North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has stressed the importance of wearing traditional attire at wedding ceremonies.

According to Pyongyang Broadcasting Station Tuesday, Kim emphasized that the neglect of traditional clothing would not only lead to the collapse of tradition but also undermine the nation's self-reliant spirit.

The reports said that a few months ago, Kim expressed concerns over the recent trends among some brides who like to wear Western-style dresses instead of traditional Korean hanbok at wedding ceremonies.