North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, inspecting products at Bom Hyang Gi cosmetics factory in 2018. (Image via KCNA)

Bye Bye Chanel, North Korea is Boosting Domestic Cosmetics

Kinanty Nadia Putri
Politics & Economic
Economic
Aug 08, 2019
5390
International sanctions seem like a burden to North Korea, but the government swings the move to become self-reliant by promoting the use of domestic cosmetics over foreign brands to its middle-class women.

The beauty industry in the secretive country has become a political strategy under Kim Il Sung’s administrative, but Kim Jong Un is even becoming more focused to promote the potential of domestic beauty brands although he was once dismissive of them.

North Korea is known for its strict regulations for the citizens’ appearance, however, a more strategic position for the current first lady, Ri Sol Ju, who has been making several public appearances with a short haircut and colorful suits mark the regime's further interest in cosmetics.

For several times, Kim and his wife have also visited the state-run Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory.

The factory was first established in the 1960s and produces over 300 kinds of products including anti-wrinkle creams, lotions, and shampoos.

To encourage more North Korean beauty-conscious women to buy local cosmetics, a local television KRT aired a video showing a woman replacing French beauty products Chanel with domestic products.

In response to this, Chanel said that it did not export any products to North Korea and assumed the items on sale in the country were likely counterfeits or diverted products.

According to the Global Times, North Korean beauty products are exported to China, Russia, Iran and targeting Cyprus and Australia as future markets. Which in May, it shipped the first batch of Unhasu brands to a new boutique in Moscow.

In Russia, North Korean cosmetics have a selling point for their natural ingredients and minimal preservatives.

Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory also claimed that its Unhasu line has received ISO and Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), but those still could not independently be verified.

Source: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/move-over-chanel-north-korea-s-cosmetics-industry-get-state-push-11791172

NorthKorea , KimJongUn , Asia , Economic , Cosmetics , Beauty , Business , Sanctions , Politics