According to Daily NK, an online newspaper specializing in North Korea, Kim Jong-un’s personal staff, the members of the 5th division, lead privileged lives, and with the young leader’s halo shining behind them, they even look down at Hwang Byung-seo, who is known to be the second in command in North Korea. (Image : Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan.15 (Korea Bizwire) – According to Daily NK, an online newspaper specializing in North Korea, Kim Jong-un’s personal staff, the members of the 5th division, lead privileged lives, and with the young leader’s halo shining behind them, they even look down at Hwang Byung-seo, who is known to be the second in command in North Korea.
The source of the information from Pyungannamdo reportedly said on a phone call with Daily NK that the staff of the 5th division were given titles as ‘royal bodyguards’ and wear army uniforms even though they are not soldiers. “Kim Jong-un’s barber, tailor, typist, massage therapist and janitors all belong to the 5th division, and because of the fact that they are close to Kim Jong-un, they even look down on Hwang Byung-seo, who is the political director.”
The source continued explaining the privileges of the workers in the 5th division. “The cleaners all work at the same level as colonels. The professional massage therapists are paid the same amount as the vice ministers of the ruling party and treated as colonels.”
Nobody could treat Kim Jong-un’s barber badly just because he cuts the leader’s hair. Nurses and cooks have to go through physical checkups everyday, and have to resign if their family is sick, even if they themselves are healthy. Retired workers from the 5th division write an oath not to speak of anything that happens at the leader’s residence and return to where they came from.
The source also commented on the selection process for the 5th division staff. “The first cut is made at each province. Then, dozens of pictures of the beautiful and healthy women who were selected are laid out. Executives make the final selection based on the type of women Kim Jong-un likes.”
He continued on, saying, “Thirty substitutes for each occupation such as barbers, massage therapists, nurses, and any other person who has physical contact with Kim Jong-un, wait to get called in. Those who are on the substitute list cannot get married, and must wait until there is notice from the ruling party.”
The North Korean people are said to be criticizing the maintenance staff of the 5th division. They say it is unfair to give military ranks to those who help lead luxurious lifestyles, when most soldiers have difficulty becoming majors even after serving near the DMZ for 10 years.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
