{"id":"aigc-v0-e6a6b4d4-ebbb-5f82-98ce-8cec345f6dc3","title":"K-Beauty Buzz: The Truth Behind Viral Skincare and a North Korean Connection","description":"Discover why South Korean beauty products are dominating social media and explore the surprising, often overlooked, connection North Korea has to the global beauty market, particularly in the realm of hair products. This article clarifies the 'K-beauty' phenomenon and highlights truly viral South Korean skincare and makeup.","timestamp":1772168476,"category":"travel_and_lifestyle","headline":"K-Beauty Buzz: The Truth Behind Viral Skincare and a North Korean Connection","modifiedHeadline":"K-Beauty: Viral Trends & North Korea's Link","subCategories":["scid_2a17ed6a"],"subcategoriesName":["Makeup and beauty"],"region":"IN","bundleMetaData":{"bundleId":"2d454d2c-cfc1-4c8b-8521-dcb732e290ba","bundleTitle":"Glamour tips","cardData":null},"iabCategoryId":"559","fcSummary":"the k-beauty craze isn't driven by north korean products, but south korea's innovative brands. while north korea's state-run cosmetics are local only, its labor contributes to hair product manufacturing in china, often rebranded. viral south korean gems include the tir-tir cushion, anua heartleaf toner, medicube booster, beauty of joseon sunscreen, and rom&nd lip balm.","summary":"K-beauty's viral fame clarified: It’s South Korea, not North Korea! Unexpected link revealed – NK labor aids hair product production.","ctaUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/fashion/IN/en/feedpost-specials/aigc-v0-e6a6b4d4-ebbb-5f82-98ce-8cec345f6dc3?byte=true","sourceUrl":"https://trends.glance.com/newz/fashion/IN/en/feedpost-specials/aigc-v0-e6a6b4d4-ebbb-5f82-98ce-8cec345f6dc3?byte=true","bannerImage":"https://g-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/fc/image/bNnQKMOz7gW0.webp","content":"

\n Unravel the mystery behind the K-beauty craze! Learn which South Korean products are truly viral and uncover an unexpected link between North Korean labor and the global beauty industry.\n

The K-Beauty Phenomenon

In recent times, South Korean beauty products, collectively known as K-Beauty, have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity, becoming a dominant

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force in the global skincare and makeup market. Platforms like Instagram and TikTok are saturated with recommendations and reviews of these innovative products, making them a constant topic of discussion among beauty enthusiasts worldwide. While this trend has led to widespread recognition for South Korean brands, it has also fueled a misconception: that North Korean beauty items are the ones experiencing this viral fame. However, the reality is quite different. Due to stringent international sanctions and North Korea's largely isolated economy, the export of its domestically produced beauty products to international markets is practically non-existent. Therefore, the K-Beauty products captivating global audiences are exclusively from South Korea, not their northern counterparts.

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North Korea's Hidden Role

While North Korean beauty products themselves aren't found on international shelves, there's a fascinating, albeit indirect, contribution from the country to the global beauty industry. North Korea does possess its own state-operated cosmetics brands, such as Pomhyanggi and Unhasu, which are primarily marketed and distributed within the country by state media for local consumption. These products are not accessible to consumers outside of North Korea. The significant, yet hidden, connection lies in North Korean labor, specifically in the production of semi-finished hair products. Each year, substantial quantities of these hair materials are exported to neighboring China. In China, these materials are then processed, finalized, packaged, and legally branded as 'Made in China' goods. This means that many popular beauty items, especially trending false eyelashes and wigs that you might encounter online, likely have their origins in North Korean labor, even though their final label indicates a Chinese origin.

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Top Viral South Korean Gems

Shifting focus to the South Korean beauty products that are genuinely setting the internet ablaze, several items stand out for their widespread appeal and effectiveness. The TirTir Mask Fit Red Cushion has garnered immense attention for its exceptional performance as a cushion foundation, delivering a long-lasting, luminous 'glass-skin' finish that remains impeccable throughout the day. For those battling redness and irritation, the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner has become a go-to solution. Its potent heartleaf extract offers a calming effect, making it a favorite for acne-prone skin. In the realm of at-home skincare devices, the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a standout gadget, praised for its ability to significantly enhance product absorption, resulting in a radiant complexion. Sunscreen innovation is represented by the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics), which has gone viral for its lightweight, non-greasy feel and complete lack of white cast, doubling as a hydrating moisturizer. Lastly, the Rom&nd Glasting Melting Balm has redefined lip trends with its highly pigmented, glossy finish that mimics the appeal of 'tanghulu' fruit, providing a plump and juicy look that lasts.

\n","readDurationInMinutes":"6","author":{"name":"Feedpost Specials","logo":"https://glance-mob.glance-cdn.com/public/bubble/jpeg/d7fdd6b5-4bee-4287-ab8a-8958c18b6f7c.jpeg"},"ism":false,"analyticsResponses":[],"pointerSummary":["K-Beauty products from South Korea are trending globally, not North Korea's.","North Korea exports hair product materials to China, used in many popular beauty items.","Viral South Korean products include TirTir cushion, Anua toner, Medicube device & Rom&nd balm."],"tags":["KBeauty","SouthKorea","NorthKorea","BeautyIndustry","Skincare","HairProducts","ViralBeauty","TikTokBeauty","InstagramBeauty","Sanctions","MadeInChina","TirTir","Anua","Medicube","BeautyOfJoseon","Romand","FalseEyelashes","Wigs","GlobalBeautyMarket"],"consent":true,"redirectionEnabled":false}

K-Beauty Buzz: The Truth Behind Viral Skincare and a North Korean Connection

SUMMARY