Chilling! 5 Unique and Controversial Rules in North Korea

North Korea is known as one of the most closed nations in the world. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, its society lives under various strict rules that regulate almost every aspect of life, from clothing styles to permitted entertainment.

A number of policies implemented by the Pyongyang government are even considered excessive by some parties. These rules reflect the government’s strong efforts to control public behaviour while simultaneously limiting the influence of foreign culture.

Here are five unusual prohibitions that have been enforced in North Korea, as summarised from CNBC Indonesia.

1. Prohibition of laughing during mourning periods

North Korean authorities previously enforced a ban on laughing for 11 days last December. This was because Pyongyang was in mourning to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the death of North Korea’s second leader and Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong Il.

“During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh, or engage in recreational activities,” said a resident of the north-eastern border city of Sinuiju.

To enforce this rule, Pyongyang also requested the police to conduct strict surveillance. Police will monitor anyone who fails to show signs of grief in public.

2. Prohibition of listening to K-pop

Anything related to Western culture is prohibited, including K-pop music. Police are reportedly prepared to take strict action against cars using tinted windows in order to catch North Koreans who are secretly watching videos from South Korean media.

In addition to K-pop, North Koreans are also known to be prohibited from listening to music and other cultural products originating from the West and Japan.

North Korea executed a 22-year-scale young man in public in 2022 because he was caught listening to 70 South Korean (K-pop) songs, watching three films, and distributing them.

3. Prohibition of wearing jeans

North Korean citizens are permitted to wear jeans, but they must be dark colours, such as black. This is enforced because the state authorities consider blue jeans to be a symbol of capitalism from the United States, which is North Korea’s adversary.

4. Prohibition of foreign hairstyles

In addition to clothing, North Korea also takes firm action against citizens caught styling their hair in models and styles from other countries. This is also done to ensure that its citizens are not contaminated by Western culture.

5. Prohibition of travelling abroad except for official business

In a report regarding North Korea, NK News, a defector from the country stated that the Pyongyang government does not approve of its citizens travelling abroad without permission. The elites are no exception to this rule.

In some cases, being an elite can make it more difficult to travel abroad. Top cadres of the Workers’ Party of Korea face restrictions on overseas travel due to fears of defection.

“Elites working in sectors such as economy, diplomacy, national security, and munitions are permitted to go abroad only if their work requires them to do so,” said a North Korean defector named Lee.