North Korean defector YouTubers have recently sparked interest by discussing the selection and operation of the so-called Kippumjo in North Korea.
On Tuesday, Han Song-i, a YouTuber who defected 14 years ago, appeared on actress Jeon Won Ju’s YouTube channel, “Mrs.전원주인공”
When Jeon Won Ju inquired about the roles of attractive women in North Korea, Han Song-i revealed that some are chosen for the Joy Brigade, piquing curiosity. She explained that it’s not just about appearance; candidates must be around 165 cm (about 5’4 ft) tall. Jeon Won Ju quipped that she’s not even 150 cm (about 4.9 ft) tall, to which Han Song-i bluntly replied that then she wouldn’t qualify.
Han Song-i further elaborated that above all, you must have impeccable revolutionary lineage. No matter how beautiful or tall you are, if your parents were landowners of ginseng fields, you’d be labeled a counter-revolutionary and disqualified.
When asked if she had undergone plastic surgery to join the Kippumjo, Han Song-i candidly admitted that she wasn’t this attractive in North Korea. After coming to South Korea, she received dermatological treatments and facelifts. Most importantly, she ate well, which greatly improved her appearance.
Han Song-i noted that North Korea also offers teeth straightening and double eyelid surgery, explaining that in South Korea, you go to plastic surgeons or dermatologists, but in North Korea, these procedures are performed in private homes rather than hospitals.
She described the process: There are women who perform surgeries at home. Multiple girls lie in one space while one side is cut and the other is stitched up. Some people who have undergone double eyelid surgery in North Korea even have difficulty fully closing their eyes when sleeping.
Another defector YouTuber, Park Yeon Mi, previously claimed on her channel that Kim Jong Un personally selects 25 virgins annually for his entertainment.
She stated that regime officials visit school classrooms and playgrounds to select girls based on their appearance and political loyalty, adding that those with family members who have defected or relatives abroad are automatically disqualified.
Park Yeon Mi also mentioned that the selection process includes health checks and virginity confirmation, with even minor scars or flaws leading to disqualification. She explained that the chosen girls are organized into three groups responsible for massages, performances, and companionship, emphasizing that their sole purpose is to please the supreme leader.
However, it’s important to note that North Korean authorities do not officially acknowledge the existence of the Kippumjo.