What is inside Kim Jong-un's special train with 'pleasure brigade'?

Take a look the travelling habits of the North Korean dictator.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, aside from being known for the absolute control he exerts over his country, is also known for his extravagant lifestyle.

Former Russian official Konstantin Pulikovsky's book Orient Express sheds light on the lavish travelling habits of the North Korean leader, especially his use of the 'pleasure brigade'.

Like his grandfather and father, the Kim Jong-un prefers to take the train, reportedly harbouring a fear of air travel. It has served as the official rail conveyance for North Korean leaders since it was gifted to Kim Sung-Il by Joseph Stalin.

The rail, which is said to have a maximum speed of 60 kmph, can reportedly only achieve a top speed of 37 mph, due to the sheer weight of the armour placed on it, as well as the cargo it carries, which includes Kim Jong-un's personal Mercedes car.

According to a 2009 article in the South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, intelligence reports indicate that the train is comprised of 90 carriages.

The rail reportedly has a green and yellow livery on the outside, while the interior is 'finished in bright white and furnished with tables and flat-screen monitors'.

Pulikovsky, in his book, says that the train is equipped to serve an exquisite list of dishes, which include French wine, prawns, and pork, during Kim’s journeys. This claim has also been backed by various Russian officials who travelled with the leader of the East Asian country.

“It was possible to order any dish of Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese and French cuisine,” wrote Pulikovsky.

Aside from the food, the most notable part is his 'pleasure brigade' on the train, according to a report from News18.

The 'pleasure brigade' is made up of young women from across the country, specially chosen through a rigorous selection process to serve as hostesses on board. The women are hired to serve Kim Jong-un exclusively and reportedly receive a hefty salary, earning over $3,000.

Pulikovsky's book states that among the criteria for selection, being a virgin is one, and this is reportedly examined by a team of doctors, among other examinations of the candidates.

In 2015, the government launched a campaign to search for tall, slim, and beautiful women. The West views these women as Kim Jong Un’s sex slaves.

When the dictator travels on the train, other trains are halted to allow uninterrupted travel. The train is secured by troops inside it, along with approximately 100 security personnel at each station the rail will pass by.

Air Force cargo aircraft and MI-17 helicopters are also deployed, along with three security trains that run in front of or behind Kim's train.

(With NYT inputs)