Mourning periods for Kim Jong-il and his father Kim Il-sung, considered to be the father of the nation, are observed annually. Ordinarily, these periods last ten days, but an extra eleventh day has been added this year to commemorate a decade since Kim Jong-il’s passing.

“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,” the source said.

Police have been forewarned to look for those who do not look sufficiently upset, according to RFA, citing a second source from the southwestern province of South Hwanghae.

“From the first day of December, they will have a special duty to crack down on those who harm the mood of collective mourning,” said the second source speaking under conditions of anonymity.

“It’s a month-long special duty for the police. I heard that law enforcement officials cannot sleep at all.”

North Koreans are also required to make an extra effort to look after those who are hungry and impoverished during this time. North Korea is currently suffering from acute food shortages due to the coronavirus pandemic and economic sanctions, sparking fears of a second ‘Arduous March’.

“Residents must also work together to help out the kotjebi,” the second source said, referring to the growing number of North Korea’s homeless street beggars.

“Social order and safety must be ensured, so companies are responsible for collecting food to give to residents and employees who cannot come to work due to food shortages.”