In a photo taken on June 5, 2017 a traffic security officer stands on duty at an intersection in Pyongyang. Officially known as traffic security officers but universally referred to as traffic ladies, they are chosen for their looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects. They must leave the role if they marry, and have a finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26. (Photo by Ed Jones/AFP Photo)

In a photo taken on July 29, 2018 instructor Kim Ju Yang (20) holds a North Korean- made assault rifle as she poses for a portrait at the Meari shooting range in Pyongyang. The Meari shooting range offers customers the opportunity to shoot a number of North Korean and foreign- made firearms, most of which have been modifed to fire .22 calibre ammunition costing one US dollar per round. (Photo by Ed Jones/AFP Photo)

In this undated photo provided by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un tries a weapon during his three-day inspection from Aug. 3 until August 5, 2023 at major munitions factories in North Korea. Independent journalists were not given access to cover the event depicted in this image distributed by the North Korean government. The content of this image is as provided and cannot be independently verified. Korean language watermark on image as provided by source reads: “KCNA” which is the abbreviation for Korean Central News Agency. (Photo by Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Photo)

Agricultural workers are rice-transplanting at the Namsa Co-op Farm of Rangnang District in Pyongyang, DPRK, on Tuesday, May 25, 2021. (Photo by Jon Chol Jin/AP Photo)

People visit the Mansu Hill to lay flowers to the bronze statues of late leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on the occasion of the 108th birth anniversary of Kim Il Sung in Pyongyang, North Korea Wednesday, April 15, 2020. (Photo by Alamy Live News)

Members of the Moranbong Band from North Korea wait inside the lobby of a hotel in central Beijing, China, December 11, 2015. North Korea's premier pop group, the all-girl Moranbong band formed by leader Kim Jong-Un, is electrifying audiences in China in shows aimed at harmonising out-of-tune ties between the traditional allies, reports and the venue said on December 9 – but tickets are not available to the public. (Photo by Reuters/Stringer)

North Korean girls in similar bathing suits stand under a shower at the Songdowon International Children's Camp, Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in Wonsan, North Korea. The camp, which has been operating for nearly 30 years, was originally intended mainly to deepen relations with friendly countries in the Communist or non-aligned world. But officials say they are willing to accept youth from anywhere – even the United States. (Photo by Wong Maye-E/AP Photo)

A woman walks in central Rason city, northeast of Pyongyang, August 29, 2011. (Photo by Carlos Barria/Reuters)