North Korea’s Technological Ambitions: AI, Smartphones, and the Pursuit of Economic Power
The Intersection of Technology and Control: North Korea’s Evolving Smartphone Landscape
In a striking image released by Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean publication, we catch a glimpse of a worker in a North Korean smartphone factory—a reminder of how far the country has come in its technological pursuits. As North Korea continues to evolve, experts highlight its increasing reliance on generative AI, such as ChatGPT, to fuel its scientific and technological endeavors.
Rising Investment in Science and Technology
At a recent conference titled the “South-North Broadcasting and Telecommunications International Conference,” hosted by the Korea Media and Communications Commission alongside Hanyang University’s Unification Education Program Group, analysts discussed the burgeoning focus on science and technology within North Korea. Park Min-ju, a professor from the National Institute for Peace, Unification and Democracy Education, emphasized that since Kim Jong-un’s ascension to power, the regime has prioritized technological advancement as a pathway to economic prowess.
North Korean universities are reportedly harnessing cutting-edge technologies, including generative AI, facial recognition, and AI-driven robots, particularly in the medical field. The use of tools like ChatGPT is especially noteworthy; while its utilization is believed to occur under strict government oversight, it serves a dual purpose: training elite hackers and IT professionals while potentially collecting insights on South Korean interests and data.
The Smartphone Revolution
At the same conference, new details emerged regarding North Korea’s smartphone market, which has seen a rapid expansion. Approximately 55 different smartphone models are now being offered by around 10 manufacturers, with the Jindallae series—such as the recently released Jindallae 7—boasting AI capabilities. However, advancements come with increased surveillance measures. Smart devices now feature functions like automatic screenshots and watermarking to track information distribution, underscoring the regime’s overarching control over its digital landscape.
Martyn Williams, a researcher at the U.S.-based Stimson Center, noted that an estimated 6.5 to 7 million North Koreans are now mobile subscribers, indicating that around 25% of the populace owns a mobile phone. In the capital, Pyongyang, these devices have become integrated into daily life, with the variety of smartphone models doubling in recent years.
Williams also pointed to the establishment of a 4G network around 2023 as a significant milestone for telecommunications in the country, paving the way for greater smartphone penetration. Despite strict restrictions on internet usage, North Korean smartphones feature a variety of apps for electronic payments, video playback, gaming, language learning, and cooking—further enhancing their appeal while remaining firmly within the government’s controlled ecosystem.
Conclusion
The juxtaposition of North Korea’s technological advancements against a backdrop of stringent control reveals a complex landscape. While the regime invests heavily in innovation and development, it simultaneously reinforces mechanisms to monitor and restrict the information available to its citizens. As smartphones become more prevalent in everyday life, they remain key tools for both convenience and surveillance in a nation navigating the fine line between progress and oppression.
As we observe these developments, the implications of such technologies raise significant questions about the role of innovation within authoritarian regimes. Will North Korea ultimately harness the power of technology to foster economic growth, or will it remain a tool for exerting control over its populace? Only time will tell.