The Government of North Korea has prohibited its residents from laughing, drinking and shopping from Friday, December 17 onwards. This is a part of the 11-day mourning on the 10th anniversary of the former leader and Kim Jong Un’s father, Kim Jong-il.
“During the mourning period, we must not drink alcohol, laugh or engage in leisure activities,” a North Korean from the northeastern border city of Sinuiju was quoted as saying by Radio Free Asia, The Telegraph reported.
According to The Indian Express, one’s not allowed to cry out loud if any of their family members die during this period and the body must be taken out after the mourning period is over.
About Kim Jong-il’s death
Kim Jong-il, the second of the Kim family dynasty, ruled North Korea for 17 years until his death on December 17, 2011. According to Reuters, Il’s death was not reported until two days later by the state media.
According to the Associated Press, a siren blared for three minutes at midday on Friday and North Koreans fell silent and bowed in respect for Kim Jong-il.