The recent disappearance of a wealthy entrepreneur’s family in Hyesan, Ryanggang province, has sent shockwaves through the local community. Information from inside the country suggests the family was likely detained for leaking internal information.
According to a source in the province recently, the family of a donju in Hyesan’s Wiyon neighborhood vanished one evening early this month. Initially, rumors circulated that the prosperous family had fled across the border. However, a more sinister narrative soon emerged: the family had been using a Chinese mobile phone to sell sensitive information about North Korea—a story that is now widely believed and has left people on edge.
North Korean authorities have been intensifying border controls to stem the flow of information. Since the start of the year, the regime has launched a major campaign to identify and punish individuals using illegal Chinese mobile phones.
“The recent crackdown on Chinese phones has led to constant arrests and punishments,” the source explained. “People are so anxious they can’t even sleep at night. What’s truly terrifying is how this family’s disappearance is directly linked to using a Chinese phone.”
In the past, people caught could often escape punishment through bribes or personal connections. Now, state security agents are ruthlessly pursuing anyone using Chinese phones, creating an atmosphere of terror. “They’re threatening to throw the book at anyone caught,” the source added.
The Hyesan community has been living in fear since the donju‘s family vanished. Prosperous individuals who rely on Chinese phones for business are particularly on edge. Conversely, struggling families have found a perverse sense of comfort in the wealthy family’s sudden disappearance.
“It’s better to be content with what you have, even if that means tightening your belt,” one person remarked. “The safest path is to follow the party’s instructions and avoid getting greedy.”
The incident has become a stark warning. “What people fear most is disappearing without a trace,” the source said. “This has taught many not to envy rich families with their Chinese mobile phones.”
March 20, 2025 at 12:43PM
by DailyNK(North Korean Media)