Inside North Korea’s Glittering “Cosmetics Museum”
Picture a tour guide in a flowing traditional North Korean costume, waving to a wall of glossy photographs framed in brass and draped in crimson velvet. That’s how the Kim Jong Suk cosmetics factory in Pyongyang greeted a crew of curious journalists on the 70th anniversary of the country’s founding.
What’s on display?
- The leader’s “hand‑in‑your‑african“ touch: Photos of Kim Jong Un surrounded by smiling workers, with each snapshot framed like a prized gem.
- Guidelines from the top: Signboards outlining the directives Kim delivered during his 2015 and 2017 visits.
- Glass‑case treasures: Chairs, books, and lotion bottles he supposedly touched—each locked away to preserve the moment.
- Comprehensive maps: Diagrams that highlight every step the leader took in the factory, turning a simple walk into a pilgrimage.
Who’s behind this spectacle?
It’s part of a broader trend in Pyongyang: model factories, schools, and other facilities now host rooms dedicated solely to commemorating visits by the Kim dynasty. The “little museums” showcase artifacts supposedly touched by the supreme leader, turning his brief presence into a quasi-religious experience.
Why it matters
Bradley Martin, a journalist who chronicled the Kim family’s reign, explains that these displays are an extension of the cult of personality that began with Kim Il Sung and evolved under Soviet influence. He notes that Kim Jong Il’s propaganda machine further amplified this reverence, turning the ideology into a cultified religious experience.
At their heart, analysts say, these memorials underscore the CEO’s “hands‑on” (well, hands‑symbolic) approach to success—making sense of a factory that, in theory, turns cosmetics into a world‑class product.
Takeaway
Behind the polished brass frames and velvet drapes lies a carefully curated narrative: every photograph, every trinket, every step is a reminder that, in North Korea, the leader’s mere touch can be the secret ingredient to greatness—and a potent reminder that the old touch‑means‑power story is still very much alive.
Kim Jong Un’s “Tour de Commerce” – A Glimpse Behind the Curtain
Why the Supreme Leader is Back in the Workbench
Kim Jong Un has taken up the rolodex of national projects with a vengeance this year, treating factory floors and rail bridges alike as his personal playgrounds. After announcing that North Korea has “accomplished its nuclear ambitions,” he’s been busy walking the line between pride and scrutiny, shaking hands with everything from unfinished power plants to new rail bridges.
Power Plant Pop‑Hellows and Health‑Sector Hints
When Kim drops by a power plant that’s still a work‑in‑progress, he doesn’t just nod politely. He throws a verdict that’s all too often followed by a promise of breakthrough funding. This is all part of the above‑ground “magnate charisma” strategy: the leader personally taps the dollar bills, proving he’s the only thing standing between you and a power outage.
Bag Factory “Great Advice” and Cosmetic Conquests
- Bag factory: Kim took a look, raised an eyebrow, and reportedly gave advice that could have swayed the firm’s operations.
- Cosmetics factory: That place credits a 2015 visit with a new wing and double the soap production. Think of it as a tiny but sparkling miracle factory.
The biggest pattern? Once Kim swings by, funding surges. Whether he’s praising or scolding, the facilities always get a financial boost – a move analysts call the “fatherly leaders” doctrine.
Official Fallout? Possibly
North Korean state media remains tight‑lipped about officials who fell afoul of Kim’s critiques. However, a defector‑run site, Daily NK, hints that some personnel were fired and exiled after a recent factory visit. Either way, the agenda is clear: boost resources, and pity can be relegated to the margins.
Teaching the Teachers the “Kim Way”
User experience at a teacher‑training school in Pyongyang was a trip down memory lane. All the classrooms are decked out with plaques and memorabilia featuring the Kim duo. The guide, a delighted staffer, likened the transformation to a “wonderfully reformed university” thanks to the leaders’ “love and care.”
Is the Market Really Free?
North Korea’s private markets are sprouting, but the core vision remains Kim‑centric. As one analyst noted, “any real reforms might still be boxed by the Supreme Leader’s central role.” In other words, the country can grow its industries, but who’s steering the ship is still Kim.
The Bottom Line: Kim is the King‑maker
Bottom‑line: every trip by Kim is a reminder that the country’s progress hinges on his personal touch. Workers, officials, and factories alike see him as the ultimate guru who “creates miracles and reorganizes everyday life.” Whether the visit is a gentle pat or a stern lecture, the torch of economic development keeps firing bright under his watch.
