North Korea Bans Laughing,Drinking for 11 Days

On the 10th anniversary of former supreme leader of North Korea Kim Jong-il’s death last week and the beginning of the country’s 11-day bereavement mandate, a noticeably slimmer Kim Jong-un made an appearance to commemorate his father’s death.For the 10th anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s death, North Koreans were required to enter an 11-day mourning period and adhere to several bans the government imposed, such as laughing, drinking alcohol and participating in leisure activities.

“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.”

Local police were also informed to stay vigilant for anyone “who fails to appear appropriately bereaved,” another source said.

In addition to the mourning period, elderly military veterans will hold events to raise awareness about Kim Jong-il’s accomplishments. Some of the events include a photography and art exhibition in South Hamgyong and a remembrance concert.

Kim Jong-il succeeded his father, Kim Il-sung, after his death on July 8, 1994. He ruled North Korea until his death on Dec. 17, 2011. The country experienced several challenges under his leadership, including several food shortages, which led to the “arduous march” also known as the “meal-skipping campaign”

On the day of Kim Jong-il’s death, Kim Jong-un, the late ruler’s son who had remained unheard of before the transfer of power, took over the supreme leader position at the age of 27. During his first year in office, Kim Jong-un reportedly purged high-ranking officials from the government who could challenge his authority.

North Korea has allegedly carried out 27 death sentences ever since Kim Jong-un became leader in 2011, human rights group Transitional Justice Working Group claimed.

“In 2012 or 2013 in Pyongyang an executed body was burned with a flame-thrower in front of a crowd following execution. The family of the accused was forced to attend the execution and sit in the front row to observe. The father fainted after watching his son burn in front of his eyes,” a defector told the human rights group.

Last month, a man was reportedly executed via a firing squad for allegedly smuggling copies of Netflix’s hit South Korean series “Squid Game” into North Korea through USBs.