There was an interesting anecdote on one of the lower ranked Channel A News Top Ten reports about a military pistol that Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung have used as a special patronage gift, to favored military leadership. The specially made weapons are regarded as laden with significance in the dynastic mythology. Top Ten showed an older video from North Korea allegedly showing these weapons being given to DPRK generals by Kim Il Sung accompanied by requests to support the succession of Kim Jong Il.
One of these unique pistols reportedly disappeared in August, and it was noticed during a military inspection at the 597 Command firing range. The pistol is called Bektusan ( 백두산 ), named after the iconic volcano in North Korea on the Chinese border. The custom made ceremonial guns have been presented to division commanders or above to acknowledge their service and encourage their future loyalty. The weapons apparently came to be used in military ceremonies since 1980.
It's a design based on the Czech CZ 75 nine millimeter pistol. It appears to be chrome plated and hand engraved. It is said that the name Bektusan engraved in hangul on the frame is from Kim Il Sung's handwriting. The standard issue Bektusan pistol is issued to DPRK special forces.
In the recent past, military commanders have gotten in trouble for misappropriation of resources. It is not unusual for military commands to be involved in economic activities and organizations as part of the government. Alleged corruption by military commanders has resulted in purges in the past either related to economic activity or a systemic response to supply issues and the impact of sanctions on the North Korean economy. The incident of the missing pistol is believed to be of the latter variety. The Top Ten analysts felt it represented a breakdown in military discipline as poorly supplied military units and personnel fend for themselves and their families.
The program reported that DPRK rifles go for 3000 dollars on the Chinese border marketplace an otherwise unattainable sum for an ordinary soldier. The general consensus on the program was that the commander responsible for the safe keeping of the Bektusan pistol is in big trouble. It was speculated that perhaps a soldier took the weapon impulsively. Reportedly a search is underway in the Chinese border region in an attempt to locate the gun. In the event that it isn't found "administrative measures" will be taken against the military personnel responsible for the loss. Even if it was just an ordinary military standard issue 9 mm, and the story is exaggerated, it would cause serious problems for the responsible military command, if it was sold without higher authorization to raise foreign exchange.
The practice of the "respected supreme leader" awarding expensive gifts to high ranking loyal officials is customary in North Korea, a form of social recognition and prestige. It has become more difficult with the sanctions. ( A detailed analysis of North Korean military command organization is available at https://www.38north.org/2018/07/mmadden070318/#_ftnref3.)
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