Although foreign goods are still not allowed to be imported into North Korea, the country’s government recently requested local manufacturers to produce footwear which resembles that of renowned international brands such as Nike, adidas, Asics and more.

According to the Associated Press, Kim Kyong Hui of Pyongyang’s Ryuwon Shoe Factory declared, “The respected leader Kim Jong Un has instructed us to closely study shoes from all over the world and learn from their example.”

As seen in the AP’s photographs, look-a-like basketball, soccer and running silhouettes are displayed at the sneaker producer’s showroom. Journalists from The Guardian visited this factory in November last year. It is said that as a personal gift from Kim Jong Un, a pair of Adidas can be seen lying at the side of the production line to motivate workers to mass produce replicas for their fellow comrades.

Sources stated that North Korea’s sectarian attitude remains unchanged, however, the nation now aspires to boost domestic production as well as to satisfy the cravings for foreign products of social elites.

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