A new directive in North Korea demands citizens to inspect women for ‘un-socialist’ breast implants, spotlighting the regime’s extreme control over personal freedoms.
Story Snapshot
- North Korea intensifies control by targeting women’s appearances.
- Breast augmentations labeled ‘un-socialist’ are now punishable.
- Kim Jong Un’s regime aims to eradicate Western influences.
- Incident illustrates continued repression under socialist ideology.
North Korea’s New Directive: A Step Further in Repression
In a recent move that underscores North Korea’s stringent control over its citizens, the regime has ordered inspections of women for breast implants deemed “un-socialist.” This directive is part of a broader campaign to eliminate Western influences and enforce conformity to socialist values. The regime’s scrutiny of personal appearance reflects its ongoing commitment to ideological purity, where even cosmetic procedures are subject to political scrutiny and punishment.
Historical Context and Government Control
North Korea’s history of authoritarian control has long extended to various aspects of citizens’ lives, including personal appearance. In 2016, the Plastic Surgery Treatment Law banned procedures considered “un-socialist,” such as certain eyebrow and eyelash enhancements, to maintain a socialist lifestyle. This law laid the groundwork for current actions, reinforcing the regime’s dedication to controlling personal behavior and appearance to align with state ideology.
Reports from 2019 indicated severe punishments for those defying these norms, such as the execution of “amateur facial surgeons” for illegal surgeries. These precedents highlight the regime’s willingness to enforce its directives through harsh measures.
Implications for North Korean Society
The immediate impact of this directive is an increase in fear and compliance among North Korean citizens, further eroding personal freedoms. Women, in particular, face heightened scrutiny and potential punishment, adding to the social pressures they already endure. In the long term, this policy reinforces the regime’s control over individual lives, distancing the country further from international norms and increasing its isolation.
Kim Jong Un orders North Koreans to check women for ‘un-socialist’ breast implants https://t.co/1FyVbaaOcp
— Metro (@MetroUK) October 1, 2025
Despite the minimal economic impact, the social and political implications are significant. The directive exemplifies the regime’s authoritarian grip and its intent to maintain a rigidly controlled society. By dictating personal appearance, the North Korean government demonstrates its focus on ideological purity at the cost of individual freedoms.
Sources:
North Korea’s Plastic Surgery Law: A Socialist Beauty
North Koreans Ordered to Check Women for ‘Un-Socialist’ Breast Implants
World Report 2025: North Korea
