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Democratic People’s Republic of Korea:16 shocking facts about North Korea

North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, is a country steeped in mystery and intrigue.
Despite its isolation from the rest of the world, there are many fascinating aspects of North Korean culture, history, and daily life that remain largely unknown.
Here are some intriguing, lesser-known facts about this nation, revealed by the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM)
Men are presented with a range of haircut options to choose from
In North Korea, men cannot choose any hairstyle outside the 15 approved hairstyles by the government.
Haircuts not legalized by the government are considered unlawful and may lead to detention.
Ladies have the option to select from a variety of approved hairstyles.
Women in North Korea are restricted to selecting from a limited range of 15 government-approved hairstyles.
Unmarried women are required to maintain a short hairstyle.
The Three-Generation Punishment Regulation
One of the most alarming human rights abuses in North Korea is the country’s three-generation punishment rule.
The rule imposes severe penalties on individuals and their families for three generations.
The North Korean government enforces a draconian policy where if an individual is convicted of a crime and sentenced to a prison camp, their entire family, including parents, grandparents, and children, are also sent to the camp for life, regardless of their innocence.
Blue jeans are a no-go
Blue jeans are strictly forbidden in North Korea due to their perceived connection to American capitalist ideology.
Foreign music is not allowed
In 2015, the North Korean government, under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, implemented a policy to eliminate all music deemed subversive, deeming it a threat to national stability.
Only a limited selection of songs, mostly promoting the country’s political ideals, are permitted in North Korea.
There are four TV channels
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s broadcasting system consists of four government-controlled television channels.
The channels provide a restricted range of programming, including sports coverage.
Korean Central Television (KCTV): The main television channel in North Korea, which broadcasts important political news and events.
Mansudae Television: Focuses on educational programming and foreign news.
Ryongnamsan Television: An educational channel that airs science documentaries, language lessons, and other informative programs.
Athletic Television (Cheyug TV): A sports channel that broadcasts sports competitions, documentaries, and programs about sports history in North Korea and worldwide.
Government permission is required to buy a laptop in North Korea
In North Korea, computers are a rare and costly commodity, requiring governmental approval for purchase.
Only 28 websites are accessible in North Korea
North Korea’s internet landscape is severely restricted, with citizens only permitted to access 28 approved websites.
Additionally, the country operates a nationwide intranet.
It is known as “Kwangmyong” or “Bright,” which is accessible to those with authorized computer access.
Traffic cop is the ultimate dream job for women
In North Korea, the position of traffic police officer is a highly coveted role for women, with selection criteria reportedly including physical attractiveness and height.
According to sources, women in North Korea are often hand-picked for traffic cop positions.
Kim Jong-un despises K-Pop, calling it a “vicious cancer”
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea issued a stern warning to its citizens, urging them to refrain from engaging with South Korean cultural products, including fashion, films, and music.
The Pyongyang Metro serves a dual purpose
The Pyongyang Metro function both as a public transportation system and a subterranean bomb shelter.
It is situated at 360 feet beneath the city’s surface, boasts one of the deepest subway systems globally.
The stations were designed to serve as bomb shelters and hallways reinforced with steel blast doors.
Calendar is based on its founder’s date of birth
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea utilizes a unique calendar system, which commences from the birthdate of Kim Il-sung, the country’s founding leader.
The Juche calendar began on April 15, 1912, marking Kim Il-sung’s birthdate.
North Korea plays basketball with its own rules
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea established its own unique set of basketball rules.
It deviates from the standard regulations governed by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
North Korea’s tallest building is an abandoned hotel
The Ryugyong Hotel, situated in the heart of Pyongyang, stands as a notable landmark at 1,079 feet (329 meters) tall.
It earns the distinction of being the world’s tallest unoccupied building, as recognized by Guinness World Records.
North Korea is home to the world’s largest stadium
With a capacity to accommodate 150,000 people, the May Day Stadium is a prominent architectural landmark in Pyongyang.
Its design modeled after the iconic magnolia flower
Human waste is used as fertilizer
In response to the 2008 fertilizer shortage, the North Korean government implemented a unique solution.
It mandated citizens to collect and submit their own human waste (approximately 220 pounds per person annually) to support agricultural production.
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