and it’s been used in motorcades of top officials since Putin first used an Aurus limousine during his inauguration ceremony in 2018.

Kim Jong Un, 40, possess a collection of foreign-made luxury cars believed to have been smuggled into his country. During his Russia visit , he traveled between meeting sites in a Maybach limousine that was brought with him on one of his special train carriages . Other limousines he’s reportedly used include a Mercedes-Maybach S600 Pullman Guard and a Maybach S62.

Over the past year, North Korea and Russia have sharply boosted their military and other cooperation as they face separate confrontations with the West — North Korea for its advancing nuclear program and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Drawing the biggest outside concerns was North Korea’s purported shipments of conventional weapons to support Russia’s war with Ukraine to receive high-tech Russian weapons technologies and other support.

Russia, together with China, have repeatedly blocked the United States and its partners’ attempts to impose fresh U.N. sanctions on North Korea over its barrage of banned ballistic missile tests.

North Korea’s state media separately reported Saturday that Kim Jong Un guided his troops conducting parachuting training the previous day. It’s unclear if Friday’s training was the same event in which Kim rode in the Russian limousine.

The parachuting training was the latest in a series of military drills that Kim has supervised in recent days, likely in response to the annual 11-day South Korean-U.S. military exercises that ended Thursday. Kim views his rivals’ exercises as an invasion rehearsal.

After watching Friday’s training, Kim ordered his military to conduct future training more intensively and make full preparation for a war, according to the North’s official Korean Central News Agency. Kim made similar demands after he guided other recent drills involving tanks , long-range artillery guns and combat soldiers.

MORE SECTIONS

• Dear Deidre
• Visual Stories

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters
• Deliver my newspaper
• Sun Vouchers
• The Sun Digital Newspaper

Kim Jong-un’s ‘180ft mystery superyacht’ spotted near luxury mega-mansion as tyrant goes missing for nearly two weeks

• Anthony Blair
• Published : 16:50, 10 Aug 2022
• Updated : 16:51, 10 Aug 2022

NORTH Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's mystery superyacht has been seen for the first time after the tyrant went missing for several weeks.

The mammoth ship was spotted close to a series of new mansions owned by Kim 's cronies in an exclusive resort on the east coast of North Korea .

Kim's apparent stay on his 180-foot (55m) megayacht comes as rumours swirl over the dictator's continuing absence from public life.

As of today, North Korea's leader hasn't appeared on state TV for 12 days, his second-longest break this year after a further 19 days out of the spotlight in July.

Imagery from Planet Labs shows the megayacht parked at a beach on Hodo Peninsula north of the beach resort of Wonsan between August 3 and August 5.

A smaller 60-foot (18m) boat is parked alongside the yacht and further down the beach in separate shots.

READ MORE ON NORTH KOREA

Border guards seize N.Korean defectors and drag them back to ‘meet their doom’

Satellite pics reveal North Korea’s huge ‘176,000sq ft’ underground lair

Kim's distinctive superyacht can be seen with its red roof covering the entire length and setting it apart from his larger white-roofed and slightly smaller blue-roofed crafts of a similar build.

This is the first time the yacht has been captured in satellite imagery at this particular beach - which can only be reached by sea or small roads far away from any major cities.

The last time Planet Labs imagery captured any boat parked in the same spot was in August 2016, when Kim's 165-foot (50m) megayacht was spotted there.

His famous red-roofed yacht was spotted at one of Kim's coastal mansions in April 2020 at the leader's Wonsan compound, when it was painted green instead.

Most read in News

Horror as tot mauled by family pet XL Bully & left 'seriously bleeding'

Shocking footage shows killer’s MUM helping cover up brutal murder of girlfriend

Keir refuses SEVEN times to deny taking drugs as he's grilled by Harry Cole

Starmer blasts new England footie shirt & rip-off prices on Sun's politics show

It also appeared at a separate mansion owned by Kim on Hodo Peninsula, just after the house was finished in July 2019.

The yacht has been spotted several times in recent months, as Kim has become more and more reclusive.

When the tyrant last disappeared in July, it was seen anchored at Sin Island off the Wonsan coast for the first time, while in April, it was spotted at the nearby Tae Island.

It received repairs or upgrades in May at Kim's private marina in central Wonsan.

Kim's biggest superyacht, his 195-foot (60m) craft, has also been spotted recently, when it was taken out of storage and placed in front of his main Wonsan compound beach between August 5 and August 10.

The huge ship features twin waterslides, an Olympic-sized pool and a multi-storey lounge, and has been dubbed a "floating amusement park".

Last year, the North Korean leader's biggest yacht was seen at Kim's private beach at his Wonsan mansion,  NK News  reported.

Kim has made fewer and fewer public appearances in the past few years, sparking speculation over his health.

Increasingly, he has withdrawn into his luxury palaces, as the country battles a devastating Covid pandemic and economic catastrophe.

The  North Korean elite own a number of mansions and yachts  and live lives of disgusting luxury while many of their people starve.

But this hasn't stopped Kim's sabre-rattling with the West, with the tyrant claiming last month  North Korea is "ready to mobilise" its nuclear weapons  at any moment in fresh conflict threats.

This week, it was claimed North Korea is preparing to send 100,000 volunteers to Russia to aid its war against Ukraine.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Shocking video shows tina o'brien throwing punches trying to break up brawl.

Katie Price slammed for dangerous example to kids in snap with daughter Bunny

Read more on the sun.

