North Korea: Men required to get Kim Jong-un haircuts

[muriel_volestrangler]

This is one of those 'reports say...' items, but:

Men in North Korea are now required to get the same haircut as their leader Kim Jong-un, it is reported.

The state-sanctioned guidelines were introduced in the capital Pyongyang about two weeks ago, media reports say. It is now being rolled out across the country - although some people have reservations about getting the look.

"Our leader's haircut is very particular, if you will," one source tells Radio Free Asia. "It doesn't always go with everyone since everyone has different face and head shapes." Meanwhile, a North Korean now living in China says the look is actually unpopular at home because people think it resembles Chinese smugglers. "Until the mid-2000s, we called it the 'Chinese smuggler haircut'," the Korea Times reports.

It seems that haircuts have been state-approved in North Korea for some time - until now people were only allowed to choose from 18 styles for women and 10 for men. Earlier, North Korea's state TV launched a campaign against long hair, called "Let us trim our hair in accordance with the Socialist lifestyle".

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/blogs-news-from-elsewhere-26747649

[jberryhill]

1. South Korea's not much different in that regard

Except for the kids who are into K-Pop, I swear there's like three haircuts there.

Oh, and, don't go to the barbershop that has two poles outside.

Not if you want a haircut, anyway.

[packman]

2. OK-I'll be the one

That asks, "Why?"- inquiring minds want to know.

[littlewolf]

4. my google-fu sez it is a sex shop .... nt

[JimDandy]

6. I'll be the two.

Using such noticeable signage seems too blatant for prostitution.

eta LOL-seems it's not too blatant.

[uncommonlink]

3. Unlike N. Korea,

S. Koreans are free to choose the style they want, it's not state sanctioned.

[yeoman6987]

13. oh my Gosh

"Let us trim our hair in accordance with the Socialist lifestyle".

North Korea is Socialist? How on Earth can it be? I know some are on DU but do you agree with this? I don't one bit.

[treestar]

5. I totally expected this to be the Onion or Borowitz

Poor bald men!

Look at this:

It seems that haircuts have been state-approved in North Korea for some time - until now people were only allowed to choose from 18 styles for women and 10 for men. Earlier, North Korea's state TV launched a campaign against long hair, called "Let us trim our hair in accordance with the Socialist lifestyle".

from the link. So it was already under rules.

[Nuclear Unicorn]

9. They're new tourism slogan is --

We can be just as weird as Japan -- BUT WITH A MURDEROUS IMPULSE!

[seveneyes]

7. It doesn't help the image of "Socialist lifestyle"

It's no wonder the name has a bad rap.

[WhiteTara]

8. Wow. That's all I can say.

Wow.

[Auntie Bush]

10. What an disgusting haircut!

Not many people look good with the lower half of their head shaved and the upper half standing up straight. Gotta have a fat face to even consider such a haircut. I feel sorry for those with a narrow face already. What in god's name possessed him to pronounce such a ridiculous mandate? What an egotistical jerk with a serious psychological problem!

[dipsydoodle]

11. Sort of Rockabilly

Shame really that he hasn't got dreads like Lenny or Bob.

[snooper2]

12. Maduro should give this a try, maybe it would help their economy!

[UTUSN]

14. But can they orbit?!1

[TwilightGardener]

15. It's so flattering, too.

Having your own identity is very overrated.

[jmowreader]

16. Turns out it's only university students

Still doesn't mean getting shipped off to the barber for a high and tight isn't fucked up.