Well-off North Korean women are taking a greater interest in their physical appearance. There are generational differences in this beauty trend, with young women dieting to stay slim while middle-aged women are taking treatments to reduce wrinkles.
“Affluent young women in Chongjin are eating less and exercising more as they watch their weight. People used to regard plumpness as a sign of good health, but now thin is in,” a source in North Hamgyong province told Daily NK on Monday.
This reflects the impact of South Korean culture, the source explained. Beauty standards in South Korea — where a thin figure is considered prettier than a chubby one — have permeated North Korea.
“Young women in their 20s and 30s often repeat expressions and follow trends from South Korean videos. For example, women often talk about going on a diet while discussing their weight with their friends. The regular use of the word ‘diet’ indicates how interested young women are in maintaining their figure,” the source said.
Middle-aged women turn to Botox and imported cosmetics
But young ladies are not the only ones concerned with their appearance. Middle-aged women with money to spare are spending large sums on skin care.
Women in this age group, who are keen to smooth out their wrinkles, are on the lookout for news about Botox procedures, which can remove wrinkles by relaxing muscles.
“Women in their 40s and 50s want to get rid of wrinkles so they can look as young as possible. This would be inconceivable for people living hand to mouth, but women who have already covered their expenses for the year gladly spend money on Botox injections,” the source said.
In North Korea, the cost of Botox treatment varies wildly. But even on the low end, the source said, a single shot costs 10,000 North Korean won.
Wealthy middle-aged women sometimes take shots recommended by their doctor and sometimes buy trending shots at the marketplace.
Since market activities are closely policed by the government, these women often arrange for vendors to meet them somewhere else or hire somebody else to pick up the shots and deliver them to their home, the source explained.
These women are also eager to purchase imported cosmetics that are supposedly good at reducing wrinkles.
“For women who don’t have to worry about their next meal, what they’re most interested in is their appearance. The way this plays out depends on the age group, with younger women focused on their figure and middle-aged women most interested in skin care and aging skin. But ultimately, the goal is the same: staying young and looking beautiful,” the source said.
Reporting from inside North Korea
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