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 a 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, her hair half tied back.
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 pose for a photo 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 as President Moon said his wife had prepared the Peace House to welcome the North Korean leader.
Despite the fact that it was their first meeting, the two ladies appeared close and quickly began chatting intimately. They held hands, put their arms around each other's waists, and hugged each other until they left.
Ms. Ri is believed to be around 28 years old and has three children with Mr. Kim.She first appeared in North Korean media in 2012 and quickly attracted attention from both domestic and international audiences thanks to her highly regarded fashion sense. She used to wear 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 banquet 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 look at is what she is wearing.
