fitness, tracker, phone
A new Bluetooth fitness tracker advertised on North Korean telecom Kangsong’s mobile app has received starkly different reactions from residents in Pyongyang versus those outside the capital.
The advertisement appeared on Oct. 1, 2023, on the Kangsong Mobile Communications 3.0 app. Posted by the Chungsong Information and Communications Technology Exchange Center, it promoted a new line of Bluetooth-enabled fitness tracking watches, highlighting their comfortable fit and variety of colors designed to appeal to women, all at what was described as an affordable price point.
The response to this product launch has revealed a sharp divide between the capital and provinces. In Pyongyang, the advertisement generated considerable interest, particularly among middle-aged women who praised the device’s aesthetic options and pricing. “Pyongyang residents are naturally attuned to the latest technologies and trends,” a source told Daily NK. “They’re very conscious of their appearance and will even skip meals to maintain it.”
However, in the provinces, the reaction has been markedly different. A worker in his 40s at a North Hamgyong province machine factory dismissed the product entirely: “It’s ridiculous to think you can track your fitness with a watch. I’m on my feet all day at work, then helping with my wife’s business morning and night. When would I even have time to check it?”
Another North Hamgyong province resident pointed out practical challenges: “They claim the battery life is long, but charging it at home isn’t realistic. I’d have to charge it at work when we have power, but then I’d need to watch out for my team leader. If I had that kind of spare time, I’d rather spend it figuring out how to earn extra money.”
The skepticism runs deeper than mere practicality. Some provincial residents even view the devices with suspicion, suggesting they could be surveillance tools. “Given all the investigations and crackdowns around here, wearing such a watch could lead to serious trouble,” the second North Hamgyong resident noted.
These responses highlight how many North Koreans, particularly those struggling with basic necessities, view new technology advertisements with a mixture of indifference and distrust. The contrast between Pyongyang and provincial attitudes toward the fitness tracker reflects broader societal divisions within North Korea.
Daily NK works with a network of sources in North Korea, China, and elsewhere. For security reasons, their identities remain anonymous.
Please send any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean