Kim Jong-un bans mullet hairdos and ripped jeans in North Korea

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has reportedly executed a bizarre new rule for citizens in an attempt to keep them under control.

An editorial in The Rondong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, claimed Kim feared "decadent" Western influence on young people in the country and how it could impact his regime.

In response to the concerns, Kim has reportedly outlawed ripped and skinny jeans as well as haircuts like mullets that don't fall under one of the 15 alternative haircuts approved in the country.

The Daily Express reports the draconian laws were an attempt to overthrow any Western influence in the centralised totalitarian state.

"History teaches us a crucial lesson that a country can become vulnerable and eventually collapse like a damp wall regardless of its economic and defence power if we do not hold on to our own lifestyle," the Rondong Sinmun editorial said.

"We must be wary of even the slightest sign of the capitalistic lifestyle and fight to get rid of them."

Yonhap News Agency reports the editorial served as a warning to young people in particular over "exotic and decadent" lifestyles.

According to the news agency, North Korea reenacted a law in December that toughened punishment for people who were in possession of videos that were made in South Korea.

The law was reportedly reenacted in a separate attempt to stop any influences of outside culture on the regime and its people.

• 'Outrageous': North Korea lashes out at Australia's 'violations'

• 'Worst-ever situation': North Korean dictator's frank admission

• 'Don't cause a stink': North Korea's fierce warning before meeting

Daily NK reports Kim has also banned Chinese medicines in Pyongyang hospitals after a North Korean official died following a dose of Chinese-made cocarboxylase, medicine typically used for patients who struggle from fatigue.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.