China is developing an MP9 electronic device targeted at North Korean consumers. The next iteration in the MP7/MP8 series, the MP9 is expected to feature improved resolution and new capabilities, including automatic media deletion and viewing history editing.
“A new device called the MP9 is being designed here in China,” a source told Daily NK recently. Developers are considering various form factors, including a foldable design.
The MP9’s automatic media deletion feature stands out as particularly significant—it’s designed to help users evade North Korean authorities’ strict monitoring of foreign media consumption. This planned capability suggests developers understand North Korean users’ needs and want to reduce their risk of being caught with prohibited content.
“The developers are upgrading basic specs like image quality to boost user engagement. But more importantly, they’re adding sophisticated features specifically to encourage North Korean media consumption. They seem determined to make foreign media a regular part of North Koreans’ daily lives,” the source explained.
Purpose-built devices for evading detection
The MP7 and MP8 devices already circulating in North Korea appear purpose-built for that market. The MP8 notably lacks or disables radio and Wi-Fi functions, helping users avoid detection during police sweeps.
“This isn’t just another cheap Chinese device—it was designed from the ground up for North Korean users. It doesn’t have features Chinese consumers would expect and isn’t even sold domestically,” the source noted.
The devices ship with SD cards containing media content. Initial shipments included Chinese TV shows, documentaries, and educational videos with Korean subtitles. Some content was reportedly included at North Korean brokers’ request.
Crucially, the source indicated these devices aren’t simply private sector products. There are signs that groups linked to the Chinese Communist Party or Chinese police are involved in development, and the devices are being shipped into North Korea following unofficial export guidelines.
“While there haven’t been official government orders, there’s talk that exports to sensitive areas like North Korea are being strategically overlooked. People have expressed surprise at how easily these devices enter North Korea without being blocked by the Chinese government,” the source said.
A way to prevent defections into China
Some Chinese observers view the device distribution as more than commercial activity—they see it as an information campaign targeting North Korean citizens.
“The Chinese thinking is that if North Koreans find satisfaction in their lives through Chinese media, they won’t need to risk crossing the river into China. This is a psychological operation designed to build better understanding of China while preventing issues like North Korean defections,” the source explained.
The North Korean government is cracking down on the already widespread MP7 and MP8 devices. However, the Chinese plan to continue developing new devices like the MP9 that can directly influence North Korean lives and attitudes.
“The Chinese have adopted a strategy of quietly introducing devices into North Korea and exposing North Koreans to the culture and messages they contain. They believe this will gradually change North Korean attitudes over time,” the source said.
