North Korean men have reportedly been ordered to get the same haircut as leader Kim Jong-un.
The new ‘fashion guideline’ was introduced two weeks ago, but not everyone is happy about the new style, which is short on the sides and long on top, reports The Korea Times.
“Our leader’s haircut is very particular, if you will,” one North Korean resident told Radio Free Asia.
“It doesn’t always god with everyone since everyone has different face and head shapes.”
The demand started in Pyongyang and is now being implemented across the country.
However, a North Korean exile said the look is very unpopular because it reminds people of Chinese smugglers.
“Until the mid-2000s we called it the ‘Chinese smuggler haircut’, the sources said.
Even before the latest decree, North Koreans have had to pick their haircuts from 28 approved ‘socialist’ styles.
Women could pick from 18 styles – including different styles for single or married women, while men were limited to 10 hairstyles. Men were also ordered to cut their hair every 15 days, after North Korea launched a campaign against long hair, saying flowing locks took nutrition away from the brain and robbed people of intelligence, reported WantChina Times.
Men over age 50 were allowed longer hair to cover their bald spot, reported the BBC.
Kim’s father, late leader Kim Jong-il, sported a distinct bouffant look, reportedly to help him look taller.
