North Korea Expands Prison Construction Amid Increased Surveillance

On June 23, satellite images revealed the construction of an X-shaped building in North Korea, indicating a significant increase in the establishment and expansion of prisons (교화소) since late 2023. According to NK News, a U.S.-based outlet specializing in North Korean affairs, the country has been expanding its nationwide prison construction projects, introducing a new 'X-shaped detention structure.' The report confirmed that at least ten new prison construction sites have been identified since the end of 2023.

This surge in prison development coincides with North Korea's intensified efforts to promote loyalty and crack down on ideological deviations. NK News noted that these new facilities are expected to improve living conditions while enhancing surveillance and control capabilities, suggesting a modernization of the prison system. There are indications that Kim Jong-un may be moving towards formalizing and publicizing parts of the country's prison system, similar to practices in other socialist nations like China.

Satellite imagery shows that three existing prisons and one new facility are being constructed with a similar U-shaped design featuring multiple levels. Notable locations for these constructions include Hamhung, near key military factories linked to Russian arms supplies, Sinuiju near the Chinese border, and the newly established prison in Hwangju, located south of Pyongyang, near the Wonsan-Galma beach resort.

Particularly noteworthy is the prison in the Seonggang County of Jagang Province, which is located near military factories that Kim Jong-un has visited multiple times. Satellite images captured on April 23 showed the foundational structure of the X-shaped building, while images from June 23 depicted a more complete structure. Analysts suggest that the introduction of this new design may indicate that North Korean authorities are experimenting with ideal detention structures or that local authorities have some level of autonomy in their construction projects.

The Mainichi Shimbun cited these satellite analyses, stating that this is the first time the establishment of new prisons in North Korea has been confirmed through satellite imagery, which could serve as evidence of the government's intensified crackdown on ideological offenders. Andrei Lankov, a professor at Kookmin University, mentioned to Mainichi that there are reports of a significant increase in crime in North Korea, alongside a confirmed escalation in ideological control.

The proximity of the newly established Hwangju prison to military bases has also drawn attention. Colin Zwicko from NK News noted that it is likely housing political prisoners and ideological offenders, emphasizing that Kim Jong-un is focused on controlling the entire population.