Since taking power in 2012, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has spent some $4 billion on luxury goods despite widespread poverty
SINCE taking power in 2012, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has spent a whopping US$4 billion on luxury imports from China, a South Korean parliamentarian said.
Opposition MP Yoon Sang-hyun said the North defied UN sanctions, imposed over its nuclear arsenal and weapons testing programme, by importing at least US$640 million worth of the goods last year alone.
“Kim has bought lavish items from China and other places like a seaplane for not only his own family, and also expensive musical instruments, high-quality TVs, sedans, liquor, watches and fur as gifts for the elites who prop up his regime,” Sang-hyun said, as quoted in The Independent .
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Pointing out an analysis of Chinese customs data, the lawmaker said between 2012 until 2017, North Korea blew US$2 billion on electronics, US$1.4 billion on luxury cars, and US$165 million worth of liquor.
Other items included US$147 million in optical equipment, US$52.5 million in cosmetics and perfume and US$49 million on watches, and US$48 million worth of leather goods.
