About the Author
Colin Zwirko
Colin Zwirko is a Senior Analytic Correspondent for NK News based in Seoul. Follow him on Twitter @ColinZwirko.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un spent much of his time away from the public eye this year reviewing more than 100 designs for tourist resorts, wine bottles and cargo ships, according to state media reports on this year’s annual National Industrial Art Exhibition.
The reports appear to show that the DPRK remains committed to expanding tourism once the pandemic ends, while seemingly attempting to explain Kim’s frequent absences throughout this year.