Kim Jong-un's Favorite North Korean Cigarettes Gain Popularity in China
The '7.27' cigarettes, known to be favored by North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, are gaining popularity in the Chinese market as a high-priced premium product.
According to reports from North Korean specialized media Daily NK, North Korean 7.27 cigarettes are being sold for 500 yuan (approximately 96,000 won) per carton in the cities of Dandong and Shenyang in Liaoning Province, China.
This price is up to six times more expensive than the average price of Chinese cigarettes (80–120 yuan), reflecting the high interest of Chinese consumers in North Korean cigarettes. In particular, the 7.27 cigarettes are sold in two packaging styles: a deep red and a light gray, with the light gray product being perceived as more premium and consequently enjoying greater popularity.
Secrets of Distribution Channels for North Korean Premium Cigarettes and Consumer Reactions
Local sources indicate that Chinese consumers who have tried the 7.27 cigarettes express satisfaction with the quality, stating, "It does not disappoint," "It really is worth the money," and "It’s no wonder Kim Jong-un smokes this." Such positive reviews are contributing to a growing demand for North Korean cigarettes.
The sources explain, "North Korean cigarettes have been smuggled for a long time and sold here," adding, "Especially for high-end cigarettes like 7.27, you had to ask specifically to bring them in, but nowadays, they are slowly being smuggled through illicit trade." This indicates that unofficial trade activities at the North Korean-Chinese border are still actively taking place.
The product name 7·27 is derived from the date of the signing of the Korean War Armistice on July 27, which North Korea commemorates as 'Victory Day.'
Even within North Korea, the light gray packaged 7.27 cigarettes are classified as a top-tier product, making them a rare commodity that ordinary residents find difficult to obtain—even on special occasions such as holidays.
Image source: kcna, North Korean cigarettes, with the 7.27 cigarette in the center / Daily NK
