The North Korean government is using the large-scale automobile exhibition held in Pyongyang not only as a sales platform but also as a tool to study the financial capabilities of the country's wealthy strata and private entrepreneurs. This was reported by Daily NK, citing a source in the country's capital.
According to the source, in accordance with a special directive issued in mid-June, the Ministry of Social Security of the DPRK was tasked with fully assisting in organizing the automobile exhibition and sale, as well as covertly studying the identities and financial sources of buyers during the event.
The publication writes that the exhibition was organized by two state trading companies. One of them is affiliated with the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, and the second is affiliated with the National Intelligence Agency. This agency, responsible for the country's internal security and counterintelligence, also controls trade networks that provide foreign currency income to the state.
According to the report, ahead of the automobile sales planned to begin in July, the security service of Pyongyang's Hwasong District was instructed to set up additional surveillance around the car dealership, monitor prospective buyers, and determine the origin of their funds. Officials have intensified surveillance measures in advance, taking into account the expected high interest in purchases.
At the same time, a mood of discontent is reportedly observed among security agency employees. They are dissatisfied with performing only the role of maintaining order at a state-organized money-collecting event. Some are hoping for opportunities to generate income through unofficial payments or bribes during the surveillance process.
The source emphasizes that the emerging layer of private entrepreneurs and wealthy merchants in the country — the "donju" — are approaching car purchases with caution, as the majority of their funds are accumulated through the informal economy. They fear that after a major purchase, state agencies will become interested in the source of their money.
The publication notes that the main goal of this exhibition is not just to sell cars. Officials aim to attract foreign currency held by the wealthy population into the economy through this method, as well as to bring the previously informal car sales market under state control.
The automobile exhibition was held from June 19 to 28 of this year in the Hwasong District of Pyongyang. It featured the Chinese-made Zeekr 7X electric vehicle, as well as new and used luxury cars. Pre-orders were accepted at the exhibition itself, with sales planned to begin in July.
Trading companies affiliated with the National Intelligence Agency have already brought the next batch of new and used luxury cars into the country.
According to the source, starting in July, the market for automobile spare parts sales and repair services is also expected to begin rapid development in Pyongyang, especially in the Hwasong District.
Daily NK notes that for ordinary North Koreans, who struggle even to meet their daily needs, this auto show displaying cars costing tens of thousands of dollars is an utterly unattainable luxury.
