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The North Korean Fast Food Restaurant Chain Owned By Kim Jong Un's Aunt By Alexandra Fay Oct. 13, 2025 7:20 pm EST

Most people don't associate fast food with North Korea, but the Hermit Kingdom has its own version of McDonald's, and it's surprisingly well-connected. Samtaesong is a Pyongyang-based fast food restaurant chain backed by Kim Kyong-hui, the powerful aunt of leader Kim Jong Un and sister of former supreme leader Kim Jong Il. Opened in 2009, the flagship location was launched to introduce burgers and fries to local diners.

Samtaesong's existence reflects more than just culinary novelty. State media claims it's wildly popular, with reported expansions in several cities. But in a country where most citizens can't afford fast food, those claims

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