In North Korea, fashion choices are not just a matter of personal style but can also have political implications. Recently, the authorities in the reclusive state have cracked down on specific hairstyles and clothing choices seemingly favored by Kim Ju-ae, the daughter and prospective heiress of leader Kim Jong-un.
One of the banned hairstyles is the „rooster hairstyle,“ which features some hair tied at the crown of the head while the remaining hair falls freely with bangs covering the forehead and reaching just above one eye. This trend was popularized by former North Korean songstress and aide to Jong-un, Hyon Song-wol. Both Jong-un’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, Ju-ae, have been seen sporting this hairstyle.
In addition to the rooster hairstyle, the authorities have also banned clothes made from sheer fabric that reveal flesh and expose the wearer’s arms. These seemingly innocuous fashion choices have been labeled as „anti-socialist phenomena“ that need to be eradicated. Those found violating these rules could face up to six months of hard labor or ideological re-education in prison, with the offending hairstyle also being cut.
Ju-ae, believed to be between 10 and 12 years old, has been seen wearing blouses with see-through sleeves at public events. Observers have noted her mature appearance and the power she exudes in freely choosing and wearing what she wants. The crackdown on these fashion choices has heightened anticipation over Ju-ae’s next public appearance and her sartorial choices.
The banned fashion choices were reportedly popular among young women in Pyongyang, with the authorities using examples from the capital city in a video lecture to educate residents on what is considered unacceptable. This crackdown has sparked speculation among observers about whether more types of fashion will be banned in the future.
Overall, the restrictions on hairstyles and clothing in North Korea serve as a reminder of the tight control the authorities exert over all aspects of society, including personal appearance. Fashion choices that may seem trivial in other parts of the world can carry significant political implications in this reclusive state.