Why did North Korea ban laughter for 11 days?

Recently, North Korea imposed a strict ban on its citizens when it comes to certain activities. This ban, which commenced on December 17, is expected to last for 11 days, up until December 27. These 11 days have been declared as a mourning period for one of its former leaders. It marked the death anniversary of Kim Jong-il, the former leader of the nation. This seemingly absurd ban has also fuelled banter and memes all over social media, specifically on Twitter. Here is all you need to know about it and the reason behind it.  

What does this ban consist of? 
During this 11-day period, ordinary activities such as laughing, shopping and drinking are strictly banned all over North Korea. This announcement was made on Radio Free Asia’s Korean Service. Along with this, North Koreans are prohibited from indulging in any kind of celebrations, fun as well as other leisure activities. Even birthdays falling during this period cannot be celebrated. In case there is a death in the family, the grieving family members are not permitted to cry out loud either.  

Who is North Korea mourning? 
This mourning period is dedicated to Kim Jong-il, who was the father of the nation’s current supreme leader, Kim Jong Un. The preceding ruler reigned over the nation for 17 years. He died on December 17, 2011 and was buried in the nation’s capital city, Pyongyang. Usually, the annual mourning period lasts for 10 days. This year marks an entire decade since Jong-il’s death and hence, an additional day was added, making it 11 days long. December 17, 2021, which was the exact 10-year death anniversary of the former leader, witnessed a flood of mourning people in the capital. They were all made to bow their heads and observe a few minutes of silence.   

What would happen if the citizens flout the rules of the ban? 
North Korea is no stranger to extreme and bizarre sentencing. If a citizen breaks any of the rules of the ban, he/she will be subject to immediate arrest. Previously, such rule-breakers were labelled as ideological criminals and were treated as such. The nation’s law enforcement is annually tasked to crack down on those flouting the rules.