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Kim Jong Un built a lavish resort for 20,000 people. But who will travel there? | CNN

Summary of CNN Report on Kim Jong Un’s Seaside Resort Project

The CNN video report, titled "Kim Jong Un Seaside Resort," likely focuses on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s ambitious project to develop a luxury seaside resort, a topic that has garnered international attention due to its stark contrast with the country’s widespread poverty and isolationist policies. The report, presented by a correspondent such as Will Ripley (a frequent reporter on North Korea for CNN), appears to delve into the details of this development, its intended purpose, the challenges it faces, and the broader implications for North Korea’s economy, international relations, and domestic propaganda efforts. This summary aims to capture the essence of the video content while providing additional context and analysis to enrich the discussion.

The video likely begins with an overview of the seaside resort project, which is part of Kim Jong Un’s broader vision to modernize certain aspects of North Korea’s infrastructure and attract foreign tourism. One of the most prominent projects in this vein is the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone, located on North Korea’s eastern coast. This area has been under development for several years, with Kim Jong Un personally overseeing its progress during multiple publicized visits. The resort is intended to be a sprawling complex featuring luxury hotels, amusement parks, and other recreational facilities, designed to rival tourist destinations in neighboring countries like South Korea and China. CNN’s report probably includes footage or satellite imagery of the construction site, showcasing the scale of the project with towering hotel structures and expansive beachfront areas, juxtaposed against the backdrop of North Korea’s otherwise austere and militarized landscape.

Will Ripley, or the correspondent featured in the video, likely provides historical context about North Korea’s tourism initiatives. While the country has long been closed off to much of the world due to its strict political ideology and international sanctions, Kim Jong Un has shown a particular interest in tourism as a potential revenue stream. This interest dates back to projects initiated under his father, Kim Jong Il, but has been accelerated under his leadership. The Wonsan-Kalma project, for instance, was first announced in 2018, with Kim expressing hopes that it would become a world-class destination. The CNN report might highlight how this ambition aligns with Kim’s dual strategy of projecting an image of modernity to the outside world while maintaining tight control over information and movement within North Korea. The correspondent may also note that tourism in North Korea is heavily curated, with foreign visitors restricted to guided tours and limited interactions with locals, raising questions about how a luxury resort fits into this controlled environment.

A significant portion of the video likely addresses the economic and logistical challenges facing the project. North Korea’s economy has been crippled by decades of international sanctions imposed due to its nuclear weapons program, as well as mismanagement and a lack of foreign investment. The CNN report probably discusses how these sanctions have delayed the resort’s construction, with deadlines repeatedly pushed back. For example, the Wonsan-Kalma project was initially slated for completion in 2019 or 2020 but has faced setbacks due to shortages of materials, labor issues, and the global COVID-19 pandemic, during which North Korea sealed its borders even more tightly. The video might include expert commentary or analysis from economists or North Korea specialists, who could point out that the country lacks the infrastructure to support large-scale tourism, such as reliable transportation networks or a stable power supply. Furthermore, the report may question who the target audience for such a resort would be, given that North Korea remains a pariah state with limited appeal to international travelers beyond a niche group interested in its political history.

The video also likely explores the domestic implications of the seaside resort. Within North Korea, projects like Wonsan-Kalma serve as propaganda tools to demonstrate Kim Jong Un’s commitment to improving the lives of his people, even if the reality is far different. The CNN correspondent might note that while the resort is touted as a symbol of progress, the majority of North Koreans live in abject poverty, with limited access to basic necessities like food and healthcare. The contrast between the opulence of a luxury resort and the struggles of ordinary citizens could be a central theme of the report, with visuals or anecdotes illustrating this disparity. For instance, the video might mention reports from defectors or human rights organizations about forced labor being used in such construction projects, a common practice in North Korea where citizens are mobilized for state initiatives without compensation.

On the international front, the report probably examines how the seaside resort fits into Kim Jong Un’s diplomatic strategy. Tourism has occasionally been used as a bargaining chip in negotiations with other countries, particularly South Korea, which has historically sought to engage North Korea through economic cooperation. During periods of détente, such as the 2018-2019 summits between Kim Jong Un and then-South Korean President Moon Jae-in, there were discussions about South Korean tourists visiting North Korean resorts as a gesture of goodwill. However, the CNN video might point out that such plans have repeatedly stalled due to geopolitical tensions and North Korea’s refusal to denuclearize, a prerequisite for sanctions relief that could enable foreign investment in projects like Wonsan-Kalma. The correspondent may also speculate on whether China, North Korea’s closest ally, could play a role in supporting the resort by sending tourists or providing resources, though this too is complicated by international pressure on Beijing to enforce sanctions.

Another angle likely covered in the video is the personal significance of the Wonsan area to Kim Jong Un. Wonsan is not just a strategic location for tourism; it is also home to one of Kim’s private estates, a sprawling compound where he reportedly spends much of his time. The CNN report might include details about this estate, gleaned from satellite imagery or intelligence reports, describing it as a luxurious retreat complete with private beaches, yacht docks, and other amenities. This personal connection could explain why Kim has prioritized the Wonsan-Kalma project over other infrastructure needs, viewing it as an extension of his own vision for North Korea’s future. The video might also touch on rumors that Kim uses the Wonsan area as a hideout during times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic when his public appearances dwindled, fueling speculation about his health and whereabouts.

In terms of broader implications, the CNN report likely situates the seaside resort within the context of North Korea’s evolving image under Kim Jong Un. Unlike his predecessors, Kim has shown a willingness to engage with the outside world on his terms, whether through high-profile summits with leaders like Donald Trump or through cultural exchanges like sending North Korean athletes to international events. The resort project could be seen as part of this strategy, an attempt to soften North Korea’s image as a militaristic, oppressive state and instead present it as a destination for leisure and relaxation. However, the video probably underscores the skepticism surrounding this narrative, with experts or commentators noting that without significant political reforms or sanctions relief, such projects are unlikely to succeed in attracting the kind of tourism Kim envisions.

The report may conclude with a reflection on what the seaside resort reveals about Kim Jong Un’s priorities and leadership style. On one hand, it demonstrates his ambition to modernize North Korea and secure economic stability through unconventional means like tourism. On the other hand, it highlights the disconnect between his grandiose projects and the dire needs of his population, as well as the practical barriers posed by North Korea’s isolation. The correspondent might end on a poignant note, perhaps with imagery of the half-finished resort standing empty against the coastline, a symbol of unfulfilled promises in a country where reality often falls short of propaganda.

Read the Full CNN Article at:
[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/09/world/video/kim-jong-un-seaside-resort-ripley-dnt-digvid ]