North Korean leader's sister sports Chinese foldable phone
Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was seen holding a likely Chinese-made foldable phone during a hospital opening on Sunday, despite UN sanctions banning the import of smartphones to North Korea.
- Asia
- AFP
- Published Date: 08:01 | 15 December 2025
The North Korean leader's powerful sister Kim Yo Jong has been spotted with a likely Chinese-made foldable phone, as Pyongyang's elite skirt sanctions to get their hands on the latest gadgetry from abroad.
Images released by state media on Sunday showed Kim holding the phone in her right hand during a trip to a hospital opening alongside her brother Kim Jong Un.
Although the brand name cannot be seen in the picture, the phone closely resembles the Chinese brand Honor's "Magic" line, advertised as "the world's thinnest foldable smartphone".
The V3 model of the phone sells for around $1,379 -- well out of range of the average North Korean, who analysts say typically earn up to three dollars a month in state-run industries.
Kim's family is known for their love of gadgets.
Leader Kim Jong Un has been pictured using Apple products, including iPads and MacBooks, at high-profile events.
In 2023, he also sported a foldable smartphone during a missile launch.
UN sanctions imposed in response to North Korea's nuclear programme prohibit the import of smartphones.
A domestic smartphone market has ballooned in recent years, with analysts at specialist website NK News identifying over a dozen brands now available.
- Jordan king, Chinese foreign minister discuss bilateral partnership, Gaza developments
- Japan strengthens defense posture, calls US alliance indispensable
- China says US should not interfere in South China Sea maritime affairs
- China 'ready' to be Saudi Arabia's 'most reliable, dependable partner': Top diplomat Wang tells Crown Prince
- Kazakh president to embark on 3-day visit to Japan