Driven to distraction: How Kim Jong-un's 'traffic ladies' are hired purely for their looks, have to retire at 26 and MUST be single


North Korea's traffic security officers, or 'traffic ladies', direct cars in Pyongyang
The are chosen for their looks in a society that still remains mainly traditionalist
They must leave the role if they marry, and have to retire from the role by age 26
The 300-odd ladies are the favourite subject of visiting tourists and journalists

Snapping their heads from side to side, marching into the roads in close-fitting blue uniforms and black heels, the 'traffic ladies' who marshal vehicles at the intersections of Pyongyang are an emblematic image of the North Korean capital.
Officially known as traffic security officers but universally referred to as traffic ladies, they are chosen for their looks in a society that remains traditionalist in many respects.
They must leave the role if they marry, and have a finite shelf-life, with compulsory retirement looming at just 26.
The 300-odd ladies are unique to Pyongyang, which North Korean authorities are always keen to present in the best possible light despite their nuclear-armed country's impoverished status, and ensure a steady supply of photogenic young women who are the favourite subject of visiting tourists and journalists.


They are representing the capital city,' explained a senior officer of the ministry of public security, which supervises traffic regulation. 'That's why they are selected based on their appearance and physique.'
No age limit applies to their roughly 400 male counterparts - who tend to be stationed at roundabouts.
The rules were because 'normally, the women in our country marry at the age of 26 or 27', explained the officer, who did not want to be named. 'Because the role is tough and difficult, they can only do the job when they are single.'
The traffic ladies were originally introduced in the 1980s, when vehicles were a rarity on the streets of Pyongyang and remained so for decades, giving rise to the surreal sight of them directing - with precision and energy - non-existent cars on wide but deserted boulevards.
As part of North Korea's security forces they hold officer ranks, and Senior Captain Ri Myong-Sim, 24, said: 'I have to carry out each and every action with discipline and spirit.'


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BEAUTIFUL LADIES

The women face 'tough' training for the role, one officer (not pictured) said, which involved 'exhausting repetition' of the moves


One officer (not pictured) said what keeps her going is the approval of the North Korean government. Ordinary North Koreans normally only express officially approved sentiments when questioned by foreign media


Vehicle numbers have increased in the capital in recent years as authorities quietly liberalise the economy



The increase in cars has led to growth despite United Nations sanctions imposed over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programmes