A surge in the production of fake eyelashes and wigs has been observed in Sinuiju as locals seek profitable work with minimal initial investment. The trend has spread rapidly, even prompting some middle school girls to skip classes to participate in this growing cottage industry.<\/p>\n
According to a source in North Pyongan province recently, the production of fake eyelashes and wigs in North Korea dropped sharply after the country closed its borders to combat COVID-19, but has picked up again with the reopening of the borders.<\/p>\n
Producing a set of false eyelashes takes approximately a day of overnight work, or two days if done during free time. A wig requires three to four days of intensive labor to complete.<\/p>\n
“Until COVID-19, people considered making fake eyelashes or wigs to be hard work, so few people wanted to do it unless they were destitute,” the source said. “Now, however, when people can’t even afford corn mixed with rice, more and more are doing it, since you can make enough to eat with just elbow grease and no capital required.”<\/p>\n
Before beginning full-scale production, first-time entrepreneurs must undergo 10 to 15 days of training and receive a passing grade from an official at a trading agency affiliated with the provincial trade bureau.<\/p>\n
Since late August, people have been receiving cash – in North Korean won – instead of rice in exchange for their work, the source said, explaining that this is directly related to rising food prices in the country.<\/p>\n
Trade agency officials have recently been paying growers 3,000 North Korean won for 100 thick eyelashes and 5,000 won for thin ones. Producers used to get 500 or 900 grams of rice, but now they get cash.<\/p>\n
Based on Daily NK’s regular survey of North Korean market prices, a kilogram of rice costs about 6,500 won, so 500 grams would cost 3,250 won and 900 grams would cost 5,850 won. Thus, providing cash instead of rice slightly benefits the payer more than the payee.<\/p>\n
In the case of wigs, trading agencies used to provide 5, 8, or 12 kilograms of rice, depending on the size and weight of the product. Now, however, the 12-kilogram payments have been eliminated. Instead, producers receive cash payments ranging from 15,000 won to 30,000 won. Given that 5 kilograms of rice costs 30,000 won in North Korean markets, producers are receiving much less compensation for their work.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Sinuiju locals say some middle school girls have jumped into making fake eyelashes and wigs instead of going to school.<\/p>\n
Usually from low-income families, the girls save all the money they earn from producing fake eyelashes or wigs to support their families, not spending a single penny.<\/p>\n
“Many people are heartbroken by the story of a middle school girl in Sinuiju who – on her own volition – skipped school to work day and night making fake eyelashes and wigs to buy 5 kilograms of rice,” the source said. “It’s painful that a teenager has grown up so quickly, and everyone says it’s heartbreaking to see children working so hard to earn money to support their families.”<\/p>\n