Kim Jong Eun has sent 2.1 billion won (US$2.02 million) to
pro-Pyongyang group the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon), North Korea’s Chosun Central News
Agency reported Friday.
The funds are reportedly earmarked for scholarships and “educational assistance,” including the “democratic, ethnic
education of the children of Korean-Japanese.”
The organization is believed to have received 160 payments from the North Korean
regime since Kim Il Sung came to power; a total of 47.3 billion won
(US$45.5 million). Offerings are
typically made in the days prior to the April 15th public holiday celebrating the birthday
of Kim Il Sung (Day of the Sun).
Chongryon has been under financial pressure of late, culminating in the loss of their central Tokyo headquarters after complaints they owed creditors close to 62.7 billion yen.
