North Korea Imposes Stringent Measures in 11-Day Mourning Period
In a display of strict government control, North Korea enforced a ban on laughter, alcohol consumption, and leisure activities for an 11-day mourning period two years ago, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the death of Kim Jong Il, the father of the current leader, Kim Jong Un.
The directive, reported by Radio Free Asia and covered by Newsweek, began on December 17, 2021, and aimed to restrict public expressions of joy and personal freedom during the commemoration of Kim Jong Il’s passing in 2011. According to an unnamed resident from Sinuiju, North Korea, quoted in the Radio Free Asia report, individuals were prohibited from drinking alcohol, laughing, or engaging in leisure activities during this mourning period. The severity of these restrictions emphasized the regime’s demand for public displays of grief and respect for the former leader.
The mourning rules extended beyond emotional expressions, as grocery shopping was also banned on December 17, the day Kim Jong Il died, according to The Indian Express. Even mourning a family member’s death during this period had strict guidelines, with residents prohibited from crying out loud, and the body had to be taken out after the mourning period.
Violating these prohibitions carried severe consequences, with residents facing arrest and potential treatment as ideological criminals, as reported by Yahoo! News. The unnamed resident disclosed that those who broke the rules were “taken away and never seen again,” underscoring the harsh outcomes of noncompliance.
This 11-day mourning period serves as a stark reminder of the North Korean regime’s control over citizens’ lives, dictating not only public behavior but also personal emotions and activities. The intensity of these measures during such observances reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to solidify its ideological dominance and maintain a collective identity centered around the ruling Kim family.