Mysterious Pyongyang: Cosmetics, Beauty Culture and North Korea

"Mysterious Pyongyang: Cosmetics, Beauty Culture and North Korea" offers an in-depth analysis of the cosmetics industry and beauty culture in North Korea. The authors, Chae Su-lan, Nam Sung-wook, and Lee Ga-young, explore the political and social implications associated with the use of cosmetics in North Korea. They shed light on the views of the three North Korean leaders, Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un, and their influence on beauty ideals and the lives of women in the country. This book is the first of its kind to address the role of cosmetics and beauty in North Korean society, providing valuable insights into the governance and cultural norms of Pyongyang. It expresses the hope that the peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula will be promoted through the spread of cosmetics from South Korea and around the world.