North Korea's strange laws

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, better known as North Korea, is one of the most mysterious countries in the world. Often called The Hermit Kingdom, it is famous for its isolation and extreme independence. However, it's also notorious for its shocking human rights violations. The country is ruled by a dictatorship under Kim Jong-un. Here, laws are some of the most severe seen anywhere.

Let's uncover some of the craziest laws enforced in North Korea!

Picture this: you doze off during a military rally. In most places, you'd just catch some side-eye. In North Korea, it could cost you your life. In 2015, Defense Minister Hwang Pyong-so was executed for napping publicly. The regime made it clear that laziness isn’t tolerated. This wasn't an isolated incident. In 2016, Education Minister Kim Yong-jin faced a similar fate for having “bad posture.” His punishment? Labeled an anti-revolutionary, he was executed too. What a jarring wake-up call!

Now, let’s talk transportation. In bustling cities, bicycles are key for getting around. Not in North Korea! Cycling was banned in the capital, Pyongyang, to push citizens toward motor vehicles. But after the economy collapsed in 1991, most couldn't afford a car. The bike ban was lifted in 1992, yet women were still prohibited from riding bikes starting in 1995. Why? They argued a woman's presence on a bike was "too suggestive." It’s absurd! Evidence shows that men are often more responsible for traffic accidents. Even when the ban was briefly lifted in 2012, it came back. Today, women still struggle for basic transportation rights.

But that's just the beginning. Since mid-2020, no one can wear jeans in North Korea. Kim Jong-un has cracked down on Western influences. This is all because the North views capitalism and freedom as enemies. Women are mostly banned from wearing trousers unless it’s part of a work uniform. If caught, the patriotic Youth League can interrogate them and publicize their names. Talk about a fashion nightmare!

Now, let's dive into hairstyles. Personal style is a form of self-expression in many parts of the world. Not here! In North Korea, extreme hairstyles are forbidden. In 2013, the government released a list of just 28 approved hairstyles. Men can have hair no longer than two inches—unless you’re over 60! Young men must cut their hair every two weeks. Women can only have short hair if they’re married. Otherwise, they’re expected to maintain outdated styles reminiscent of the 1980s.

And just when you think it can’t get crazier, it does. Kim Jong-un decided that no one could share his name. In 2011, everyone in North Korea called Jong-un was forced to change their names. It was a historic move—Kim wanted to stand out. The regime even applied this rule to his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, effectively eliminating her name from circulation too. How’s that for ego?

Communication is another crucial area. In North Korea, communication with the outside world is nearly impossible. International calls are strictly prohibited. The government monitors all electronic communications. Making an international call could lead to death! The fear is that contact with foreigners may expose the bleak reality of life under the regime. In 2014, one man was executed for trying to contact family who had defected. His case was a chilling warning to others.

Housing is similarly grim. Owning a home? That’s a dream for most North Koreans. The government owns all property, assigning housing to citizens as it sees fit. Even moving to the capital, Pyongyang, requires permission. To get around the law, people issue residency certificates under different names but often need to bribe officials to do so. A few cans of cigarettes can smooth the way.

The most bizarre law might be the annual ban on smiling on July 8th. This day marks the death of Kim Il-sung, North Korea's founder. No one is allowed to smile, talk loudly, or engage in celebrations. Those caught defying this rule face imprisonment. Just a few years ago, authorities extended a ban on laughing for 11 days for mourning purposes. In North Korea, even joy is forbidden!

Then there's the internet—or lack thereof. Most citizens can't access the global internet. Instead, they have a controlled intranet, which is severely monitored. State officials may get limited access, but that’s about it. A few government-controlled sites barely scratch the surface compared to the vastness of the World Wide Web.

Dreaming of the future? Not in North Korea! Jobs are assigned to citizens based on government needs. Everyone is assigned a lifelong position with little room for movement. For young graduates, the assignment means they could end up as farmers indefinitely, with no say in the matter.

Religion? Forget. In the West, religious freedom is celebrated. In North Korea, practicing faith can lead to imprisonment. The state is largely atheist, viewing faith as a threat to government loyalty.