22 Weird Laws of North Korea by Kim Jong Un!

Step into the fascinating world of Kim Jong's North Korea, a country concealed in mystery and suspense. This isolated country, nestled on the Korean Peninsula, has attracted the world's interest with its unique political system, strong control over its population, and a collection of laws that frequently flout conventional conventions. Prepare to confront a tapestry of complex and, at times, odd restrictions that control the daily lives of its people as we delve into the depths of North Korea.

Kim Jong Un

Beyond its towering propaganda sculptures and beautifully choreographed parades is a society where strange laws influence the fabric of daily life. North Korea gives a view into a parallel universe where individual freedoms frequently take a back seat to communal allegiance, from restricted haircuts and controlled media access to three-generation penalties and state-approved marriages.

Join us as we investigate the lesser-known features of North Korea's legislative structure, where jeans are considered illegal clothing, foreign literature is carefully regulated, and public shows of affection are frowned upon. Discover the complicated labyrinth of rules that govern everything from personal fashion choices to religious expression.

1. Jeans are not Permitted!

Jeans are considered a symbol of Western culture in North Korea and are therefore outlawed. Citizens are discouraged from wearing denim and are encouraged to dress in traditional attire or apparel that reflects their socialist views.

2. Marriages Permitted by The State: 

To marry in North Korea, one must first acquire permission from the authorities. The state has a substantial involvement in marriage arrangements and has the authority to reject partnerships that it deems improper or not in the best interests of the country.

3. Access to Foreign Literature is Controlled!

The import and distribution of foreign literature is seriously regulated by the North Korean authorities. Outside books, magazines, and other written material are severely regulated, and only sanctioned literature that coincides with the government's philosophy is permitted.

4. Religious Freedom is Being Restricted!

Religious activities are restricted in North Korea, and a personality cult centered on the ruling Kim family is promoted. Any religion other than the state-sanctioned Juche ideology is strictly prohibited, and underground religious activity can result in severe punishment.

5. Participation in political events is required:

North Korean citizens are compelled to attend political activities such as rallies, parades, and public demonstrations. Non-participation or lack of enthusiasm during these occasions might be interpreted as a sign of disloyalty, with dire consequences.

6. Foreign tourists have restricted access:

Interactions between North Koreans and international guests are strictly controlled. Most tourists are restricted to specified locations and must be escorted by government-appointed guides. North Koreans are typically discouraged from associating with foreigners, and unauthorized interaction is a criminal offence.

Photo: David Guttenfelder/AP

7. Control of hairstyles and clothing:

The North Korean government maintains strict rules about how residents' hair should be styled and what apparel they can wear. Both men and women are expected to adhere to strict dress regulations that reflect socialist beliefs. Men, for example, are discouraged from developing long hair, but women are encouraged to wear their hair shorter.

8. Restriction on public displays of affection: 

In North Korea, public shows of affection, such as embracing or holding hands, are frowned upon. In public, physical contact between spouses is considered unacceptable and can result in criticism or even punishment.

9. The prohibition on international phone calls: 

The majority of North Koreans do not have access to foreign phone calls or communication. The government tightly controls telecommunications and bans communication with the outside world.

10. Access to foreign languages is Restricted:

Foreign language learning and use, particularly English, is discouraged in North Korea. To maintain ideological control, the government promotes the value of the Korean language and restricts exposure to foreign languages.

11. Unauthorized Gatherings are Prohibited:

In North Korea, gathering in groups without permission from the government is illegal. Unauthorized gatherings, whether for socializing or discussing political issues, are viewed as a potential danger to the regime's rule and are rigorously watched.

12. Control over the display of the national flag:

The red star and hammer sickle on North Korea's national flag are considered state symbols. Its use is strictly restricted, and inhabitants are expected to treat the flag with the highest reverence. Mishandling or insulting the flag can have serious ramifications.

13. Foreign travel is controlled.

North Korean nationals suffer substantial restrictions while travelling abroad. They must get official authorization to travel overseas, and ordinary citizens are rarely granted such permission. Travel is strictly controlled by the government for security reasons as well as to prevent any defections.

14. Foreign cash is strictly controlled: 

The use and possession of foreign cash is strictly regulated in North Korea. Most citizens are prohibited from possessing or trading in foreign currency without authorization. Violations of these rules can result in harsh penalties, including imprisonment.

15. Internet access is restricted: 

North Korea's internet access is severely restricted and controlled. Most citizens do not have access to the global internet and instead rely on a limited domestic intranet known as "Kwangmyong." Unauthorized access to foreign websites or communication platforms is illegal, and online activities are strictly monitored.

16. No Laptops & Television Allowed!

North Koreans will never be able to acquire the aforementioned brands' iPhones, TVs, or laptop computers! Because of the government's strategy of separation the people of this country know very little about electronics and technologies.

Photo: Flickr/Roman Harak

17. North Korean Prison Rules!

The camps are thought to house some 200,000 North Koreans. They were arrested on suspicion of political offences. If a person is convicted of a political offence, his entire family gets imprisoned. If a prisoner escapes, his entire family will be slaughtered. Malnutrition kills 40% of the captives detained in these concentration camps. Many of them are condemned to hard labor for apparently fair lengths, yet they frequently work themselves to death.

Photo: Uritours

18. North Korean Calendar

North Korea employs a calendar unique from the rest of the world, known as the Juche calendar. Everything begins on April 15, 1912, the birthday of their cherished revolutionary leader, Kim Il Sung.

Photo: AFP

19. Their single genuine leader is Kim Il Sung.

Kim Il Sung, North Korea's first leader after the communist revolution, died many years ago, but he is still regarded as the country's leader. That is why his son and now grandson were able to take over so effortlessly after his predecessor died.

20. A crime is considered an insult to Kim and his family.

Under Kim Jong un's authority, all North Koreans must vow loyalty and obedience to him, his family, and the state. Anything that could be seen as an insult to Kim's family is deemed blasphemy by the North Korean regime and is harshly punished. This applies to both North Korean immigrants and tourists. Anything deemed a threat or insult will result in jail or even execution. Many are also familiar with the case of Otto Warmbier, an American citizen and student who was visiting North Korea as part of a guided tour group when he was arrested at Pyongyang International Airport while awaiting departure after attempting to steal a billboard from his hotel room. Warmbier was imprisoned and tortured.

21. Every Night Power Cut in North Korea!

North Koreans experience power outages every night as a result of the country's energy crises, and using electricity requires authorization, and owning a microwave is forbidden.

22. Service in Military is Mandatory!

North Koreans are all obligated to serve in the military. Men have ten years and women have seven.

Conclusion:

As we come to the end of our investigation of North Korea's peculiar laws and regulations, we are filled with astonishment and intrigue. The legal environment of North Korea offers an image of a country strictly regimented by a particular ideology, from the controlled hairstyles and dress choices to the rigorous prohibitions on foreign media and international communication. All photo credits goes to their real owners.

As North Korea's leader, the enigmatic figure of Kim Jong un has a crucial role in influencing the country's policies. However, it is critical to recognize that the unique laws we've reviewed are the result of the North Korean government's collective judgements and methods. While the outside world may regard these rules as unusual or even oppressive, they reflect the North Korean regime's core beliefs of collectivism, loyalty, and the maintenance of a distinct national character. These regulations, while strange to outsiders, are inextricably linked to the country's political structure and its pursuit of a self-sufficient communist state.

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