Recent reports indicate that punishments are being intensified across North Korean society for issues of formalism in implementing Workers’ Party policies.
According to a source in South Pyongan Province, the annual spring agricultural tool exhibition in North Korea’s farming sector was once again conducted as a mere formality this year, drawing criticism for providing no actual benefit to agricultural production or farm household income.
This year’s agricultural tool exhibition was reportedly branded as “the worst ever.” The exhibition was not only small in scale, but the agricultural tools on display were uniformly old ones that had been hastily repaired or simply repainted.
At a time when the leadership is cracking down on corruption, the responsible officials were predictably dismissed from their positions. However, among ordinary citizens, there were sympathetic voices saying, “In these difficult times, even maintaining appearances is challenging.”
In reality, “formalism” has become chronic in North Korea. The authorities impose unrealistic demands, forcing those on the ground to obsess over ceremonies and procedures. Local officials, working with limited resources, have simply been going through the motions of implementing directives.
Meanwhile, the Workers’ Party continues to pressure local officials to reduce their “formalistic working attitude,” creating a disconnect. To reduce formalism, policies should be determined after sufficient public consultation between central and local authorities. The central government needs to better understand and learn about local conditions, and avoid making administrative decisions or implementations that disregard local cost-bearing capacities.
The competence of Workers’ Party policy makers and changes in social awareness are also crucial in North Korea. To genuinely address formalism, policies should consider citizens’ needs and demands as a starting point. The authorities should first guide changes in surrounding conditions before strengthening the enforcement of rewards and punishments.
Since North Korea’s formalism stems from the arbitrary decisions of Workers’ Party policy makers, it’s important to first address this root cause.
