North Korea hot dog ban: Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, has reportedly issued a ban on hot dogs, labeling them as “too Western” and a symbol of foreign influence.
Under this new decree, anyone found serving or selling hot dogs, whether at home or on the streets, is considered to be committing treason, a serious crime in the communist state.
Offenders could face severe punishment, including being sent to one of North Korea’s notorious labor camps. Conditions in these camps are so harsh that the United Nations has raised concerns that they could be considered crimes against humanity.
This move is the latest in a series of actions taken by the North Korean regime to crack down on what it perceives as the spread of Western culture, a trend that has been growing in the isolated nation.
One of the most notable targets of this cultural crackdown is budae-jjigae, a spicy noodle soup that includes hot dogs or Spam. The dish, which originated in South Korea in the late 20th century, became a popular comfort food in North Korea after it was introduced in 2017.
However, following Kim Jong-un’s latest decree, vendors in the northern province of Ryanggang have reported halting the sale of budae-jjigae, with authorities warning that any market stalls found selling it will be forcibly shut down.
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In addition to the ban on hot dogs, Kim Jong-un has reportedly issued a new decree regarding divorce. Under the new rule, couples who divorce may be sent to labor camps for up to six months as punishment for their “anti-socialist” behavior.
Kim Jong-un divorce ban: Previously, only the person who filed for divorce faced this punishment, but under the new directive, both parties are subject to the same fate. This crackdown comes as divorce rates in North Korea have risen, partly as a result of the financial pressures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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A source from the northern province of Ryanggang revealed that a group of twelve individuals were sent to a labor training camp immediately after their divorce decrees were issued.
Despite the harsh penalties, divorce rates have not dropped significantly, as the economic strain caused by the pandemic continues to affect families across the country.
Kim Jong-un’s leadership has been marked by a series of strict and sometimes bizarre rules aimed at consolidating power and reinforcing the state’s ideological stance. One of the more extreme measures included a threat of execution for anyone caught celebrating Christmas, a move that drew widespread international condemnation.
In addition to his leadership actions, Kim Jong-un’s personal life has also drawn attention. On New Year’s Day, he was seen in public with his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, fueling speculation that she may be groomed to succeed him as North Korea’s next leader.
While it remains to be seen whether she will indeed take up the mantle, this public appearance is seen as a significant political signal in the highly secretive regime.
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As North Korea continues to face mounting international criticism for its human rights abuses and stringent control over its people, Kim Jong-un’s latest actions further demonstrate his commitment to maintaining tight control over the nation’s cultural and social fabric.
