Cosmetic Surgery on Rise Among N. Korean Women: Survey

More North Korean women are seeking plastic surgery in a bid to resemble South Korean actresses, a recent survey of defectors showed.

"A new generation of North Korean defectors dress according to the trends and undergo plastic surgery," said Kim Sung-kyung, a professor from the University of North Korean Studies, which conducted the survey.

The survey sought to glean information about consumption patterns among young North Koreans, who, unlike previous generations, have grown up having access to markets.

Smart phones are also popular as a fashion item

Kim said 41.

9 percent of new generation defectors in South Korea had owned a smartphone before they defected. Around 14 percent of the female defectors surveyed said they bought a smart phone because they were fashionable.

The North has had a mobile network since 2008, but activity is reportedly strictly monitored.

Moreover, 44.

4 percent of young North Korean defectors said they bought clothes based on how trendy they were among peers, while 29.6 percent said they...