Hong Sung-kyu, the former designated photographer of South Korea’s Blue House who went to Pyongyang with the widow of President Kim Dae Jung, has revealed nine recent photos of the city of Pyongyang.

“It has been 11 years since I’ve been to Pyongyang” said Hong on his website. “Back then, I could rarely see any taxis or high rises, but I am surprised that streets are far brighter than I remember.” He also commented that he took these photos while he was moving inside the car, limiting him from taking more pictures than he wanted.

“Back in 2004, even