After an outbreak of COVID-19 last spring, North Korean state media reported that pharmacies struggled to provide medicine for treating infections, an issue that was apparently serious enough to require Kim Jong Un to directly intervene.
But photos obtained by NK News show that even as the country dealt with the unprecedented health crisis, pharmacies still managed to offer a type of cosmetic product that has been growing in popularity in the DPRK for years — hormone treatments and supplements aimed at making people taller.
After an outbreak of COVID-19 last spring, North Korean state media reported that pharmacies struggled to provide medicine for treating infections, an issue that was apparently serious enough to require Kim Jong Un to directly intervene.
But photos obtained by NK News show that even as the country dealt with the unprecedented health crisis, pharmacies still managed to offer a type of cosmetic product that has been growing in popularity in the DPRK for years — hormone treatments and supplements aimed at making people taller.
Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks
-
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations,
analysis
-
Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
-
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in
the loop
-
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
-
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting,
investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe
now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
