- 4 months ago
Inside Kim Jong Un’s $5 Billion Mansion!
Category
🛠️
LifestyleTranscript
00:00From underground bunkers built to survive nuclear war, to billion-dollar seaside palaces with yacht docks and infinity pools,
00:07Kim Jong-un's real estate empire is the ultimate mix of paranoia and luxury.
00:11Here's a rare look inside his five-billion-dollar mansions, the Ryongsong Fortress, a three-billion-dollar nuclear-proof paradise.
00:19Welcome to the crown jewel of dictatorial excess, where paranoia meets unimaginable luxury in a sprawling two 800-acre compound
00:27that makes Buckingham Palace look like a modest cottage.
00:30The Ryongsong residence, constructed by the Korean People's Army in 1983, serves as Kim Jong-un's primary fortress,
00:37complete with enough security to make Fort Knox jealous, and amenities that would make a Saudi prince weep with envy.
00:43Located just 12 kilometers northeast of Pyongyang's Kim Il-sung Square, this isn't just a mansion.
00:49It's essentially a fortified city designed for one man's comfort, while the rest of North Korea struggles to keep the lights on.
00:56The compound features a 50-meter by 15-meter indoor swimming pool with a giant water slide,
01:01because apparently when you're suppressing 25 million people, you need somewhere luxurious to do your laps between missile launches.
01:08The security measures raid like something from a spy thriller, electric fences, minefields, multiple security checkpoints,
01:15and an underground wartime headquarters with lead-lined walls designed to withstand nuclear attacks.
01:20The compound is protected by an elite guard unit of approximately 120,000 soldiers,
01:25making Kim's security detail roughly 17 times larger than the entire U.S. Secret Service.
01:31Beyond the pools and paranoia, the residence boasts horse stables, a shooting range,
01:37banquet halls overlooking man-made lakes,
01:39and underground tunnels connecting to other residences for secure movement.
01:43The interiors, described by defectors, feature ornate furnishings, deep plush carpets, and fancy chandeliers,
01:50because nothing says man of the people quite like gold-trimmed luxury while your citizens survive on tree bark soup.
01:56Wonsan's Coastal Kingdom, the $1.5 billion seaside escape.
02:00If Raeung Song is Kim's fortress, then Wonsan is his playground,
02:05a coastal paradise where Kim Jong-un spent his early years rollerblading, playing basketball, jet skiing, and swimming,
02:11essentially training for a lifetime of leisure while his future subjects would struggle for basic necessities.
02:17This seaside compound forms the centerpiece of the 400-square-kilometer Wonsan Kalma Special Tourist Zone,
02:24representing $1.5 billion in potential investments that could have fed the entire country for years.
02:30The compound itself spans about 10 acres of prime beachfront real estate,
02:34featuring a main palace, multiple guest villas, and a new private villa complex built in 2019-2020.
02:41The marine facilities alone would make any billionaire jealous.
02:44A covered dock for mega-yachts up to 55 meters long,
02:48harboring Kim's Princess 95 luxury yacht valued at $7 million,
02:52complete with an onboard pool, because apparently one needs a pool on their yacht while living next to the ocean.
02:57The recreational amenities read like a fever dream of excess.
03:01Infinity pools, water parks with slides and augmented reality gaming,
03:05private beaches with security barges, an indoor basketball court,
03:09and a horse racing track converted from an old airport.
03:12The resort zone adds high-rise hotels capable of accommodating 20,000 guests,
03:17though foreign tourism was mysteriously halted shortly after the grand opening,
03:21proving that even Kim can't quite master the hospitality industry.
03:24Wonsan holds special significance as the site where Kim Il-sung landed with Soviet troops in 1945,
03:31making it both a historical monument and a modern-day symbol of dynastic privilege,
03:35where missile tests blend seamlessly with vacation planning.
03:39The Pyongyang Forbidden City's Eight New Mansions
03:41In the heart of Pyongyang lies what experts call the Forbidden City,
03:46a secretive compound where Kim Jong-un decided that one childhood home simply wasn't enough,
03:52and commissioned eight new luxury mansions between May 2021 and May 2022.
03:57Because nothing says I'm not paranoid, quite like building eight identical houses,
04:02so your enemies can play the world's most expensive game of hide-and-seek.
04:05Located directly across from the Workers' Party Central Committee offices,
04:09this compound transforms Kim's childhood residents into a strategic fortress
04:13designed to confuse potential assassins.
