Mick Hartley

The Daily NK is perhaps the only source now where you can get a glimpse into the lives of ordinary North Koreans. Here's the latest from "special correspondent" Kang Mi Jin:

Although people are always very busy trying to get by and accomplish their own goals, they nonetheless have to endure another year of draconian measures under their government, and it only gets more intense in December with the dreaded annual self-criticism sessions. The harsh truth is that the state simply cannot afford for its people to have free time.

December 17 marked the conclusion of the ongoing '200-Day Battle' enforced by the authorities, but the occasion was no cause for excitement among the people. It merely represents the passing of 200 days of stress for them, with their self-criticisms due at the end. The citizens are normally stressed about preparations for the anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death in December, but as it coincides this year with the end of the '200-Day Battle,’ I am hearing that there it’s being seen as a silver lining of sorts – that there is relief at the chance to get both ordeals out of the way at once.

As our listeners know, Kim Jong Il died on December 17, 2011. Each year since, the government has required citizens to pay their respects, attend events, and display their loyalty. Due to these kinds of requirements, it would not be an exaggeration to say that December is the toughest month of the year for them…

The two most important are again the anniversary of the death of Kim Jong Il, and then the birthday of his mother Kim Jong Suk on the 24. Because these are related to the Kim family, they are both mentally and physically exhausting for the people. On the plus side, with these special events comes greater demand for certain products in the markets and thus greater profits for some people. We are even seeing people invest in part-time work in the markets to sell the items that are in demand.

For the anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death and the birthday of Kim Jong Suk, people are expected to present flowers at various designated spots of commemoration across the country. So we are seeing many more people selling flowers in the markets this month. I have heard that fresh flowers are being imported in from China in bulk, although domestic flower production is also up as many see the opportunity to make some extra money at the end of the year.

Since almost all people must attend these events and commemorations, there is likely to be a shortage of flowers available at the markets. But as we have come to expect from North Korea's shrewd and savvy merchants, many are preparing bouquets of artificial flowers in anticipation.

However, according to what I’ve heard from various people, some district and city leaders take note of those who bring artificial flowers to lay at the foot of Kim Jong Il's bronze statues throughout the country, and deem them as being less loyal to the party than those who bring real flowers. However, most people know the ramifications of not showing enough ‘loyalty,’ so many will scrape together the necessary funds for real flowers. In poorer rural areas, people will go out to the mountains and try to gather naturally growing, then take them home and prepare their own bouquets that way….