Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: K-Beauty

For many years, North Korea’s anti-globalization stance has caused the country to be very isolated from the rest of the world. Influences and products from other countries are strictly banned and citizens are subject to extreme punishments if caught with movies and goods from the outside world. Despite North Korea’s anti-globalization approach, many citizens are finding ways to smuggle products from around the world. One of the rising trends of smuggled goods consists of K-beauty from South Korea. Given the country’s extreme isolation, awareness of K-beauty products is made possible through the shows and movies watched on illegal USB drives by brave women. Through these smuggled USB drives, North Korean women learn about unique and foreign concepts of beauty and freedom of 

expression.

Danbi Kim a North Korean defector now living in South Korea created her own niche through transporting illegal makeup, skincare and fashion to North Korean women. Danbi would export large quantities of banned K-beauty products to North Koreans fuelling a large resistance movement in North Korea. As a symbol of resistance, females would wear banned makeup and clothing in public as proof of knowing and seeing the outside world as well as displaying courage to openly defy the regime.

Despite North Korea’s attempts to prevent citizens from knowing the outside world, the effects of globalization continue to fuel the transportation of K-beauty products. The use of advanced technology allows North Koreans to witness true information of other countries and become fascinated with unique ideas of beauty. This growing resistance of North Koreans using makeup and fashion proves the effects of globalization to be inevitable. Globalization is not dependent solely on decisions of political leaders, but also individuals who desire changes in their society. No matter how the regime suppresses their people, the desire to connect and understand the world around them continues to grow aided by globalization effects.

References

Lebsack, L. (2019, May 18). Lipstick, Hair Dye, & Power – How Beauty Is Fueling A Revolution in North Korea. Refinery29. https//www.refinery29.com/enus/2019/05/232645/ north-korea-beauty-products-makeup-smugglers