04:16The expansion includes five luxury houses on the southwest side,
04:20three in the south center,
04:21and one large ornate mansion creating what analysts describe as a real-life shell game with billion-dollar shells.
04:28The strategy behind this architectural paranoia draws inspiration from China's first emperor,
04:32Qin Shi Huang, who slept in different locations nightly to avoid assassination.
04:37Kim has modernized this ancient technique, adding entertainment facilities, dining halls,
04:42and a new guard command support building to ensure his security detail can protect him in style.
04:47The compound's prime location provides convenient access to Pyongyang's restaurant row
04:52and national event venues,
04:54because even while hiding from potential threats,
04:57a dictator needs good dining options.
04:59The recent additions may house extended Kim family members,
05:03close aides like Hyun Song Wall,
05:05or remain as unoccupied shells purely for security purposes,
05:08proving that in North Korea,
05:10even fake houses cost more than most people's real ones.
05:13The 4-square-kilometer summer sanctuary.
05:1630 kilometers northeast of Pyongyang lies Kim Jong-un's preferred summer retreat,
05:21a 4-square-kilometer luxury compound that serves as the family's seasonal playground,
05:25where the elite gather to forget about the suffering masses outside the electrified fences.
05:31Built in the 1980s and expanded in the 1990s under Kim Jong-il's orders,
05:35this isn't just a summer home,
05:37it's a testament to three generations of Kim family excess.
05:40The compound houses 19 to 20 villas in the main section alone,
05:44creating what essentially amounts to a private neighborhood
05:47where admission requires being born into the right family,
05:50or being useful enough to the regime to warrant an invitation.
05:53The recreational facilities read like a billionaire's wish list.
05:57Swimming pools, a bowling alley, shooting center, roller skating slope,
06:01horse stables with a racing track and a football field,
06:04because apparently oppressing a nation works up quite an appetite for leisure activities.
06:08The compound's infrastructure rivals that of a small city,
06:12featuring a dedicated private rail line with its own train station added after 2006,
06:17underground entrances and storage bunkers covering over 230,000 square feet,
06:22A bridge crosses the Taedong River to one of the main entrances,
06:26while elaborate gardens surround numerous artificial lakes,
06:29creating a picturesque setting for Kim's summer relaxation.
06:33Security measures include two armored fence lines,
06:36guard huts, multiple checkpoints,
06:38and anti-aircraft artillery sites positioned on two sides of the compound.
06:42Kim Jong-il's former cook, Kenji Fujimoto,
06:45provided rare 1989 photographs of guest houses where he lived,
06:48offering glimpses into a world where even the staff quarters exceed most people's dream homes.
06:54Ryokpo Palace, the demolished winter wonderland of waste.
06:57Sometimes even dictators need to downsize,
07:00and Kim Jong-un's Ryokpo Palace represents a fascinating case study.
07:04In authoritarian real estate management,
07:06in a move that would make Marie Kondo proud,
07:09Kim demolished several structures at his Winter Palace complex between April 21st, 25, 2024,
07:15turning what was once a luxurious retreat into a dirt lot
07:19that probably still costs more to maintain than most countries' education budgets.
07:23Located in the Ryokpo district on Pyongyang's southern outskirts,
07:27this palace served as Kim's cold-weather escape,
07:29featuring a distinctive blue-roofed main mansion
07:32and auxiliary buildings surrounded by landscaped grounds with ponds and gardens.
07:36The complex was nestled in a forested area near military installations,
07:40providing both luxury and strategic positioning for winter governance.
07:43The demolition has sparked fascinating speculation among North Korea watchers.
07:48Some analysts suggest the move may indicate financial constraints,
07:51a transfer to military use, or simply Kim's preference for other residences.
07:56Others theorize it aligns with the regime's military modernization efforts
08:00and the recent designation of South Korea as the principal enemy.
08:03What's particularly remarkable is that even Kim's demolished palace
08:07probably contained more luxury amenities than most world leaders enjoy in their active residences.
08:12The site likely featured underground facilities, entertainment rooms,
08:16and all the standard Kim family amenities before being reduced to rubble,
08:20proving that in North Korea even destruction is done on a grand scale.
08:23Sinuiju Residence
08:25Nestled 8.5 kilometers east of Sinuiju city center, near the Chinese border,
08:30sits Kim Jong-un's mountain palace, complete with its own private train station,
08:35representing the perfect blend of luxury living and geopolitical strategy.
