On Friday, August 28, The Wall Street Journal released a video showcasing the secrets hidden inside the smartphones used in North Korea.
The smartphone, manufactured in 2023, looks similar to a regular Android phone from the outside but has a completely different internal structure. It was smuggled out of one of the world’s most closed countries, North Korea, and provided by DailyNK, a Seoul-based news outlet specializing in North Korean news.
Upon booting up, the phone cannot access the internet, has no app store, and cannot make international calls. It comes with built-in monitoring features and specific programs to track user activity.
According to the report, the smartphone, named Haeyang 701, belongs to the mid-range devices available in the North Korean market.
At first glance, this phone has all the features of a smartphone, including voice calls, messaging, documents, and various applications, but it cannot connect to the global internet.
It can only connect to a closed internal network controlled by the North Korean government called “Bright Network,” where all websites are approved by the regime.
The pre-installed applications on it are also approved by the authorities. Interestingly, many icons resemble those from Europe and the US. There is even a game application icon directly imitating the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) of the United States.
One application closely resembles China’s Alipay, allowing QR code payments, transfers, and receipts. There is even a ride-hailing app, along with features for shopping, watching TV, movies, and playing games on the phone.
An app called “International Soccer” features Argentine football star Messi, showcasing many countries except the US and South Korea.
Ryu Seong-hyun, a defector and former North Korean soldier who used a smartphone in North Korea, mentioned that he purchased the smartphone from the underground black market. He stated that in North Korea, a smartphone costs $250, which is considered expensive for most North Koreans as military officers earn less than a dollar a month.
Therefore, only the wealthy can afford to use such smartphones, with around 10% of North Koreans owning one, according to Ryu Seong-hyun.
The North Korean smartphone actually has some unique features not seen in other countries. For example, typing North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s name automatically gets blocked, and typing “South Korea” triggers a “prohibited” warning sign.
Can North Koreans watch American or South Korean movies or TV shows on their phones? Ryu Seong-hyun answered that it is too dangerous as per North Korean laws, watching such content could lead to a five-year prison sentence or execution if shared.
The smartphone also contains a folder named “Watch History,” randomly capturing screenshots and recording user page visits to help law enforcement monitor browsing activity.
Ryu Seong-hyun explained that this system is a built-in program that users cannot delete. Authorities check this program and browsing history.
The use of smartphones in North Korea enhances everyday convenience for some people, but their usage rights are constrained by the omnipresent state machinery, as per The Wall Street Journal report.