Holiday spirit was reportedly in short supply this year in the border regions of North Korea near China. This is despite the fact that both the Lunar New Year (the most significant traditional holiday) and Kim Jong Il’s birthday (one of North Korea’s most important anniversaries) fell on the same day this year.
“The Rodong Sinmun [North Korea’s Party-run publication is clamoring on about the holiday, but there’s really no celebratory feeling among the people,” a source in Ryanggang Province told Daily NK during a telephone call on February 16.
A source in South Pyongan Province added, “Only the Party cadres and those in their circles are preparing gifts. Even though the two holidays are coming at the same time, the atmosphere is quiet.”
Ordinarily, North Koreans use the Lunar New Year to enjoy themselves and relax. Celebrations are more difficult this year due to international sanctions targeting the country. Imports have dwindled and the availability of products in the markets has dropped correspondingly. As a result, the markets have been uncharacteristically quiet this year.
“Product prices for essential goods like rice are climbing upwards. So people are tending to purchase smaller amounts,” the source from Ryanggang Province said.
In addition, residents are feeling an increasing sense of hostility towards the propaganda that accompanies the anniversary of Kim Jong Il’s birth. As so-called “loyalty funds” are continually demanded from the residents, many have started to view the authorities negatively, claiming that the regime takes more than it gives.
On this topic, a source from South Hamgyong Province told Daily NK, “In the Tonghungsang region of Hamhung, there’s a greenhouse specializing in Kimjongilia [a flower named after the leader Kim Jong Il]. These flowers are supposed to bloom on February 16, so the residents have to go out with their blankets to cover them [to protect them from the cold]. It’s the middle of a cold snap, and the flowers are considered more important than we are.”
“No matter how much effort the central authorities pour into propaganda and events to mark the General [Kim Jong Il]’s birthday, the end product is all form and no substance. An increasing number of residents are saying that their feelings of warmth for the regime have gone,” the source continued.
The North Korean authorities have conferred lofty titles to the three successive generations of the Kim family monarchy. While residents overtly express loyalty to the leadership to keep up appearances, a surge in critical thinking has become evident.
Although residents receive no real respite for the holidays, they are holding out hope for improved North-South relations kick-started by developments surrounding the Olympics.
“Expectations about unification and peace are growing as residents spread word about South Korean President Moon Jae In’s Olympics invitation [to the North],” the South-Pyongan based source concluded.
