North Korea has banned its citizens from laughing, consuming alcohol, or taking part in any leisure activities during a “mourning period” commemorating the 10-year anniversary of former dictator Kim Jong Il’s death.
The New York Post reported that the ban is in effect for 11 days and that on December 17, the anniversary of Kim’s death, citizens are banned from even grocery shopping.
“During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities,” one resident told Radio Free Asia’s Korean Service.
This same source told the outlet that anyone caught doing the banned activities would be arrested.
“In the past many people who were caught drinking or being intoxicated during the mourning period were arrested and treated as ideological criminals. They were taken away and never seen again,” the source told RFA.
“Even if your family member dies during the mourning period, you are not allowed to cry out loud and the body must be taken out after it’s over. People cannot even celebrate their own birthdays if they fall within the mourning period,” the source added.
Another source told the outlet that police were told in advance to look for people who did not appear sufficiently distraught during the memorial.
“From the first day of December, they will have a special duty to crack down on those who harm the mood of collective mourning,” the second source told RFA, speaking anonymously. “It’s a month-long special duty for the police. I heard that law enforcement officials cannot sleep at all.”
The second source told RFA they hoped “that the mourning period for Kim Jong Il will be shortened to one week, just like the mourning period for Kim Il Sung.”
“Residents are complaining that the living are forced to mourn these two dead people to death,” the source added.
The RFA explained how the country would commemorate Kim’s death:
To celebrate the life of Kim Jong Il, the government is tapping elderly military veterans to promote to the late “Dear Leader’s” greatest achievements and contributions to the country.
The eastern province of South Hamgyong is planning several events to commemorate Kim’s life. These include an exhibition of his photography and art, a remembrance concert, and an exhibition of the Kimjongilia, the flower named after the late leader, an official from the city of Tanchon told RFA.
“The old soldiers’ lecture and propaganda team, made up of discharged military officers in their 50s and 60s, are visiting every factory, company and neighborhood watch unit to educate the people about Kim Jong Il’s hard work and dedication,” the third source said.
The third source also said the propaganda team get better rations than average citizens.
The outlet also explained Kim’s history in the country:
Kim Jong Il succeeded his father, national founder Kim Il Sung, when the elder Kim died in 1994. He ruled the country until his own death in 2011, and was then succeeded by his son, current leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim Jong Il’s rule coincided with one of the darkest periods in North Korea’s history, the 1994-1998 famine, which killed millions of the country’s citizens, according to some estimates. The period is now referred to by North Koreans as the “Arduous March.”
Though periods of mourning are held every year for both leaders, Kim Il Sung’s lasts only a week. Kim Jong Il’s death was more recent, so it usually has a mourning period of 10 days. This year’s is slightly longer because it is the 10th anniversary. Citizens are prohibited from showing anything other than solemnity in public while the country commemorates his life and achievements.