North Korea vies with Lancome, Chanel
/ Yonhap
By Rachel Lee
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has made unfavorable remarks on the quality of its own cosmetics produced by the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory.
According to the Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper in Japan, Kim pointed out the poor standard of the products, especially its mascara, which falls far below that of foreign cosmetics brands.
“Eyeliners and mascaras produced by foreign brands are all water-proof, but with those domestic ones, everything smudges after you yawn, giving ‘raccoon eyes’,” the newspaper quoted the leader as saying.
Kim also ordered the factory workers to improve the quality of the products up to the level where they compete with global beauty giants including Christian Dior, Chanel and Lancome.
In North Korea, the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory churns out “Unhasu” line, and another maker in Sinuiju produces “Bomhyanggi” brand items.
The supreme leader is often spotted visiting the factory.
He made a visit with his younger sister Kim Yo-jong, vice department director of the North’s Central Committee, to inspect the plant last month, the Rodog Shinmum reported.