In 2011, Eric Clapton embarked on a world tour, with his first performance taking place in Singapore on February 14th.
Among the audience that day was Kim Jong-chul, the older brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un.
Just months earlier, on November 2nd, Kim Jong-chul reportedly sent instructions to a European embassy staff member, referred to as Mr. A.
The instructions requested photos of the theaters where Clapton would perform, along with their internal arrangements of seating.
Kim specifically listed 11 concerts across 8 countries, including Hong Kong, England, and the UK.
Mr. A responded two days later.
He compiled Clapton's 2011 world tour schedule, all detailing performance dates from February to June.
Four days after that, he reported back with the requested photos and seating arrangements.
Twenty days after the initial request, Kim Jong-chul issued a second instruction to Mr. A.
It read: "Secure 10 tickets for the June 6, 2011 concert at Hartwall Arena in Helsinki, Finland. Ensure the best seats possible."
Mr. A reported reserving a total of 12 tickets for 2,366 euros, including 4 tickets at 219 euros each and eight at 186 euros each.
Four days later, he confirmed that the 12 tickets would be sent via pre-arranged plane on December 2nd.
An additional 12 tickets priced at 85 euros each, presumably for security personnel, were also confirmed.
[Lee Yun-geol/Representative of North Korea Strategic Information Service Center]
"I received reports that were compiled and delivered within 2-3 days, or even on the same day, under orders from Kim Jong-chul. Additionally, I obtained detailed information on how goods were transported to Pyongyang, which accounts were utilized, and the type of currency used for the purchases."
On December 13th, Kim Jong-chul issued another request.
It stated: "Identify 4 members names for the 2011 tour and what they'll be performing."
Mr. A reported back with the names of each members, while the specific performance details were difficult to obtain, he would continue investigating.
Lee Yun-geol, head of the North Korea Strategic Information Service Center, said he had obtained confidential information about Kim Jong-chul from a high-ranking North Korean official and confirmed the facts.
Starting on the 19th, YTN will be revealing various North Korean internal secrets obtained by Lee Yun-geol every Thursday through our new YouTube content series, "North Korea Exploration."
This is Kim Seung-jae reporting for YTN.
YTN 김승재 (sjkim@ytn.co.kr)
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