[2] Given the Sŏngun Red Flag class name by Kim Jong Il (much like the prototype of the Red Flag 1 locomotive was given its name by Kim Il Sung),[2] the new locomotive is the first to be built in North Korea with asynchronous motors.

[2] The twin-cab body rides on two two-axle, self-steering bogies with a computerised braking system.

[2] It is equipped with a computerised operation control system with four LCD display screens in each cab.

[5] Although the KCNA report claimed that this was developed domestically, the control system is made by CNR Dalian in China.

"[2] and the opening of the Songdowŏn Line on 23 September 2014 was marked by a special inaugural train pulled by the prototype.