North Korea’s wealthy still crave South Korean cosmetics despite crackdown
Demand for South Korean cosmetics among North Korea’s wealthy elite shows no sign of slowing, and smugglers have begun repackaging the products into Chinese containers to slip past increasingly strict customs checks. “Even a passing reference to South Korea can bring punishment in North Korea, but preference for South Korean cosmetics remains high here,” a […]
North Korea's affluent class maintains a strong desire for South Korean cosmetics, despite the government's recent crackdown on smuggling. Smugglers have adapted to stricter customs checks by repackaging products into Chinese containers to avoid detection, according to sources in Ryanggang province. The demand for South Korean cosmetics among the wealthy, known as "Donju," has extended beyond adults to their children, becoming a symbol of economic power, connections, and social influence.
Users form social circles by sharing information about obtaining the products and their experiences, making them more than just a display of wealth. As customs inspections become stricter, traders are transferring the contents of South Korean cosmetics into Chinese containers, disguised as Chinese products, to circumvent the checks.
Popular brands include Sulwhasoo from AmorePacific and Gongjinhyang from LG Household & Health Care's luxury Whoo line. These premium products, priced between 100,000 and 200,000 South Korean won, are highly sought after by North Korean traders, who face the risk of selling fakes if the contents are not genuinely South Korean.
Written by urgent.news from Daily NK's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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