Kim Myungsung/SAND Secretary General

◇ Kim Jong-un's Personal Security Heightened after Kishida Fumio's Attack

The recent attack on Kishida Fumio, the Prime Minister of Japan, has led to an increased focus on Kim Jong-un's personal security. His security personnel have been seen carrying a bulletproof briefcase, and their response to terrorist attacks has become more sensitive than ever. Kim Jong-un's security personnel were seen carrying a bulletproof briefcase following the attack on Kishida Fumio. It has been observed in multiple instances, indicating that North Korea's internal affairs have been affected by external events such as terrorist attacks.

Previously, North Korean security personnel were seen providing "barehanded" security. However, following the recent attack on Kishida Fumio, they were observed carrying black bags for the first time during a ceremony in Pyongyang. It is believed that North Korea changed its security principles immediately after the Japanese terrorist attack. On April 19th, the North Korean state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper published photos of Kim's visit to the National Aerospace Development Administration (NADA), where his security team was seen carrying black a bulletproof briefcase. Just two months earlier, during Kim's visit to the Kangdong Greenhouse Farm in the outskirts of Pyongyang, his security team was seen without any protective gear. Experts believe that the bags may contain firearms and could serve as a shield in similar attacks.

North Korea has shown a sensitive response to acts of terrorism from external sources. In January 2020, when the United States eliminated Qasem Soleimani , the commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards, Kim Jong-un disappeared from public view for over 20 days. In October of the same year, during the 75th anniversary military parade commemorating the founding of the Workers' Party of Korea, four units responsible for guarding the Kim family were publicly displayed for the first time. In July 2021, after the assassination of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Kim's security detail was seen with more personnel protecting him during a military parade.

◇ North Korea Builds Apartments Resembling ICBMs, Naming Them After Hwasong Missiles as National Pride

On April 22, North Korean state media outlets, such as Rodong Sinmun, reported that residents have started moving into apartments located in the Hwasong District of Pyongyang. These apartments are designed to resemble Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs). Photos released by North Korean media show high-rise buildings that have the shape of a missile warhead and a launching device. The Hwasong District is named after North Korea's missile series and has been compared to South Korea's "New Town."

Rodong Sinmun reported on the Hwasong District's completion ceremony and conveyed the residents' responses, including a comment made by Ko Young-il, the leader of Kimjin Youth Troops from the Hwanghae Iron and Steel Joint Venture . He stated, "The two high-rise apartments standing side by side in the Hwasong District resemble our country's proud Hwasong missile series, just as their name suggests." Following the Hwasong-17 ICBM launch last year and the Hwasong-18 ICBM test launch this year, North Korea is believed to have constructed missile-shaped buildings in the Hwasong District apartment complex to further strengthen its regime's cohesion.

North Korea's decision to hold the first phase completion ceremony of the Hwasong District at night, with Kim Jong-un in attendance, is seen as having a similar intent to showcasing its Hwasong series of ICBMs during a night parade. 

◇ Young Koreans Aged 20s-30s Show Greater Dislike Toward China Than North Korea ... 91% Report "Unfavorable"

According to a survey conducted by the civic group Barun Media Citizen Action , the younger generation in South Korea, aged between 20s-30s, has a greater dislike towards China than North Korea. The survey, called the "Aged 20-30 Social Perception Survey," was carried out from April 13-18, targeting 1,001 men and women aged 20 to 30 from across the country. The survey results were released on April 23.

In a survey on likability towards the four countries surrounding the Korean Peninsula, China ranked first with 91% of negative feelings, followed by North Korea with 88%. Japan ranked third with 63%, while the United States received 67% positive responses, significantly higher than the other three countries.

The survey conducted on the impact of the four countries on South Korea's security revealed that North Korea ranked first, with 83% of respondents feeling threatened, followed by China with 77%. Interestingly, regardless of ideology, gender, age, or political stance, over 70% of respondents held a negative perception towards China, while 74% had a positive perception towards the United States. Japan received mixed results, with 53% of respondents feeling threatened and 37% considering it a helpful country.