North Korea's Banned Haircuts: A Symbol of Free Expression
28 Approved Haircuts for Citizens
April 1, 2023 by Neil Lawrence
In the isolated nation of North Korea, personal expression is strictly controlled, including hairstyles. The government has a list of 28 approved haircuts for citizens, with 14 styles for men and 14 for women. Any deviation from these styles can result in punishment.
The recent Oscars ceremony highlighted the stark contrast between the free-spirited hair choices of male winners and the oppressive restrictions imposed in North Korea. The long, flowing locks of actors such as Austin Butler and Colin Farrell would be unthinkable in the communist state.
"There's a certain free-spirited quality to long hair," said Dr. Jung-Hoon Lee, a North Korean defector and human rights activist. "It's a way of expressing oneself and showing individuality. That's something that's not tolerated in North Korea."
The approved haircuts in North Korea are often short and conservative, in line with the country's strict social norms. Men are expected to have their hair cut short on the sides and back, while women are expected to keep their hair long and straight.
Any attempt to break these rules can result in punishment, including fines, public humiliation, or even detention. In 2013, a group of North Korean teenagers were arrested for having "unacceptable" haircuts. They were forced to cut their hair in public and apologize for their actions.
The ban on certain hairstyles in North Korea is a reminder of the government's repressive control over its citizens. It is a way of suppressing individuality and enforcing conformity. However, the recent Oscars ceremony shows that even in the most oppressive regimes, the human spirit can find ways to express itself.
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