Kim’s sister spotted with suspected luxury Chinese foldable phone

Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of North Korea’s supreme leader, has been spotted with what appears to be a Chinese-made foldable phone.

Images released by state media on Sunday showed Kim holding the phone in her right hand during a trip to a hospital opening alongside her brother, Kim Jong-un.

Although the brand name cannot be seen in the picture, the phone closely resembles the Chinese brand Honor’s “Magic” line, advertised as “the world’s thinnest foldable smartphone”.

The V3 model of the phone sells for around US$1,379 – well out of range of the average North Korean, who analysts say typically earn up to US$3 a month in state-run industries.

Kim’s family is known for their love of gadgets.