08:39This residence serves as Kim's gateway to China, his most important ally and economic lifeline,
08:44making it perhaps the most diplomatically significant property in his extensive real estate portfolio.
08:50The location itself tells a story of calculated positioning,
08:53close enough to China for quick diplomatic consultations or emergency escapes,
08:58yet isolated enough to maintain the secrecy that characterizes all Kim family properties.
09:03Built under Kim Jong-il as a border residence,
09:05it continues to serve under Kim Jong-un as a strategic outpost,
09:09where international relations and personal luxury intersect in typical Kim family fashion.
09:14While specific interior details remain closely guarded secrets,
09:18the residence likely features the standard Kim family amenities that
09:22have become synonymous with North Korean leadership compounds,
09:25luxury accommodations, entertainment facilities,
09:28and security measures that rival military installations.
09:31The private train station alone suggests infrastructure investments
09:35that could have funded entire regional development projects,
09:38but apparently convenience for the supreme leader takes priority over public welfare.
09:43The Sinuiju residence exemplifies the regime's approach to governance through geographic diversity,
09:49maintaining luxury bases near key borders to facilitate diplomacy, trade negotiations, or strategic retreats.
09:55Its proximity to China adds significant geopolitical value,
10:00serving as a physical manifestation of North Korea's dependence on its powerful neighbor,
10:04while ensuring Kim can conduct high-level meetings in appropriately opulent surroundings.
10:09Samsock residence, the 21-kilometer northeastern hideaway.
10:13Located 21 kilometers northeast of central Pyongyang,
10:17the Samsock residence represents another jewel in Kim Jong-un's Crown of Excess,
10:22serving as a fortified compound with guest facilities and extensive security perimeters,
10:27where the elite gather to celebrate their privilege,
10:30while the general population struggles with basic survival needs.
10:33Developed during Kim Jong-il's era as part of Pyongyang area expansions,
10:38this residence continues the family tradition of creating luxury enclaves
10:42that exist in stark contrast to the nation's widespread poverty.
10:45The compound serves multiple purposes, elite gatherings, family retreats,
10:50and as a backup residence near the capital for quick access
10:53during governmental operations or emergency situations.
10:56The residence's strategic positioning near Pyongyang
10:59ensures Kim maintains convenient access to the centers of power,
11:03while enjoying the seclusion that characterizes all his properties.
11:07Access remains strictly controlled, with only invited elites permitted entry,
11:11emphasizing the regime's careful management of loyalty and privilege among the ruling class.
11:16Like all Kim family compounds, Samsock likely features luxury accommodations,
11:21recreational facilities, and security measures that exceed those of most world leaders.
11:26The residence contributes to Kim's estimated $600 million in annual luxury expenditures,
11:32representing just one piece of a real estate empire
11:34that operates as both symbol and instrument of authoritarian control.
11:38The compound's existence highlights the regime's priorities,
11:42maintaining elite comfort, while ordinary citizens face food shortages and economic hardship.
11:48Pyongsong residence, the 11km regional command post.
11:5211km northwest of Pyongsong city center sits another testament to Kim Jong-un's belief
11:57that governing a nation requires multiple luxury retreat options.
12:01The Pyongsong residence serves as a secure estate with small guest houses for officials,
12:05functioning as a regional hub where high-ranking party members can enjoy accommodations
12:10that exceed what most North Koreans could imagine in their wildest dreams.
12:14Established under prior leaders and maintained as a regional hub,
12:18this residence demonstrates the continuity of Kim family priorities across generations,
12:24ensuring that power brokers have access to luxury accommodations
12:27regardless of their location within North Korea.
12:29The compound serves as a secure midpoint for travels outside Pyongyang,
12:34providing a comfortable base for regional inspections and elite gatherings.
12:38The residency's guest houses accommodate high-ranking officials during visits,
12:42highlighting the regime's careful hierarchy of privilege,
12:45where even secondary residences offer amenities that surpass most international standards of luxury.
12:50The compound falls under the $100 million annual residence upgrade budget,
12:56ensuring that even regional properties maintain standards befitting the ruling elite.
13:00What makes Pyongsong particularly interesting is its role in the broader network of Kim family properties,
13:06demonstrating that luxury isn't centralized in Pyongyang,
13:09but distributed strategically across North Korea.
13:12The residence serves as a regional symbol of regime power,
13:15while providing practical accommodations for governance activities,
13:19creating a system where oppression and luxury are seamlessly integrated across the country's geography.
