Sweden Opened North Korea to Manufacture Noko "Nuoke" Jeans
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July 12, 2025
"Every detail of 'nocco' jeans tells a real story, and that's exactly why they exist. They're not just clothing—they're an experience, more intriguing than a book," said a Swedish department store, which now sells belts and jeans featuring the "Made in North Korea" logo. The Noko-branded jeans are produced by North Korean companies at a cost of 1,500 SEK (approximately $217) each and will be available alongside Levi’s and other premium brands in a Stockholm department store. The first 1,100 pairs have already been ordered.
Swedish advertiser Jacob Osterlen revealed that his team has spent the past year searching for partners in North Korea. Initially, they approached a major clothing manufacturer, but after several challenges, they eventually partnered with a textile mill owned by the country's largest mining company. "There's a huge political, psychological, and economic gap, and it's incredibly difficult to get in touch with North Korea every time," Osterlen admitted. "But we want to bridge that gap and get closer to this country."
Sweden is one of only seven nations with an embassy in Pyongyang. In the past, North Korea even requested that Sweden bring an ironing press and send Adobe Acrobat software to open digital documents. After being turned down by the country's top textile firm, the team found a solution with a mining company that runs a small textile operation.
"It's quite common in North Korea for companies to operate across multiple industries," Osterlen explained. "Many of their businesses are very diverse, and they don’t always stick to one sector." This unique approach allowed the partnership to move forward, creating a rare connection between Sweden and North Korea through fashion.