North Korea has a reputation for totalitarian government, but aside from political oppression, the nation has some pretty crazy laws that sound like something out of a dystopian novel. From approved hairstyles to prohibitions on foreign music, these are some of the weirdest laws North Koreans have to obey.
1. Only Government-Approved Hairstyles
Forget individual expression—North Korea's got a set of state-sanctioned haircuts that citizens are required to select from. Guys have 10 hairstyles to choose from, and gals have 18. Married women have to have their locks short, and unmarried women may let it be a little bit longer. And no, Kim Jong-un's signature haircut is forbidden for everyone but him.
2. No Foreign Movies or Music
North Koreans are prohibited from hearing foreign music or foreign films. In 2015, Kim Jong-un directed that all cassette tapes and CDs with forbidden songs be destroyed in order to suppress dissent. Viewing American films or distributing pornography can even result in the death penalty.
3. International Calling Is Illegal
Need to call someone overseas? That may cost you your life. In 2007, a North Korean individual was put to death for placing international calls on telephones he had installed secretly in the basement of a factory.
4. Falling Asleep during a Meeting Can Be Fatal
If you're ever in a meeting with Kim Jong-un, do not get caught sleeping at any price. In 2015, North Korea Defense Minister Hyon Yong-chol was killed with an anti-aircraft gun before 100 witnesses for dozing off during one of Kim's speeches.
5. Three-Generation Punishment
In North Korea, punishment does not end with the criminal—it carries over to his or her whole family. If an individual commits a crime, their children, grandparents, and parents can get put into prison camps as well. This law was created to discourage attempts to escape and to maintain loyalty to the regime.
6. No Smiling on Kim Il-sung's Death Anniversary
July 8th is Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, death anniversary. Smiling, loud talking, and even taking part in any form of entertainment on this day is prohibited. The public is required to mourn and, in case of failure, will face harsh punishment.
Final Thoughts
The laws in North Korea are aimed at regulating every movement of its people so they are perpetually loyal to the ruling government. Although some of these regulations sound ridiculous, they have a stern agenda behind them—to keep Kim Jong-un in power.
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