13:25Changsuwon Residence, the 15-kilometer family compound of secrets.
13:2915 kilometers northeast of central Pyongyang lies the Changsuwon Residence,
13:34also known as Residence No. 15,
13:36a compound that serves multiple roles in the Kim family's complex web of power,
13:40privilege and internal control.
13:42This residence has historically been used for family seclusion and even house arrest of relatives,
13:46making it perhaps the most psychologically significant property in Kim's arsenal of luxury compounds.
13:52The compound features family homes, recreational areas and possible underground connections to other residences,
13:58creating a self-contained world where Kim family.
14:01Dynamics play out away from public scrutiny.
14:03Used historically for confining relatives like Kim Jong-il's stepmother,
14:07it demonstrates how luxury accommodations can serve as golden cages
14:11for those who fall out of favor within the dynasty.
14:13What's particularly fascinating about Changsuwon is its dual nature,
14:18simultaneously a retreat and a prison,
14:20depending on one's status within the Kim family hierarchy.
14:23The residence exemplifies how the regime manages internal family succession struggles
14:27and maintains bloodline control through a combination of luxury and isolation.
14:32Even house arrest in the Kim family involves accommodations
14:35that exceed most people's permanent residences.
14:38The compound's proximity to Ryongsong Residence
14:40suggests a complementary role in the Pyongyang Power Hub,
14:44allowing Kim to maintain close oversight of family members
14:46while ensuring they remain comfortably contained.
14:50The residence represents the intersection of family politics and state security,
14:54where personal relationships and national governance
14:56merge in typically extravagant Kim family fashion.
15:00Paktusan Residence, the sacred mountain sanctuary of propaganda.
15:03At the base of Mount Paektu, near the Chinese border,
15:07sits perhaps the most ideologically significant residence in Kim Jong-un's collection,
15:12a highly secure compound with monuments, murals,
15:14and modern facilities celebrating the Kim dynasty.
15:17This isn't just a luxury retreat,
15:19it's a pilgrimage site where regime mythology meets contemporary comfort
15:23in a location that serves as the spiritual heart of North Korean propaganda.
15:27The residence includes the symbolic log cabin,
15:30where Kim Jong-il was reportedly born in 1941,
15:33though historians note this birthplace narrative was crafted for propaganda purposes.
15:38The compound combines luxury accommodations with ideological significance,
15:42creating a site where Kim can retreat while reinforcing the revolutionary mythology
15:46that legitimizes his family's rule over North Korea.
15:49Mount Paektu holds immense propaganda value
15:52due to its association with Kim Il-sung's anti-Japanese guerrilla campaigns,
15:56making this residence more than just another luxury property.
16:00It's a physical manifestation of the regime's founding mythology.
16:03The compound likely features modern amenities disguised within traditionally significant architecture,
16:09allowing Kim to enjoy contemporary luxury,
16:11while maintaining the revolutionary aesthetic that underpins regime legitimacy.
16:16The residence's secrecy and symbolic importance
16:19make it one of the most heavily guarded properties in Kim's network,
16:22serving dual purposes as both personal retreat and propaganda centerpiece.
16:27Its location near the Chinese border adds strategic value,
16:31while its ideological significance ensures that even vacation time doubles as political theater
16:36in the carefully orchestrated spectacle of North Korean governance.
16:41Samjeon residence, the mountain luxury lodge of legends.
16:44Seven kilometers northwest of Samjeon city center,
16:47near the mythical Mount Paektu,
16:50sits Kim Jong-un's mountain compound featuring luxury guest houses
16:53and modern recreational facilities that serve both as elite accommodation
16:57and propaganda staging ground.
16:59This residence represents the perfect fusion of natural grandeur and artificial luxury,
17:04where regime mythology meets contemporary comfort in suitably extravagant fashion.
17:09The compound's proximity to Mount Paektu makes it a propaganda hub
17:12to reinforce the Kim dynasty's revolutionary legacy,
17:16allowing Kim to host ideological pilgrimages
17:18while enjoying accommodations that rival international luxury resorts.
17:22Recent satellite imagery indicates ongoing upgrades,
17:26suggesting continued investment in maintaining this symbolically charged site,
17:30despite economic sanctions that affect ordinary citizens' access to basic necessities.
17:34The residence likely features extensive security measures
17:38such as fortified perimeters and guard posts,
17:40standard for all Kim family properties,
17:42but particularly important given the site's ideological significance.
