Decoding the 7·27 Code: North Korean Official License Plates Signal Power Shift
New analysis of North Korean official license plates reveals Premier Pak Thae-song as the likely second-in-command, holding the 0002 plate behind Kim Jong-un's 0001. Discover the meaning behind the numbers.
It's well known that leader Kim Jong-un rides in a limousine with the plate 7·27 0001. But who holds the keys to '0002'? Recent analysis of North Korean state media suggests that the regime's hierarchy is being rewritten through the numbers on their bumpers.
Analysis of North Korean Official License Plates Hierarchy
According to Yonhap News Agency on Dec. 30, 2025, footage from state-run TV shows Premier Pak Thae-song using a vehicle with the plate 7·27 0002. Meanwhile, Choe Ryong-hae, chairman of the parliamentary standing committee, was seen with number 0003. This numeric order is widely interpreted as a reflection of their current standing in the regime's protocol.
Economic Priorities Over Traditional Protocol
Experts suggest this isn't just about cars; it's about the Cabinet's rising influence. Lim Eul-chul, a professor at Kyungnam University, noted that the higher status for the Premier indicates that Kim Jong-un is prioritizing economic accomplishments and livelihood-related areas. The Cabinet has effectively become the 'economic control tower' of the nation.
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