North Korea Bans ‘Rooster Hairstyle’ and Revealing Clothes: What’s Behind the New Fashion Crackdown?

Free Asia Broadcasting (RFA) reported that North Korea had banned the “rooster hairstyle.” The rooster hairstyle involves long hair being tied back partially. Furthermore, residents were prohibited from wearing sheer clothing as it was “anti-communist.”

North Korea officially banned “rooster hairstyles” and “revealing clothing” during a nationwide workshop. Another source from North Pyongan Province stated, “The ‘rooster hairstyle’ and ‘revealing clothing’ have recently become popular among young women nationwide, especially in Pyongyang. Most of the cases shown in the video were from incidents reported in Pyongyang.”

Those violating the ban could face 3 to 6 months of labor training. In some cases, they might even receive re-education sentences. This labor training resembles community service orders in South Korea.

Ironically, Kim Ju Ae’s fashion was deemed to be highly similar to the recently banned fashion styles.

A resident from North Hamgyong Province reported, “Last week, they held a video workshop for locals that focused on banning the popular ‘rooster hairstyle’ and ‘revealing clothing.'”

The source explained that the “rooster hairstyle” involves “long hair styled up at the crown, with bangs covering the forehead and one eye.” They added, “Most people who watched the video immediately thought of Hyun Song Wol, who often appears at events with our leader, Kim Jong Un.”

RFA reported that the hairstyle resembles a rooster’s tail from behind, a style notably enjoyed by Hyun Song Wol, a deputy director of the Workers’ Party.

It was noted that Hyun sported this hairstyle during the recent North Korea-Russia summit. The source criticized the authorities for their stance on this fashion, questioning why it’s considered anti-communist and anti-regime when residents wear similar styles, especially when Kim Ju Ae, the leader’s child, has appeared in similar outfits.

They further lamented that some residents find it contradictory for the party to apply anti-communist and anti-social standards to clothing, primarily since the party does not provide clothing to the people.