From the Wikipedia > Construction began in 1987 but was halted in 1992 as North Korea entered a period of economic crisis after the dissolution of the Soviet U

From the Wikipedia > Construction began in 1987 but was halted in 1992 as North Korea entered a period of economic crisis after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. After 1992, the building stood topped out, but without any windows or interior fittings. In 2008, construction resumed, and the exterior was completed in 2011. > Construction of the Ryugyong Hotel was intended to be completed [...] in 1992; if this had been achieved, it would have held the title of world's tallest hotel. Also fun fact is that "Ryugyong" translates to "capital of willows". It's fascinating how critical and important willows have been to cultures around the world