Wonsan, North Korea - June 24, 2025: Ri Sol-ju, the wife of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, reappeared in public after a 17-month absence at the completion ceremony of the Wonsan-Kalma Coastal Tourist Area.
She was accompanied by Kim and their daughter, Kim Ju-ae. Ri was seen carrying a Gucci handbag, sparking interest due to international sanctions against luxury goods.
The Wonsan-Kalma resort, a 4-kilometer coastal development, is designed to accommodate nearly 20,000 guests annually and is set to open to domestic tourists on July 1, 2025.
The event marks a significant step in North Korea's efforts to develop its tourism sector. This is part of a broader initiative to revitalize the economy and attract international visitors, particularly from Russia and China.
Ri's reappearance and her daughter's increasing public role may be a strategic move to project family stability. The presence of luxury items raises questions about how they enter the country, potentially through diplomatic channels.