How the few freedoms North Koreans enjoyed have vanished since the pandemic
SEOUL — The border city of Hyesan once offered a glimpse of a more open version of totalitarian North Korea. It was flourishing in a way that could almost be called capitalist, and residents could easily learn about the outside world in China, located just across a narrow river.
Not anymore. A city that once exuded hope now exemplifies how Kim Jong Un has dramatically expanded his authoritarian controls to erode North Koreans' few freedoms, according to residents of and escapees from Hyesan.
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Chinese Satellites Capture Latest Position of North Korea's Damaged Warship
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The second North Korean destroyer, which was damaged during a botched launch into the water last month, has been moved to a repair facility near the country's border with Russia. Newsweek has reached out to the North Korean Embassy in China for comment by email. Why It Matters While North Korea continues to enhance its nuclear and missile capabilities, leader Kim Jong Un is pushing for naval modernization as part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's conventional military power. However, an accident occurred during the launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer, which Kim described as a "criminal act" that "could not be tolerated." Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch... Imagery released on June 9, 2025, by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows a North Korean navy ship undergoing repairs inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard following a botched ship launch in May. More MizarVision What To Know Following the accident, North Korea was seen deploying suspected balloons to assist in the recovery of the destroyer, according to satellite imagery. Last week, state media reported that the warship had been righted for repairs, confirming earlier satellite observations. Kim has reportedly set a deadline for its restoration ahead of a party Congress later this month. Undated imagery released on Monday by Chinese commercial satellite firm MizarVision shows the damaged North Korean destroyer inside a dry dock at the country's northeastern Rajin shipyard—near Russia's border—undergoing repairs following the May 21 accident. Citing satellite imagery captured by California-based Planet Labs, NK Pro of the South Korea-based media outlet NK News reported that the North Korean destroyer was seen being moved into the Rajin shipyard's dry dock on Sunday with assistance from support vessels. Yu Jihoon, a researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said the North Korean shipyard is capable of conducting "modest repairs and maintenance," CNN reported. The shipyard is located near Rason Port, NK Pro noted, where North Korea and Russia are suspected of engaging in weapons trade using cargo ships. North Korea has been supplying arms to Russia for its war against Ukraine, in exchange for military hardware from Moscow. "Restoration of the damaged warship could accordingly move faster if it involves replacing Russia-sourced electronics or weaponry damaged in the capsizing," NK Pro said. Newsweek has also reached out to the Russian Foreign Ministry for comment by email. A second undated satellite image from the Chinese commercial provider shows damage to infrastructure at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard, near the city of Chongjin, southwest of Rajin, where the destroyer partially capsized during its launch. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. The damage to infrastructure is seen at North Korea's northeastern Hambuk shipyard in the city of Chongjin, on June 9, 2025. MizarVision What People Are Saying The Korean Central News Agency reported on Friday: "After restoring the balance of the destroyer early in June, the [field restoration promotion team] moored it at the pier by safely conducting its end launching on Thursday afternoon … The next-stage elaborate restoration is to be carried out at the dry dock of the Rajin Dockyard for the period of 7-10 days." South Korea's newspaper The Dong-A Ilbo said on Monday, citing a South Korean government official: "The North Korean leader is believed to have ordered the ship's restoration to be completed before the Workers' Party plenary session later this month … Given the tight schedule, North Korea will likely need support from Russia." What Happens Next It remains to be seen whether North Korea will be able to complete repairs to the destroyer before Kim's deadline. It is unclear what consequences, if any, will follow if the deadline is missed.
