North Korea Bans Laughter and Celebrations for 11 Days to Mark Kim Jong Il's Death Anniversary

Residents of North Korea have been prohibited from laughing, celebrating birthdays, mourning the deaths of relatives, and consuming alcohol in connection with the 10th anniversary of the death of former leader Kim Jong Il, announced with an 11-day mourning period. This was reported to Radio Free Asia by local residents.

One resident from the northeastern border city of Sinuiju told RFA that the authorities have barred citizens from expressing any emotions other than grief during this eleven-day period. The source added that individuals caught drinking during last year’s mourning days were arrested. “They are considered ideological criminals. They were taken away and have not been seen since,” he said.

“Even if a family member dies during the mourning period, you are forbidden from crying out loud. People cannot even celebrate their birthdays if they coincide with the days of mourning,” the report stated.

Kim Jong Il took over the leadership of North Korea in 1994 following the death of his father, Kim Il Sung. He ruled the country until his death in 2011, when he was succeeded by his son, current leader Kim Jong Un.

The era of Kim Jong Il's rule coincided with one of the most challenging periods in the country's history, often referred to as the “Arduous March,” during the 1990s economic crisis and devastating famine period. Various estimates suggest that the crisis claimed up to three million lives.