North Korea leader orders production of world-level cosmetics

By Jun Ji-hye

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently visited a cosmetic factory in Pyongyang and ordered the production of cosmetics that can compete with world-famous products, according to the North’s state-run Korea Central News Agency (KCNA), Sunday.

Kim expressed his satisfaction with the completion of the 29,200 square-meter factory with more than 1,000 machines, the KCNA said.

“The factory has been built to a high standard so the practical interests through integrated manufacturing and business management can be guaranteed,” Kim was quoted as saying. “The factory produces not only a variety of cosmetics but also provides quality. This can help women fulfill their dreams of becoming more beautiful.”

Stressing the need to be self-sufficient in cosmetic production amid harsher economic pressure and sanctions from the international community, Kim ordered the factory officials to produce a greater variety of products and upgrade them through the study of foreign cosmetic industries, the KCNA noted.

Kim pointed out that eyeliners and mascara produced by world-famous brands are waterproof, ordering the factory officials to improve the North’s products.

Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, accompanied the inspection, escorted by Kim’s younger sister, Yo-jong, and other officials of the ruling Workers’ Party.

In May of 2015, pro-North Korea newspaper in Japan, the Choson Sinbo, reported that Pyongyang’s cosmetics factory launched a new line, branded “Milky Way,” or “Eunhasu” in Korean.

The newspaper added that functional cosmetics or hypoallergenic products were also being developed by the factory.

Observers say the Kim regime’s reform drive in the beauty industry may have something to do with the influence of his wife whose fashion style has drawn keen attention from outside the country.