2023-07-13 17:53:00
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un was photographed with a foldable phone during a test launch of a ballistic missile on Wednesday, state news agency KCNA reported. The device, which appears to be a Samsung model, has caught the attention of international observers, who speculate on the political and economic implications of the dictator’s choice.
The missile test was the first since March and the fourth this year amid rising tensions between Pyongyang and Washington over North Korea’s nuclear program. KCNA said the test was successful and the missile covered 800 kilometers before hitting the target in the Sea of Japan.
Kim Jong-un accompanied the launch from a mobile command post, where he was seen holding a foldable phone with a black cover. According to analysts, the device might be a Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, manufactured by the South Korean company.
Samsung is Apple’s biggest rival in the global smartphone market and one of the biggest companies in South Korea, a country with which North Korea has had a hostile relationship for decades.
Kim Jong-un’s choice of foldable phone can have several interpretations, according to experts. One is that the North Korean leader wants to show that he is up to date with the latest technological trends and that he has access to cutting-edge products, even under the international sanctions that affect his country. Another possibility is that he is sending a subtle message to South Korea, suggesting an opening for dialogue or a provocation to increase pressure.
The foldable might also be a status symbol for Kim Jong-un, who has been seen wearing luxury watches and driving around in imported cars. The device costs regarding US$ 2,000 in the United States and is considered one of the most sophisticated devices on the market.
However, it is not known whether Kim Jong-un’s phone is functional or just an accessory, as North Korea has a restricted and government-controlled telecommunications network.
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