Maisie Smith dances in bikini as she proudly shows off ‘thunder thighs’

I live alone in 128 flats… the council offered £35k & free rent but I won't move

Speaking on Russian state TV Channel One, defence expert Igor Korotchenko said: "There are reports that 100,000 North Korean volunteers are prepared to come and take part in the conflict and North Korean builders are ready to work alongside ours."

Calling the troops "resilient, undemanding and motivated," the Russian journalist said the Kremlin "shouldn't be shy in accepting the hand extended to us by Kim Jong-un".

• Kim Jong-un
• North Korea

Kim Jong Un’s Princess yacht appears to sail to island retreat: Imagery

North Korean leader likely only one to use luxury yacht, adding to evidence Kim vacationing amid COVID lockdown

Colin Zwirko June 2, 2022

One of Kim Jong Un’s multimillion-dollar Princess-brand yachts appeared to travel from his Wonsan beachside mansion to a secluded island on Wednesday, new satellite imagery shows, adding to evidence that the North Korean leader has been on the east coast following days of increased activity around his megayachts.

The U.K.-made yacht’s $7 million price tag and the fact that it is stored at Kim’s mansion marina suggest that it is for his exclusive use. This points to the possibility that he has been vacationing on the east coast this week, even as much

LATEST ANALYSIS

• 01 North Korea still running COVID import center despite easing border controls
• 02 State media review: Kim Jong Un, daughter exalted as ‘great persons of guidance’
• 03 Patterns of behavior: Decoding North Korea’s responses to recent US-ROK drills
• 04 How North Korea can exploit Russian puppet states to operate in the shadows
• 05 North Korea opens massive greenhouse complex, but makes false claims about size
• 06 State media review: North Korea lauds nation’s ‘mom’ Kim Jong Un on women’s day
• 07 How a surge in medical imports reveals new opportunities to engage North Korea
• 08 Waiting for Trump? How North Korea is building leverage for a return to talks

About the Author

Colin Zwirko

Specialist news and analysis, research tools, and unique data sets

PLEASE USE A DIFFERENT WEB BROWSER

Internet Explorer is not compatible with this website. We instead recommend using Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari.

Why are we not supporting Internet Explorer?

Microsoft ceased supporting IE 10 and older in 2016.

In addition, Microsoft cyber-security chief Chris Jackson has been urging users to stop using the browser since February 2019.

the ultimate resource for professionals working on north korea

Specialist DPRK news and analysis, bespoke research tools, and unique data sets

Sign in to NK Pro

Enter your details below

Email Address

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Sign in Forgot Password?

Don't have an account? SIGN UP

Forgot Password

Please enter your username or email address. You will receive a link to create a new password via email.

Get the Daily Update

Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most –

As selected by.

North Korea says Kim Jong Un supervised tests of rocket launchers targeting Seoul

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a live-fire drill of nuclear-capable “super-large” multiple rocket launchers designed to target South Korea’s capital as he vowed to strengthen his war deterrent in the face of deepening confrontations with rivals, state media said Tuesday.

The report came a day after South Korea and Japan said they detected North Korea firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward waters off its eastern coast, adding to a streak of weapons displays that have raised regional tensions.

Experts say North Korea’s large-sized artillery rockets blur the boundaries between artillery systems and ballistic missiles because they can create their own thrust and are guided during delivery. The North has described some of these systems, including the 600mm multiple rocket launchers that were tested Monday, as capable of delivering tactical nuclear warheads.

Photos published by the North’s official Korean Central News Agency showed at least six rockets being fired simultaneously from launch vehicles and flames and smoke blanketing what appeared to be a small island target.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said later Tuesday that it assesses North Korea conducted more launches than what was shown in the photos. Lt. Col. Lee Chang-hyun, a deputy JCS spokesperson, said that South Korea categorizes the North Korean weapons system tested Monday as a ballistic missile in view of its characteristics and capacities.

KCNA also said North Korean troops in a separate test simulated exploding an artillery shell at a preset altitude. The report did not specify whether that test was to rehearse how a nuclear weapon would be detonated over an enemy target.

Kim called the 600mm multiple rocket launchers key parts of his arsenal of weapons that are supposedly capable of destroying Seoul if another war breaks out on the Korean Peninsula.

“(Kim) said that it is necessary to further impress upon the enemies that if an armed conflict and a war break out, they can never avoid disastrous consequences,” the KCNA said. He called for his army to “more thoroughly fulfill their missions to block and suppress the possibility of war with the constant perfect preparedness to collapse the capital of the enemy and the structure of its military forces.”

Lee, the South Korean deputy spokesperson, said South Korea and the United States have been bolstering their response capabilities against North Korea’s increasing nuclear threats.

North Korea’s launches came days after the end of the latest U.S.-South Korean combined military drills that the North portrays as an invasion rehearsal. It was unclear whether the North timed the launches with a visit to Seoul by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken , who on Monday attended a democracy summit and held talks with South Korean officials about the North Korean threat.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have risen since 2022, after Kim used Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a distraction to accelerate his testing of missiles and other weapons. The U.S. and South Korea have responded by expanding their combined training and trilateral drills involving Japan and updating their deterrence strategies built around strategic U.S. assets.

There are concerns that North Korea could further dial up pressure in an election year in the U.S. and South Korea.

In a fiery speech to Pyongyang’s rubber-stamp parliament in January, Kim declared that he was abandoning North Korea’s long-standing goal of reconciliation with the South  and ordered the rewriting of the North’s constitution to cement its war-divided rival as its most hostile adversary. He said the new charter must specify that North Korea would annex and subjugate the South if another war broke out.

The Associated Press