17:46The compound serves multiple functions,
17:48family retreats, elite gatherings and propaganda events
17:51that reinforce the regime's revolutionary credentials
17:54while providing luxury accommodations
17:56for those privileged enough to warrant invitations.
17:59The residence falls under the $100 million annual upgrade budget
18:03for Kim family residences,
18:05ensuring that even mountain retreats maintain standards
18:08befitting the supreme leader's comfort.
18:10The compound's symbolic role elevates its status beyond mere luxury accommodation,
18:15transforming vacation time into political theater
18:17where personal comfort and regime propaganda seamlessly intersect.
18:21Nampo Residence, the coastal command center of convenience.
18:25Nine kilometers northwest of Nampo city center sits Kim Jong-un's coastal residence,
18:30featuring artificial lakes and potential yacht access,
18:33representing another strategic addition to his network of luxury retreats
18:37that combine personal comfort with operational functionality.
18:40This compound demonstrates Kim's preference for properties
18:43that serve multiple purposes,
18:45leisure destination, strategic outpost and symbol of regime prosperity.
18:49The residence was established under Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il
18:52and inherited by Kim Jong-un,
18:55continuing the family tradition of maintaining luxury accommodations
18:58near important coastal areas.
19:00Its position west of Pyongyang provides convenient access to maritime facilities,
19:05while ensuring Kim can oversee port operations and coastal defenses
19:09from appropriately comfortable surroundings.
19:11The compound's artificial lakes serve both aesthetic and recreational purposes,
19:16creating a picturesque setting that rivals natural coastal beauty
19:19while providing controlled aquatic environments for elite enjoyment.
19:23The potential yacht access aligns with Kim's documented passion for luxury vessels,
19:27including his $7 million princess yacht,
19:30ensuring that even coastal retreats accommodate his expensive maritime hobbies.
19:34The residence contributes to Kim's $12 billion in hidden assets,
19:38representing just one component of a real estate empire
19:41that operates as both personal indulgence and strategic infrastructure.
19:45The compound's coastal location provides potential escape routes via sea
19:49while offering luxury accommodations
19:51that exceed international presidential standards,
19:54creating yet another example of how personal comfort
19:56and strategic planning merge in Kim family governance.
20:00Perched atop a remote mountain with an artificial lake
20:07and fortified chalet-style residence,
20:09the Jemosin Chalet represents perhaps the most psychologically complex property
20:13in Kim Jong-un's real estate empire.
20:15This mountaintop palace was historically used for house arrest of family rivals,
20:20including Kim Jong-il's stepmother Kim Song-ai during succession disputes,
20:24proving that even punishment comes with luxury amenities in the Kim family hierarchy.
20:28The chalet's isolated mountain setting provides natural security,
20:32while ensuring that unwanted family members remain comfortably contained far from centers of power.
20:38The artificial lake adds aesthetic appeal to what essentially functions as a golden prison,
20:42creating scenic surroundings for those whose proximity to power has become politically inconvenient,
20:48but whose complete elimination might create succession complications.
20:51Developed under Kim Jong-il and inherited by Kim Jong-un,
20:55the chalet continues serving its dual purpose as luxury retreat and isolation facility,
21:00demonstrating the regime's sophisticated approach to managing internal family dynamics.
21:05The compound likely features luxury accommodations that exceed most international standards,
21:10ensuring that even exile remains comfortable by conventional measures.
21:14The chalet exemplifies how the Kim dynasty manages succession and loyalty
21:17through strategic placement of family members,
21:20using geography and luxury to control relationships within the ruling elite.
21:24Its remote location enhances security and secrecy,
21:27while its luxury amenities ensure that family management remains consistent
21:31with Kim family standards of comfort,
21:33even when serving disciplinary functions within the dynasty's complex power structure.
21:38Kangya Guesthouse The Lavish Regional Bribe That Backfired
21:41In Kangya, Cha-gang Province stands a monument to regional desperation and regime indifference,
21:46a lavish guesthouse constructed in the 1990s at significant regional cost
21:51as a bribe to secure Kim Jong-il's favor, representing one of the most tragically expensive
21:56gestures of political sycophancy in North Korean history.
21:59This guesthouse cost local authorities a significant portion of their regional budget
22:03during a period of nationwide famine, proving that even during humanitarian crises,
22:09impressing the supreme leader takes priority over public welfare.
