North Korean authorities have intensified their crackdown on residents’ attire and hairstyles, recently designating the “rooster hairstyle” and “revealing clothing” as antisocialist behaviors, warning of forthcoming enforcement.
The “rooster hairstyle,” characterized by hair tied high on the head, is reportedly inspired by North Korean pop star Hyon Song-wol. Meanwhile, the trend of “revealing clothing” is said to have been influenced by the attire of Kim Ju-ae, the daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
According to Radio Free Asia on August 14, in a lecture targeting the entire population, North Korea announced the prohibition of such styles, labeling them as antisocialist behaviors that undermine the image of the socialist system. This move has sparked criticism of double standards.
A resident source from North Hamgyong Province, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, reported to Radio Free Asia on August 12 that last week, residents were subjected to a video lecture emphasizing the ban on such styles.
The authorities, in the video, said violators could face three to six months in a labor training camp and, in some cases, even reform through labor. Offenders caught with the prohibited hairstyle may be forced to cut their hair as part of their punishment.
The source explained that the “rooster hairstyle” involves tying long hair up to the crown of the head while letting the bangs cover the forehead and partially obscure one eye, a style that immediately reminded viewers of Hyon Song-wol, who frequently appears alongside Kim Jong-un at events.
The hairstyle, resembling a rooster when viewed from behind, has become popular among young women, particularly following its appearance during recent footage of the North Korea-Russia summit.
However, residents have expressed dissatisfaction with the ban, with some questioning whether people are expected to look like machines, noting that even covering the forehead and eyes with bangs are now prohibited. There is growing discontent over the regime’s attempts to impose uniformity on diverse personal preferences.
A separate anonymous source from North Pyongan Province confirmed that the authorities have recently been stressing socialist living standards to the population. Last week, they held a video lecture aiming to eradicate the growing antisocialist trends in society.
The “rooster hairstyle” and “revealing clothing,” which have gained popularity among young women, particularly in Pyongyang, were highlighted in the video with examples of women caught violating the ban, mostly from Pyongyang. The authorities have also banned light clothing, popular during the summer, on the grounds that revealing outfits have a negative social impact and are considered antisocialist.
Despite this, residents are resisting the bans, arguing that it is excessive to prohibit revealing clothing, especially when Kim Jong-un’s own child have appeared in similar attire. They question why the same outfits are deemed antisocialist or antigovernment when worn by the people.
The source added that some residents openly criticized the government during the lecture, pointing out that the authorities do not provide clothing but still impose antisocialist standards on what people wear. There is growing resentment toward the government’s actions, which residents feel unjustly punish them for their personal choices.
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
