# Red Star OS

> North Korean Linux distribution

**Wikidata**: [Q646983](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q646983)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Star_OS)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/red-star-os

## Summary
Red Star OS is a state-sponsored Linux distribution developed by North Korea's Korea Computer Center for domestic use. It evolved from Fedora Linux and features localized Korean interfaces, serving as the country's primary operating system to reduce dependency on foreign software.

## Key Facts
- Developer: Korea Computer Center
- Inception: July 1, 2014
- Current Version: 4.0 (released January 2019)
- Base Technology: Derived from Fedora Linux
- Native Language: Korean (localized with North Korean terminology)
- GUI Framework: K Desktop Environment 3 (KDE3)
- Notable Alias: 붉은별 (Pulgŭnbyŏl)
- Public Availability: First version (1.0) publicly reported in April 2010

## FAQs
### Q: Why was Red Star OS created?  
A: To reduce North Korea's reliance on foreign software and operating systems, particularly Windows, by providing a state-controlled domestic alternative with localized interfaces and security features aligned with national priorities.

### Q: How does Red Star OS differ from other Linux distributions?  
A: It uniquely incorporates North Korean Korean language localization, includes built-in state surveillance tools, and uses K Desktop Environment 3 instead of modern desktop environments. Its development is state-subsidized and disconnected from global open-source communities.

### Q: Is Red Star OS used outside North Korea?  
A: No verified public usage exists outside North Korea. While technical samples have been analyzed by researchers, its deployment is restricted to sanctioned domestic government, military, and institutional systems.

## Why It Matters
Red Star OS represents one of the few nation-state Linux distributions designed as sovereign technology infrastructure. It demonstrates North Korea's strategy for digital self-reliance amid international sanctions, while providing researchers insights into state-controlled digital ecosystems. Its technical lineage from Fedora Linux contrasts with its isolationist implementation, highlighting how closed societies adapt global technologies for domestic control. The distribution's evolution—from Fedora 9-derived early versions to KDE3-based modern releases—illustrates ongoing attempts to balance usability with ideological alignment.

## Notable For
- North Korea's first domestically developed Linux distribution
- Mandatory pre-installation on all state-issued computers since 2013
- Unique Korean localization using Pyongyang-standard orthography (e.g., "메모리" for memory instead of "메모리")
- Built-in censorship tools blocking foreign websites and keywords
- Longest unsupported development cycle of any major Linux distribution (no public updates since 2019)

## Body
### Development History
- Created by Korea Computer Center (KCC), North Korea's state-run IT research agency  
- Public debut reported in April 2010 via The Korea Times as version 1.0  
- Version 3.0 released April 2012 with public documentation in 2014  
- Version 4.0 launched January 2019 with KDE3 interface  
- No major versions released after 4.0 despite six-year timeframe  

### Technical Architecture
- Base: Derived from Fedora Linux (specifically Fedora 9 core)  
- Kernel: Customized Linux kernel with modifications for local infrastructure  
- Desktop: K Desktop Environment 3 (KDE3) with Qt 3.5.x framework  
- Pre-packaged applications: State-approved tools including "My Country" geography software and "Pyongyang" office suite  
- Security: Mandatory firewall blocking international internet access  

### Localization Features
- Language: Korean with Pyongyang orthography standards (e.g., "메모리" vs. "메모리")  
- Calendar: Modified to honor North Korean anniversaries and leaders' birthdates  
- Branding: Red star motifs throughout interface; desktop backgrounds feature regime symbols  
- Timezone: Pyongyang Time (UTC+8:30), independently maintained  

### Distribution
- Installation: Only available through state-controlled channels  
- Media: Primarily distributed via optical media or pre-installation on domestically assembled computers  
- Target Users: Government agencies, military institutions, and state enterprises  
- Exports: No commercial distribution; sample copies acquired via defector contacts or border markets

## References

1. [Red Star 3.0 Desktop finally becomes public. 2014](https://www.northkoreatech.org/2014/12/30/red-star-3-0-desktop-finally-becomes-public/)
2. [NK Goes for Linux-Based Operating System - The Korea Times. 2010](https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/biz/2010/04/123_63669.html)
3. [Wayback Machine](https://web.archive.org/web/20190518165456/http://www.pyongyangtimes.com.kp/pdf/2019/02/6.pdf)
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Quora