No crying or laughing: the most absurd rules in North Korea that could even lead to execution.

North Korea is the most closed and harshest country in the world. The laws of the DPRK are extremely strict, with a long list of prohibitions that can lead to severe punishment, often absurd in nature.

RBC-Ukraine (the Styler project) discusses the most absurd laws of North Korea that are strictly enforced.

Religion

The Constitution of the DPRK proclaims freedom of religion. However, in reality, there is no religion in North Korea, and Christianity was brutally suppressed, with many Christians killed.

Reading the Bible or the Quran can result in imprisonment or even execution. Such cases have occurred in this country. All religious paraphernalia is also prohibited.

Population Distribution by Groups

Since 1957, North Korea has categorized its population into groups based on social and financial status. Each group has its own set of rights and freedoms.

First group (loyalists or "tomatoes") - this group comprises the social and political elite. They can choose where to study and work, and they are entitled to hold high government positions. It is believed that these individuals have proven their loyalty to the party.

Second group (apples) - average citizens of North Korea.

Third group (grapes) - criminals, political activists, and civil rights activists. Automatically, this group includes anyone associated with them - family, friends, and acquaintances. Given how easy it is to become a criminal in this country, for example, for attempting to make an overseas call, this group is quite large.

The status of each citizen is called "songbun," which is recorded in a personal file created for each individual upon reaching the age of 17 in North Korea. This status can subsequently affect various aspects of life.

Blue Jeans Are Prohibited

If you can afford jeans financially, no one will punish you for it. However, they must be black, as blue or light blue jeans are banned in North Korea. This clothing item is seen as a symbol of global imperialism.

Even tourists can be affected: while walking in blue jeans is permissible, visiting the Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il monuments requires a change of clothing.

No Internet or Wi-Fi

North Korea does have internet and computers, but the connection is strictly internal. The intranet, known as "Kwangmyong," contains about 5,000 websites. There is no access to foreign websites, except for high-ranking officials.

Wi-Fi does not exist in North Korea. Ordinary residents do not have mobile devices with internal internet access. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules are removed from Chinese tablets adapted for North Korea.

Travel Abroad Is Forbidden

Leaving North Korea for another country is impossible. One must obtain official permission from the highest leadership, which is almost a fantasy. Border guards have the authority to kill those attempting to escape the country illegally.

Domestic Travel Restrictions

Traveling within North Korea is also prohibited. To leave one's city or village, a serious reason is required, such as work or education - thus, this option is only available to members of the first group.

Currency

Tourists entering South Korea are prohibited from using the national currency - North Korean won. There are special stores for foreigners where payments can be made in euros, yuan, and dollars.

However, purchasing anything in stores for local residents is not possible. In fact, foreigners are prohibited from entering such stores.

Hairstyles

North Korea has strict rules regarding hairstyles, and in 2013, 18 women's and 10 men's styles were approved. Choices are limited to the approved list.

There is also an interesting rule - after marriage, women must shorten their hairstyles. This is seen as a way for the government to combat immoral and debauched behavior.

Bicycles Are Not for Everyone

Women in North Korea are forbidden from riding bicycles, even as passengers. They can be fined or have their bicycles confiscated.

This ban has severely impacted the middle class, as they often lack cars, motorcycles, or other means of transportation. Bicycles are useful for transporting children or going to the market.

Music Ban

Listening to foreign artists is prohibited. Radio, TV, media, and even the internal internet are all under the control of the security services. Authorities believe that all foreign content offends national values.

Mourning

During the mourning period for Kim Jong Il, Koreans were required to cry for 100 days. The entire country fell into a state of deep depression.

However, if someone restrained their emotions, did not kneel, or failed to mourn loudly for the leader, authorities could send the violator to a labor camp or even execute them.

Yet, under Kim Jong Un's law, citizens are prohibited from mourning deceased relatives.

Sleep and Yawning

Yawning or falling asleep during government meetings is not allowed. There was once a case where the Minister of the People's Armed Forces, Hwang Byung-seo, fell asleep during a speech by the head of state and paid for it with his life.

Real Estate Purchase Prohibition

Apartments in North Korea are not sold; they are allocated by the state. Moving from a village to Pyongyang is impossible, and such privileges are reserved for the chosen few and only for special merits.

However, there is a black market for housing. Here, an apartment can be purchased for $70,000 to $90,000. But the average salary for a regular North Korean is said to be no more than $5 a month.

Buying a Car Is Also Forbidden

Owning a car in North Korea signifies immense wealth and influence. A vehicle is truly a luxury in this country, with an average price of $30,000 to $40,000.

Watching TV Series

In 2013, approximately 60 North Koreans were executed for watching South Korean TV series. In 2014, another 50 individuals were executed, including 10 officials.

Fight Against Alcoholism

Drinking alcohol is not prohibited in North Korea. It is allowed only in moderation and during state holidays. In 2013, an officer was executed for consuming alcohol during the 100-day mourning period for Kim Jong Il.

Buying Condoms and Hygiene Products Is Nearly Impossible

Residents of North Korea lack access to basic items like condoms or tampons. Many Koreans are even unaware of the existence of condoms.

They once appeared on the black market but did not gain significant demand, so they ceased to be imported. If someone were to need them, finding them would be nearly impossible.

A similar issue exists with hygiene products - tampons are not available in Korean stores, at least not in those meant for local residents. Women in North Korea use regular fabrics, not even disposable ones.

Being Happy Is Forbidden

In 2021, a new ban was issued in North Korea - no laughing or loud crying for 11 days to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kim Jong Un's rule and to honor the anniversary of his father's death.

Any signs of happiness, alcohol consumption, or birthday celebrations during this period are prohibited. On December 17, the day of the leader's death, citizens were even forbidden from buying food.

It is said that the police were instructed to look for individuals who appeared insufficiently upset.

Coca-Cola

Until 2015, there were only two countries in the world where the sale of Coca-Cola was officially banned: Cuba and North Korea. Cuba decided to allow people to drink this popular carbonated beverage, while North Korea remains steadfast, so Coca-Cola is absent from stores for ideological reasons.

International Calls

Cell phones are not uncommon in North Korea; there are domestic operators and SIM cards. However, making calls abroad or even to a foreigner in North Korea is not allowed. All SIM cards are intended for domestic calls only.

Oath of Loyalty

Everyone living in North Korea must take an oath of loyalty to the leader and the state. Anything perceived as an insult to the leader is considered blasphemy and is harshly punished. Any threat or insult can lead to imprisonment or even execution. This applies not only to locals but also to tourists.

A portrait of the current leader, as well as portraits of former leaders Kim Jong Il and Kim Il Sung, must hang in every home. These portraits must be kept clean and dust-free.

Three Generations to Execution

If a