Kim Jong Un Visits Flood-Damaged Areas
Spotted Riding in a Lexus LX Vehicle
Concerns Arise Over Vehicle Submersion
According to the Rodong Sinmun, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently visited flood-affected disaster sites. On July 29, 2024, he inspected the flood damage sites in Sinuiju City and Uiju County in North Pyongan Province and directly supervised rescue and evacuation operations at the site.
According to photos released by North Korea, water has risen so high that roads and some houses are submerged and cannot be adequately seen. The flood damage was so severe that 5,000 residents were stranded in the village, and it was reported that they were evacuated to safety by helicopter.
Vehicle submerged halfway in water
Concerns over submersion arise
Kim conducted propaganda activities by appearing to command the rescue of civilians personally. To do this, he drove his SUV to the flood-stricken area, driving a vehicle believed to be a Lexus LX600. He was also seen sticking his head out the window to inspect the scene as he went along a flooded road.
The vehicle was so submerged in water that all four wheels and half of the bonnet were covered, raising speculation that it would have been submerged if it had not been equipped with a snorkel. Water may have penetrated the intake during the river crossing, causing flood damage to the engine and other areas. However, the Lexus LX600 in the photo was confirmed to be driving without any problems, even on the flooded road.
Priced at $93,915 to $134,490
Reasons for Kim Jong Un’s preference for the LX600
The Lexus LX600 is a high-priced luxury SUV that costs from $92,160 to $132,250. Kim is also known to be a vehicle enthusiast who collects expensive vehicles and favors Lexus SUVs. The Lexus SUV has appeared in North Korean media several times as Kim’s security and ceremonial vehicle.
In the summer of 2020, Kim visited North Korean residents using a Lexus LX vehicle. His choice of a Lexus SUV is likely due to practical reasons. The LX’s four-wheel drive capability is crucial in North Korea, where roads are poorly maintained and often require off-road travel. Additionally, the spacious interior of this full-size SUV offers ample room, which is beneficial for Kim, who weighs 140 kg (309 pounds).
Kim Jong Un Collects Luxury Imported Vehicles
The Circumstances Behind Luxury Vehicles Imports to North Korea
Kim demonstrated his vehicle’s off-road capabilities by driving it on a flooded road. He is also known for his extensive collection of Japanese-brand vehicles, including a Toyota Land Cruiser, and he has even used a Mercedes-Maybach as an official vehicle. However, these high-end imported vehicles violate UN sanctions against North Korea and cannot be legally imported into the country.
According to a report by Japan’s Nikkei newspaper, North Korea illegally imported over 800 luxury vehicles between 2015 and 2017. The cars were smuggled in through a Russian company, making stops in Osaka, Japan, Dalian, China, and Busan, South Korea, before arriving in North Korea.
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