Kim Jong Un's plan to take on the world of cosmetics

Kim Jong Un praised the factory for helping North Korean women to "be more beautiful". Photo / KCNA

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has taken a break from warmongering and firing ballistic missiles to inspect a cosmetics factory in the country's capital, Pyongyang.

State newswire KCNA reported that his wife, Ri Sol Ju, made a rare public appearance to join him, releasing undated photos of her gazing over his shoulder as he picks up cosmetic products and talks excitedly about make-up, displaying his trademark laugh.

The supreme leader's sister, Kim Yo Jong, also listened intently in the background as he reportedly urged the cosmetics industry to become "world competitive" and praised the factory for helping North Korean women to "be more beautiful".

It seems even dictators can't resist a gift bag of products. Photo / KCNA

The variety of cosmetics gave him great joy, reported KCNA, adding that he said "not only the pattern of their vessels but packing boxes are very nice".

Despite trading regular bellicose insults with US President Donald Trump, North Korea's strongman appears to have been at pains recently to reveal a softer, more benevolent side.

A few weeks ago, he was pictured beaming happily as he picked up a tiny, pink child's trainer shoe at the Ryuwon footwear factory.

According to a Foreign Ministry press release, he said the factory reminded him of the "warm, loving care" his father, Kim Jong Il, had for the North Korean people, and stated that the buzzing sound of production was like a "powerful song of advance by the army".