The hidden meaning of the outfit of the first lady of North Korea
First Lady Ri Sol-ju attracted attention on the red carpet of the inter-Korean summit with a spring-colored dress.
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North Korean First Lady Ri Sol-ju smiles as she is greeted by South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook at the Peace House on April 27. Photo: Yonhap |
The event on April 27 not only marked the first time South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un met, but also the first meeting of the two countries' first ladies.
Ms. Ri arrived at the Peace House on the south side of the Panmunjeom joint security zone for the reception in a pink-orange dress without accessories.The Korea Herald described that all eyes were on the elegant appearance of Mr. Kim's wife as she stepped out of the luxury limousine.Ri did not wear the hairpin she had often worn at previous events and instead carried a black purse and had her hair half tied up.
South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook greeted her counterpart in a light blue dress.
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The leaders of North and South Korea and their two wives take photos at the Peace House. Photo: Yonhap |
Local media commented that Ms. Ri and Ms. Kim's outfits complemented each other, with the color of the North Korean first lady's dress symbolizing "the coming of spring," the season of new beginnings, hope and peace.
"I'm a little embarrassed to be here because I can't contribute anything," Ri said when President Moon said his wife had prepared the Peace House to welcome the North Korean leader.
Despite this being their first meeting, the two ladies appeared to be close and quickly struck up a friendly conversation. They held hands, put their arms around each other’s waists, and hugged each other until they left.
Ms. Ri is believed to be about 28 years old and has three children with Mr. Kim.She first appeared in North Korean media in 2012 and quickly attracted public attention at home and abroad thanks to her highly regarded fashion sense. Previously, she often wore dark-colored dresses, but her recent outfits have shifted to bright tones.
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Ms. Ri and Ms. Kim chat at the party. Photo: Yonhap |
In early March, in a pale pink dress, North Korea's first lady and her husband hosted a reception for the South Korean delegation in Pyongyang.
The media also praised Ri's outfits when she accompanied Kim to China late last month. She is seen as a role model and fashion inspiration for young North Korean women. One North Korean defector said that whenever she appears on television, the first thing people care about is what she is wearing.
