5 Weird North Korean Rules

For its residents, North Korea maintains highly stringent laws. How does it feel? North Koreans (North Korea) are subject to some of the strictest laws in the world because their nation is one of the most restrictive communist societies. Some groups, however, thought the ban in the nation run by Kim Jong Un was harsh. Here are 5 absurd bans that have been imposed in North Korea:

1. No joking while you're grieving

In December of last year, North Korean officials enacted an 11-day ban on laughing. This was due to Pyongyang's mourning of the 10th anniversary of the passing of Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un and the second North Korean leader.

A local of the northern border town of Sinuiju remarked, "We must not consume alcohol, laugh, or partake in leisure activities during the grieving period."

Pyongyang also requested that the police implement strong enforcement of this guideline in order to bring order. Anyone who doesn't publicly express their feelings of grief will come to the notice of the police. 

2 Avoid listening to K-pop music

This rule was allegedly implemented by North Korea at the beginning of 2017. According to reports, the authorities are cracking down on vehicles with dark windows to catch North Koreans who are secretly watching footage from South Korean media.

According to reports, the North Korean administration is anxious. The nation of Kim Jong Un doesn't want citizens to listen to and watch K-pop music and movies while riding in cars or cabs, especially young people.

North Koreans are reportedly forbidden from listening to music and other forms of Western and Japanese culture in addition to Kpop.

3. Denim is not permitted

Jeans are acceptable for North Koreans to wear, but they must be a dark hue, like black. The reason behind this was that North Korea's adversary, the United States (US), was seen by the government of the country as representing capitalism through blue jeans.

4. Avoid sporting foreign hairstyles

North Korea punishes its citizens harshly for using garments from other nations to arrange their hair, in addition to their apparel. Additionally, it prevents the inhabitants of that nation from absorbing Western culture.

5. Only traveling abroad for work-related reasons is permitted

A fugitive from North Korea said on the North Korea-related website NK News that the Pyongyang administration disapproves of its residents leaving the country without permission. The elites were no different in this regard.

Being elite in some situations can make traveling overseas more challenging. Top party officials are not allowed to travel outside of Korea for fear of leaving the party.

One of the North Korean fugitives named Lee claimed, "Elites working in sectors such as economics, diplomacy, national security, and gunpowder are given permission to go abroad only if their occupations necessitate them to do so."