＜Inside N. Korea＞ Kim Jong-un Harshly Condemns Official Entertainment as "Mega Crime" - Private Restaurant Rooms Shut Down in Hyesan, Citizens React with Skepticism

Kim Jong-un has issued an unusually strong criticism of corruption among Workers' Party officials. At a late January Party Central Committee Secretariat meeting, he severely reprimanded officials for accepting drinking entertainment, calling it a "serious criminal case." In Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, this immediately triggered investigations into restaurants used for entertaining officials, causing local upheaval. While this appears to be part of Kim's ongoing "fight against corruption," citizens' reactions remain cold. (HONG Mari / KANG Ji-won)

◆What's Behind This "Mega Case"?

At the expanded Secretariat meeting on January 27, Kim stated:

"Serious cases that gravely infringing upon the dignity, rights and interests of the people have occurred"

According to the Korean Central News Agency, a "mega case" occurred in Oncheon County, Nampo, where over 40 party officials received drinking entertainment. In Usi County, Jagang Province, there was reportedly a "mega crime" violating local residents' property.

It's nothing extraordinary - simply cases of officials receiving bribes and drinking entertainment from citizens.

In North Korea, taking bribes for favors is commonplace. Whether it's turning a blind eye to violations, allowing people to skip organizational activities to do business, or even facilitating defection - bribes make things happen. Against this backdrop, the strong language seems greatly exaggerated.

◆Private Rooms for Officials Demolished

However, local cities are already in turmoil. Kim's statements have triggered crackdowns on "entertainment incidents." A reporting partner in Hyesan, Ryanggang Province, said:

"Restaurants are in chaos with investigators from the city party organization department looking into official entertainment. Some restaurants had secret private rooms called 'golbang' - they're interrogating staff and shutting these rooms down."

What are these 'golbang'? The reporting partner explained:

"Better restaurants have them tucked away in corners, where people with favors to ask entertain officials. Dinner starts around 100 yuan (approximately $20). There are even back doors to these rooms for discretion. They're so popular you need reservations."