[1] They are used primarily for hauling non-express passenger trains on mainlines in North Korea;[2][page needed] they are frequently seen on the P'yŏngŭi Line.

Internally, in terms of their electrical and mechanical components, the Red Flag 2000-class locomotives are based on the Red Flag 1-class, but with Bo-Bo wheel arrangement, riding on two-axle roller bearing bogies.

The boxy body is of a hood-type design, with a cab at one end, external walkways around the long hood.

[3] At least 43 were built, numbered 붉은기2001 to 붉은기2043, and most are painted in the standard light blue over dark blue livery, though a few have been noted in the newer two-tone light green over dark green scheme.

[4] This is a feature shared with rebuilt locomotives of the Red Flag 1 and Red Flag 2 classes, but it is not known if this means this unit has been rebuilt.