Domestic North Korean brands are behind several new smartphones that have recently appeared in citizens’ hands, according to NK News analysis of state media, while leader Kim Jong Un has started using a likely Chinese foldable phone.

The reveal of new models from the DPRK brands Samthaesong and Manmulsang provides the latest evidence that the domestic electronics industry has rebounded, after going dark early in the pandemic.

And Kim’s adoption of the apparent Chinese phone comes after NK Newsreported his top logistics aide and former singer Hyon Song Wol using a similar device last month, even though most North