22:12The guesthouse was rarely visited by Kim Jong-il and remains seldom used by Kim Jong-un,
22:17making it perhaps the most expensive unused property in a portfolio already notorious for
22:22wasteful extravagance. The compound likely features elite accommodations,
22:27banquet halls and recreational facilities that surpass most international luxury standards,
22:32yet these amenities remain largely unappreciated by their intended beneficiary.
22:37What makes Kangya particularly poignant is its timing. Constructed during the 1990s famine
22:42that killed hundreds of thousands of North Koreans, this guesthouse represents the regime's priorities
22:47in stark relief. Regional officials bankrupted their budgets to build luxury accommodations for a
22:53leader who showed little interest in visiting, while their populations struggled with basic survival needs.
22:58The guesthouse falls under the $100 million annual residence maintenance budget,
23:03ensuring that even unused properties receive more financial attention than most North Korean social programs.
23:08The compound stands as a physical reminder of how regime loyalty demands can lead regional authorities
23:14to prioritize political theater over practical governance, creating luxury monuments to misguided priorities.
23:21Anju Residence, the 13-kilometer Eastern Retreat
23:2413 kilometers east of Anju City Center sits another addition to Kim Jong-un's expanding portfolio of luxury retreats,
23:32a fortified compound with guesthouses and security checkpoints that serves as a regional base for elite gatherings
23:38and secure stays during official travels throughout South Pyongan province.
23:42This residence demonstrates the systematic nature of Kim's real estate strategy,
23:46ensuring luxury accommodations remain available regardless of his location within North Korea.
23:51The residence was established under Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il as part of the network of regional residences,
23:58continuing the family tradition of maintaining strategic outposts
24:02that combine personal comfort with operational functionality.
24:06Its distance from Pyongyang suggests a role in regional governance oversight,
24:10providing a secure base for monitoring local activities
24:13while maintaining appropriate standards of luxury for the supreme leader.
24:17The compound likely features standard elite amenities like recreational facilities and accommodations for officials,
24:23ensuring that even regional properties meet Kim family expectations for comfort and luxury.
24:28Satellite imagery from the North Korea Uncovered Project confirms its fortified layout,
24:33with security measures that exceed those of most international government facilities.
24:38The residence contributes to the regime's $600 million in annual luxury spending,
24:42representing yet another example of how personal comfort takes precedence over public welfare in North Korean governance.
24:49The compound's existence within the broader network of luxury properties highlights the systematic nature of regime privilege,
24:55where even secondary residences offer accommodations that surpass most citizens' lifetime aspirations.
25:01The hidden network, beyond the billion-dollar palaces.
25:05While we've explored 15 of Kim Jong-un's most significant residences,
25:09analysts estimate he has access to between 13 and 51 compounds nationwide,
25:13creating a hidden network of luxury that rivals the real estate portfolios of entire nations.
25:18This extensive system serves multiple purposes,
25:21security through unpredictability,
25:23comfort through geographic diversity,
25:26and control through strategic positioning across North Korea's political landscape.
25:30Kim Jong-il's former bodyguard, Lee Young-kook,
25:32described at least eight residences outside Pyongyang,
25:35suggesting the network's scope extends far beyond publicly documented properties.
25:39Additional sites include compounds in Changsong County,
25:42Sinshan, Tongbuk-ri, Jose-do, and Tolsook-kol,
25:44each featuring massive sites with guesthouses for invited elites during travel.
25:49The total cost of maintaining this empire remains speculative due to regime secrecy,
25:53but estimates suggest Kim's personal wealth reaches $5 billion,
25:57with annual luxury spending approaching $600 million.
26:00These figures represent more than most countries' entire governmental budgets,
26:04allocated to ensuring one man's comfort,
26:06while 25 million North Koreans struggle with basic necessities.
26:10The regime spends an estimated $100 million annually on residents' upgrades,
26:15ensuring that every property maintains standards befitting the supreme leader's expectations.
26:20This network represents more than personal indulgence.
26:23It's a physical manifestation of authoritarian power,
26:26where luxury serves as both reward for loyalty
26:29and symbol of unattainable privilege for the masses.
26:32When your underground bunker costs more than most countries' GDP,
26:35you know you've made it.
26:36Indeed, Kim Jong-un's real estate portfolio makes Bezos look like a budget shopper.
26:41That's all for now, and thank you for watching.
26:43If you enjoyed this clip and would not mind more of such content,
26:46do click on the card showing on the screen.
Be the first to comment