Role models: A file photo of Jong-un (right) with Ju-ae (centre) and his wife Ri, both of whom are sporting the ‘rooster’ hairdo. — AFP
If you have been tying your long hair in a half-up half-down fashion or have clothes with sleeves made from sheer fabric that show off your arms, you might want to consider both a wardrobe change and new hairstyle.
That is if you live in North Korea, where the authorities have reportedly cracked down on a specific hairdo and clothes seemingly favoured by Kim Ju-ae, daughter and prospective heiress of leader Kim Jong-un.
The authorities in the reclusive state organised a video lecture for local residents, telling people that the “rooster hairstyle” and “clothes revealing flesh” were banned, US-funded news service Radio Free Asia (RFA) reported on Thursday.
The rooster, or half-up half-down, hairdo 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, a trend popularised by former North Korean songstress and aide to Jong-un, Hyon Song-wol.
Jong-un’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, and their daughter, Ju-ae, wear their hair similarly.
Translucent clothes that reveal flesh and expose the wearer’s arms have also drawn the authorities’ ire. Both are seemingly banal fashion choices but were flagged as “anti-socialist phenomena that have a negative impact on society” and elements that need to be “eradicated”.
Those found to fall foul of the rules could face up to six months of hard labour or ideological re-education in prison. The offending hairstyle will also be cut.
Ju-ae has previously been seen wearing blouses with see-through sleeves as recently as at a public event on May 14.
The girl, believed to be aged between 10 and 12, was described by observers as having a mature appearance and exuding the power of one who can freely choose and wear what she wants.
The two fashion choices were reportedly in vogue among young women in Pyongyang, with the errant examples in the video lecture by the authorities depicting women caught in the capital city, RFA reported.
The crackdown has heightened the sense of anticipation over Ju-ae’s next public appearance and her sartorial choices, reported South Korean broadcaster YTN, with some observers waiting to see if more types of fashion will be banned. — The Straits Times/ANN
