Unification Media Group (UMG): Earlier this year, Daily NK sources reported that the North Korean government began installing CCTV cameras to address the growing number of robberies, and that factories and other businesses have followed suit. Today we are speaking with reporter Kang Mi Jin for an update on the security camera market.
Kang Mi Jin (Kang): We have seen merchants react very quickly to news that officials in government offices were intending to purchase CCTV cameras. Many of these enterprising merchants went out and purchased CCTV cameras in bulk, and they are now widely offered for sale in the markets.
A source in South Pyongan Province recently told me that there have been countless incidents involving the theft of important documents, so office managers have begun to install cameras within their offices, or plan to do so in the near future.
The market for these security cameras is quite strong, causing vendors to invest in sourcing good quality products. Many see such products geared primarily towards officials as a safe bet, especially during the recent slowdown in consumer spending at the markets.
UMG: So security cameras can commonly be found in the markets now?
Kang: As the majority of large and small factories, businesses, and government offices continue to demand security cameras, the number of merchants selling these specialized items is increasing. High demand and a surge in vendors has caused intense competition in terms of price and quality as well.
A source in Ryanggang province informed me that Ministry of People’s Security and State Security offices mostly look for expensive, high quality cameras to install in their sensitive document storage facilities.
While security cameras are being smuggled in across from China and are available in the markets in the border areas, the products coming out of Pyongyang are more popular due to their slightly cheaper prices. People are trying to find any connection they can to the capital to try and source one from the market networks there instead.
UMG: Can you explain the kinds of robberies that have caused the sudden demand for security cameras?
Kang: There were a string of incidents this year involving attempts by people to smuggle lecture materials and other official documents over the border. The authorities decided that they needed to formally address the problem, handing down a requirement that all government offices across the country install security cameras to prevent any further incidents.
But many have yet to purchase any cameras due to their high cost. Some managers have offered special benefits to anyone who purchases a camera for them or have used their influence to pressure more affluent workers into procuring one.
UMG: In South Korea, CCTV cameras can be seen almost everywhere, from businesses and offices to the streets. People also install them in their homes to keep watch over their items, children, and even pets. How extensive is the use of CCTV in North Korea now?
Kang: It doesn’t really compare to the numbers seen in South Korea. Although some major cities like Pyongyang and others near the Chinese border began installing CCTV cameras in the streets in the late 2000s, the amount of robberies has only continued to rise.
In South Korea, there are cameras on the streets even in the smallest of villages, but this is absolutely not the case in the North. For the government, the focus seems to be on document storage facilities. Interestingly, state-run enterprises seem to be acquiring their cameras through workers who are active in the market sphere and have the best connections.
UMG: How much do these security cameras cost in the markets?
Kang: Unlike in the South where people have all kinds of options at the checkout counter, people in North Korea have no access to credit and don’t trust the concept of it to begin with.
Cameras coming out of Pyongyang are currently being sold for around 2,000-2,500 KPW, or about $250-$300 USD. This is about twice the price of similar items sold in South Korea.
The source informed me that German-made cameras are the most expensive and that these are the preferred choice for government offices. Businesses and factories tend to go with cheaper products manufactured in China.
