In most parts of the world, a swipe of red lipstick is a symbol of confidence, style, or simple personal preference. However, in North Korea, it is now classified as a “political crime.” As of December 2025, reports indicate that the Kim Jong-un regime has intensified its crackdown on personal grooming, viewing modern fashion choices not as aesthetics, but as a direct threat to the state’s ideology.
This strict policing of beauty highlights a grim reality: in North Korea, your appearance is not your own—it belongs to the state. Here is a deep dive into why red lipstick is banned, how the “Fashion Police” operate, and the severe consequences citizens face for merely trying to look beautiful.
The War on “Capitalist” Red Lipstick
According to recent updates highlighted by media, the North Korean government has explicitly categorized red lipstick as a symbol of “capitalism” and “Western culture.”
Why Red is Forbidden
The regime believes that bold makeup, particularly deep red lipstick, fosters “individualism.” In the socialist framework of North Korea, individualism is considered a dangerous political virus that undermines the collective mindset required by the state.
- Allowed Aesthetics: Women are permitted to wear only light, natural-looking shades.
- Mandatory Origins: Even permitted makeup must be produced by local North Korean factories.
- The Ban: Foreign cosmetic brands are strictly prohibited, and possession of them can lead to interrogation.
This policy is designed to insulate the population from outside influence, ensuring that citizens remain disconnected from global trends and Western liberties.
Enter the “Gyuchaldae”: North Korea’s Fashion Police
Enforcing these draconian rules is a specialized task force known as the Gyuchaldae. Often referred to as the “Fashion Police,” this squad operates independently of standard law enforcement, specifically targeting social behavior and appearance.
How the Patrols Operate
The Gyuchaldae are deployed in high-traffic areas such as metro stations, schools, and busy intersections. Their mandate is to scrutinize every passerby for signs of “anti-socialist” behavior.
- Daily Checks: Women are routinely stopped and their makeup is inspected. If lipstick is deemed too dark or “bold,” it is forcibly removed.
- Civilian Spies: In addition to uniformed officers, “Strike Teams” in civilian clothes have recently been deployed in Pyongyang to catch violators off guard.
- Interrogation: Citizens are questioned about where they bought the product and if they were inspired by foreign dramas (K-dramas) or online content.
“The state sends a clear message: Beauty must exist within the boundaries of socialist ideals. Anything else is rebellion.”
Beyond Makeup: A Total Ban on Modern Fashion
The restrictions extend far beyond cosmetics. The regime has criminalized various aspects of modern fashion, viewing them as eroding the fabric of North Korean society. Reports from Human Rights Watch and other observers suggest a tightening grip on all forms of self-expression.
Prohibited Items and Styles
| Banned Item/Action | Reasoning by State |
|---|---|
| Blue Jeans | Symbol of American imperialism. |
| Hair Dye & “Rooster” Cut | Promotes rebellious thinking among youth. |
| Shoulder Bags | Viewed as a Western affectation. |
| Plastic Surgery | Labeled “anti-socialist activity” (Oct 2025). Only medical surgery is legal. |
In October 2025, authorities reportedly launched a crackdown on medical clinics to ensure no cosmetic enhancements, such as breast implants or eyelid surgery, were being performed illegal.
From Public Shaming to Labor Camps: The Punishments
The consequences of violating these beauty standards are severe and arbitrary. There is no transparent judicial process for these “crimes.”
- First Offense: Typically results in a verbal warning, a fine, or public humiliation where the offender is scolded in front of a crowd.
- Repeat Offenses: Those caught multiple times are labeled as having a “rotten mentality.” Punishment escalates to forced confessions and written apologies.
- Labor Re-education: In serious cases, or if foreign media consumption is suspected alongside the fashion violation, offenders are sent to Labour Re-education Camps. Sentences can range from a few weeks to six months of hard labor.
The Ideology: “Simplicity is Beauty”
The ultimate goal of these bans is ideological indoctrination. Schools and universities regularly host lectures promoting the idea that “simplicity is the only true beauty” and that service to the state is more attractive than physical adornment.
By controlling how people look, the regime attempts to control how they think. Every red lip or dyed hair strand is seen not as a fashion choice, but as a crack in the wall that keeps North Korea isolated from the world. As organizations like Amnesty International have noted, these restrictions are fundamentally about denying citizens their right to freedom of expression.
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Utkarsh works as a Sub-Editor at 1Tak News. Technology and gadgets are his main beats, and he also tracks automobiles. A graduate of Mahatma Gandhi Kashi Vidyapeeth, he began his journalism career in 2023 and has built experience across digital media platforms like 1Tak. Besides technology, he also has considerable experience covering national affairs, politics, research, and international news.
