＜Inside N. Korea＞The Rapid Expansion of Online Banking: Tracking Citizens' Money? Kim Regime Accelerates E-Money Adoption

◆ Some Avoid It Due to Government Surveillance

According to the reporting partner, the government initially claims that "anonymity is guaranteed." But no one takes this at face value. This is because investigative agencies frequently demand information disclosure from banks. Many people don't want to reveal the source of their money or how much they've transferred to whom, including illegal remittances received from family members who have defected to South Korea or Japan. Reportedly, a significant number of people refuse to use online banking at all.

"When the Security Department (secret police) or Safety Department (police) arrest someone, the bank hands over all the records. People engaged in illegal activities use other people's names or ask merchants to use online banking for them."

Just three and a half years after adopting the "Electronic Payment Law," the spread of electronic currency is proceeding faster than expected. Cash still dominates due to poor electricity conditions, but once electronic payments become mainstream, all records of fund circulation will fall into the regime's hands. There are concerns that control and management of the population will be further strengthened.

※ASIAPRESS communicates with its reporting partners through Chinese cell phones smuggled into North Korea.