The rare and odd video released by North Korean state media shows Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un taking part in a "day out" at the recently opened Onpo Workers’ Recreation Centre. The footage, which has become quickly viral on social media platforms including X, formerly Twitter, and TikTok, is a stark contrast to the typical military-dominated propaganda typical of the hermit kingdom.
The Visit: Heavy Coats and Hot Tubs
Kim Jong Un is photographed touring the enormous hot springs complex in North Hamgyong Province on a video that went live on the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) page. Even though the indoor spa was steamy, the North Korean leader was still wearing his classic black winter coat and trousers. In the footage's highest peak, a smiling Kim Jong Un was seen sitting on the side of a tiled hot tub dipping his hand in water to check the temperature as he was talking breezily with citizens, mostly women, already sitting near the pools in swimming suits. Users of social media have mentioned the surreal experience – they seem ecstatic, like bathers, but also appear "at attention" as the leader visited the facilities.
North Korea releases a random new video of Kim Jong-un touring a recently opened public spa facility pic.twitter.com/FA8Xh0yT32
— Catch Up (@CatchUpFeed) January 22, 2026
From “Fish Tank” All the Way to Five-Star Luxury
The visit represents a major “redemption arc” for the Onpo resort. In a previously conducted inspection in July 2018, Kim Jong Un famously targeted officials, noting that the hot springs were "worse than a fish tank" and "shabby beyond words." Under his orders for a complete renovation, the site has been converted into North Korea’s biggest hot springs resort. State media reported the leader was also saying that this week's trip gave him "great pride." The architectural elements blended seamlessly with nature.
Big Highlights of the ‘Spa Day’
The Daughter's Presence: Kim’s young daughter, likely Kim Ju-ae, came with him, who has increasingly been featured at important state activities, further sparking speculation of her position as a possible heir.
- Testing Comfort: Kim, in a sequence of activities resembling the “field guidance” concept, tested the mattresses within the hotel rooms and checked out the dining areas at the resort.
- Propaganda vs. Reality: The resort is framed by state media as a “gift to the working people,” but analysts at the Sejong Institute believe the facility is mostly a tool to lure foreign tourists notably from Russia and China to produce hard currency.
Why It Matters
Indeed, the timing of the video is no accident. Experts maintain this “softer side” of Kim Jong Un is under current projection before the Workers’ Party Congress that is going to take place early 2026. By displaying these luxury leisure projects, the regime seeks to create a facade of its internal balance of power and economic advancement in a world facing continuing international sanctions. The Onpo Workers’ Recreation Centre is slated to open fully to the public though select foreign tour groups in February 2026.
