Anika Markle 
In an bizarre move, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has banned hot dogs, labeling them a symbol of “Western infiltration” and treason. Reports suggest that anyone caught selling or cooking the popular snack faces severe punishment, including time in one of the country’s notorious labor camps.
This prohibition also extends to the South Korean-inspired dish budae-jjigae, known as “army base stew.” The spicy stew, which includes ingredients like hot dogs and spam, originated during the Korean War when locals repurposed surplus U.S. military rations. Despite gaining popularity in North Korea since 2017, it has now been outlawed as part of the regime’s campaign against capitalist culture.
Street Vendors Face Harsh Penalties
Vendors in provinces like Ryanggang have reported that the sale of budae-jjigae has completely ceased following orders from authorities. One vendor shared with The Sun:
“The police and market officials warned us that anyone caught selling it would be shut down.”
The ban also includes tteokbokki, a steamed rice cake dish popular in South Korea. This effort to suppress culinary influences is part of a larger push to limit cultural imports from the country’s southern neighbor.
Divorcees Targeted in New Social Crackdowns
Adding to the restrictions, reports indicate that North Korean authorities are punishing divorced citizens with time in labor camps. Divorce is heavily stigmatized and considered an anti-socialist act. Citizens can only divorce with government approval, and penalties for violations are severe.