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7 Shocking Secrets Behind Kim Jong Un’s Iconic ‘Ambitious’ Haircut: Mandatory, Forbidden, Or Propaganda?

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Few hairstyles in the world carry as much political weight and intrigue as the one sported by North Korea’s Supreme Leader, Kim Jong Un. Often dubbed the “Ambitious Haircut” or “Great Leader Cut,” this distinct style—featuring tightly shaved sides and a voluminous, swept-back top—is far more than a simple fashion choice; it is a meticulously crafted piece of state propaganda and a direct link to the nation's founding myths. As of late 2024 and early 2025, his appearance, including a recent "svelte new look" and change in attire, continues to be a subject of intense international analysis, yet the haircut remains a steadfast symbol of his authority and connection to the Kim dynasty.

This deep-dive article explores the enduring mystery of Kim Jong Un's signature look, revealing its historical roots, the conflicting reports on whether North Korean citizens are forced to adopt it or are explicitly banned from copying it, and the broader context of fashion control under the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). From the symbolism of his grandfather to the state-sanctioned list of approved styles, the leader’s hair is a powerful tool in North Korea’s pervasive cult of personality, raising questions about control, conformity, and the subtle ways power is projected on the global stage.

The Man Behind the Cut: Kim Jong Un’s Official Profile and Biography

Kim Jong Un is the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK).

  • Full Name: Kim Jong-un (also written as Kim Jung-un)
  • Known For: Dictatorial reign as Supreme Leader, development of North Korea's nuclear program, and presiding over a pervasive cult of personality.
  • Date of Birth: January 8, 1983 or 1984 (Exact date is disputed).
  • Parents: Kim Jong-il (father, former Supreme Leader) and Ko Young-hui (mother).
  • Succession: Assumed power in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.
  • Family: Married to Ri Sol-ju, the First Lady of North Korea, and has a powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, who serves as a senior official in the WPK.
  • Education: Believed to have attended school in Switzerland under a pseudonym.

His rise marked the third generation of the Kim family to rule North Korea, solidifying the dynasty’s control. Every aspect of his public persona, from his Western-style suits to his famous haircut, is carefully managed to project authority and legitimacy.

The Great Leader’s Haircut: Decoding the Political Symbolism

The haircut that Kim Jong Un has made globally famous is not a modern trend, but a deliberate, powerful political statement. It is a key element in his effort to establish legitimacy and project a specific image of leadership.

1. The Grandfather Connection: A Visual Legacy

The primary reason for the style is its striking resemblance to the haircut of his grandfather, Kim Il-Sung, the founder of North Korea and the nation's "Eternal President." By adopting this look, Kim Jong Un visually links himself directly to the original revolutionary leader, bypassing the image of his father, Kim Jong-il, who had a different, more voluminous hairstyle. This is a crucial move to solidify his position as the rightful, legitimate successor and inheritor of the Juche ideology.

2. The "Ambitious" Pompadour and Defying Gravity

When the style first gained international attention, it was often described as an "ambitious" or "wedge-shaped pompadour." The cut involves shaving the sides and back high and tight, leaving a large, often heavily gelled or styled block of hair on top that seems to defy gravity. This dramatic, blocky style is meant to convey strength, seriousness, and a forward-looking, "ambitious" vision for the nation.

3. The Evolution of Appearance and the "Svelte New Look"

While the haircut has remained relatively consistent, Kim Jong Un’s overall appearance has evolved. Recent years have seen him sport a "svelte new look," suggesting significant weight loss. This change, alongside a shift from traditional Mao suits to Western-style suits in some appearances, is also part of a calculated image overhaul. However, the haircut's steadfastness demonstrates its importance as an unchangeable pillar of his political identity, cementing his connection to the founding dynasty.

Forbidden Fashions: The State-Approved Hairstyles and Banned Trends

The control over Kim Jong Un's personal style is mirrored by the state's stringent control over the fashion and appearance of all North Korean citizens. The leader's haircut exists in a complex ecosystem of state-mandated aesthetic rules enforced by the North Korean fashion police.

4. The 28 State-Approved Hairstyles

For years, international media has reported that North Korean citizens are only permitted to choose from a limited list of state-sanctioned hairstyles—typically 10 to 15 for men and 14 for women, totaling 28 approved styles. These styles are designed to be neat, conservative, and reflective of socialist values, keeping citizens from adopting "decadent" Western or South Korean trends.

5. The Conflicting Rules: Mandatory or Forbidden?

One of the most fascinating aspects of the haircut is the conflicting information surrounding its adoption by the general public.

  • The Mandatory Myth: At one point, news reports claimed that all male university students, and sometimes all men, were required to get the exact same haircut as Kim Jong Un.
  • The Forbidden Reality: Counter-reports, however, stated that Kim Jong Un’s specific hairstyle was actually *not* one of the 28 state-approved cuts. More recently, there have been reports of regulations explicitly banning citizens from copying the leader's haircut or fashion style, viewing it as a sign of disrespect or an attempt to mimic the Supreme Leader. The most powerful style is reserved for the leader alone.

6. The War on "Decadent" Western Trends

The North Korean regime is constantly battling the influx of foreign cultural influences, particularly from South Korea (K-Pop) and the West. In recent years, the government has specifically banned "decadent" hairstyles like the "mullet," along with other Western fashions such as skinny jeans and body piercings. This ongoing effort highlights the critical role that even a simple haircut plays in the ideological struggle against perceived foreign contamination.

7. The Broader Fashion Context: Ri Sol-ju and Kim Yo Jong

The fashion of the North Korean elite provides further context. First Lady Ri Sol-ju has been noted for her own style evolution, moving from a more conservative wardrobe to more voguish, colorful dresses, even setting a trend for high heels in Pyongyang. Similarly, Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister, Kim Yo Jong, has been analyzed for her "humble" yet authoritative style, which often involves a neat half-up hairdo. These styles are carefully managed to project a modern, yet disciplined, image of the ruling class, but they all ultimately defer to the Supreme Leader’s own iconic, dynastic cut.

haircut kim jong un
haircut kim jong un

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