North Korea’s Kumsusan Guesthouse in Pyongyang, its most luxurious palace designated for hosting foreign dignitaries, has reportedly undergone significant upgrades recently. This enhanced activity, revealed through satellite analysis by NK Pro, may suggest preparations for a potential high-profile visit, although no specific plans or visitors have been announced.

The Kumsusan Guesthouse, known for its rapid construction ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit in 2019, recently hosted Russian President Vladimir Putin in June. Both instances featured visible preparatory efforts, such as constructing new parking lots before Putin’s arrival. However, unlike prior visits, there is no widespread speculation or confirmed upcoming visit by any foreign leader at this time.

While there has been some conjecture regarding a possible summit between Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping, diplomatic protocols imply that the next meeting may occur in China, as Kim hosted Xi in Pyongyang during their last summit in 2019. Additionally, North Korea’s strengthening military alliance with Russia may have subtly affected its traditionally strong political relations with China, despite stable trade ties.