Kim Jong-unimposed a forced seven-day period of mourning to mark the 11th anniversary of the death of his father Kim Jong-il, Daily Mail reports.
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No entertainment allowed
Kim Jong-il, the ‘Dear Leader’ as he was referred to, passed away on December 17, 2011.
To commemorate the anniversary of his death, North Korea was in a state of mourning from Wednesday 14 December until Tuesday 20 December.
Kim Jong-un imposed strict rules to maintain a ‘solemn’ public order, including the banning of entertainment, alcohol, and various important life events.
Reports suggest that Jong-un sent out spies to the streets to control the situation and pick up anyone in breach of the aforementioned rules.
A North Korean resident speaking on conditions of anonymity for Radio Free Asia’s Korean Service has confirmed the measures, Daily Mail reports:
You must never drink alcohol or engage in entertainment such as singing or drinking during the period of commemoration.
Toning down important life events
According to Radar, Jong-unalso instructed the scaling back of important life events for his people such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, and Jesa (a ceremony to honour the dead) so as to not overshadow the mourning of the late dictator.
Radar also cited the source who spoke to Radio Free Asia’s Korean Service, the resident describing how people can get into serious trouble:
The atmosphere of fear that controls and pressures the residents will be strong during the commemoration period If you do not watch yourself and are not careful during this time, you may get into serious trouble.
In addition to private citizens, the government issued a warning to politicians and public servants to refrain from making political statements or expressing any criticism during the week.
Sources used:
-DailyMail: ‘North Korea bans fun, alcohol and birthdays for a week - with SPIES sent out to spot anyone acting cheerfully during week-long mourning for Kim Jong Il’
-Radar: ‘North Korea Issues Strict No-Fun Policies Ahead Of Nation's Week-Long Mourning Of Ex-Leader Kim Jong Il’
