Yeonmi Park, a North Korean defector and human rights activist, has made allegations regarding Kim Jong Un’s practice of selecting 25 virgin girls annually to join his “Pleasure Squad.” According to Park, these women were chosen based on their physical appearance and allegiance to the regime.
Park stated that she herself was considered for this role twice but was ultimately not chosen due to her family background. She described the selection process, explaining that officials would meticulously search classrooms and schoolyards for attractive candidates.
These candidates would then undergo scrutiny of their family history and political ties. Any association with defectors or individuals from South Korea or other countries would result in disqualification.
Following this initial screening, the selected candidates would undergo medical examinations to confirm their virginity. Even minor imperfections such as small scars could lead to rejection during subsequent medical evaluations.
Park emphasized the rigorous nature of the selection process, highlighting that only a few girls from across North Korea would ultimately be chosen. Once selected, their primary role would be to serve and satisfy the desires of the dictator in Pyongyang.
Kim Jong-II, the late leader of North Korea, thought that “engaging in sexual relations with young teenage girls would grant him immortality.” At the age of 70, he passed away in 2011 after a huge heart attack. Park clarified that Kim Jong-Il came up with the concept of this “pleasure squad” in the 1970s.
In 1983, Kim Jong-Il established a second “Joy Division” for his personal use. Park explained that the composition of the pleasure squad has evolved over time due to the distinct preferences of all three leaders regarding women.
She elaborated, saying, “Kim Il-Sung had more traditional tastes in women, given his older age, thus forming his own group called the Pochonbo Electronic Ensemble. Kim Jong-Il created his own pleasure squad known as the Wangjaesan Light Music Band.”
Park noted differences in body types preferred by the leaders, mentioning, “Kim Jong-Il had a preference for women taller than 160cm [approximately 5’2″], considering his own short stature. The women chosen by the older Kim tended to have rounder faces.”
As for Kim Jong-Un, Park observed that he tends to select more slender women for his personal entourage, showing a preference for taller, more Western-looking individuals.
“There are rumors suggesting that his wife was initially part of the Pleasure Squad,” Park added.
