Kim Jong-un visits cosmetics factory with wife and sister

International Desk: North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has visited a cosmetics factory in Pyongyang, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and sister Kim Yo-jong.

State media released undated photos of the visit on Sunday. Both women are rarely seen in public.

Ms Kim's appearance comes shortly after her recent promotion to a powerful position in North Korea's government.

Foreign luxury goods including make-up have become scarce in North Korea after several rounds of UN sanctions.

Over the years many countries have stopped importing luxury goods into North Korea as a result of sanctions.

North Korea appears to have developed its own cosmetics industry, with reports of local "high-end" brands such as Bomhyanggi and Unhasu becoming popular with consumers.

Though he is better known for his photo ops at military installations and missile test sites, Mr Kim's visit to a cosmetics factory serves an important propaganda purpose in telegraphing the legitimacy of Mr Kim's rule to the Pyongyang elite and middle-class.

He has frequently been photographed at factories and other key sites of North Korea's civilian economy, while state media have claimed significant advances in the production of consumer goods such as 3D televisions and smartphones.

During his visit to the Pyongyang Cosmetics Factory, Mr Kim praised the company for producing "world-level cosmetics" and for upgrading its premises to a level "to be proud of in the world", reported North Korean state news agency KCNA.

Wearing a stylish black and white dress, Ms Ri is prominently featured in the photographs.

Ms Kim meanwhile cannot be identified in the photographs, but the report by state news agency KCNA mentioned she was present along with other top officials.

Little is known of Mr Kim's family and personal life, and family members rarely appear in public. Mr Kim's public appearances are also highly choreographed.

Source: BBC


risingbd/Oct 30, 2017/Mukul