"Stop copying South Korea -- or else," North Korean government warns its country's youth

Young North Koreans have been warned they must follow traditional lifestyles and adhere to the country's dialect.

The secluded state's official newspaper made the demand in a column as Pyongyang tries to eradicate cultural influences from South Korea.

Kim Jong Un's regime is particularly focused on the speaking habits of millennials, with some mimicking their neighbours by referring to their husbands as "oppa" - a term that means "older brother".

The Rodong Sinmun newspaper said North Korea's standard language is superior and young people must use it correctly - all while ensuring their clothes, hairstyle, music preferences and dancing styles are acceptable.

According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency, its article warned: "The ideological and cultural penetrated under the colourful signboard of the bourgeoisie is even more dangerous than the enemies who are taking guns."

Late last year, harsh new measures were introduced that mean parents can be fined if their children are caught enjoying South Korean entertainment or copying the way they speak.