Images on television have shown North Koreans in a constant state of mourning since their 'Dear Leader,' Kim Jong-Il, passed away of a heart attack. However, some North Koreans who have escaped to South Korea say many North Koreans are putting on a show of sadness about Kim's death because they fear the wrath of the regime.
Kim, who had been showing signs of health problems well before his death, groomed his son, Kim Jong-un, as his successor. The younger Kim has made many appearances during the mourning period for his father, but analysts are unsure how he will rule the country and what role the powerful military will play.
Some people in South Korea are trying to get through to North Koreans through shortwave radio broadcasts. Because North Korea is so cut off from the rest of the world, it's difficult for North Koreans to know the world's reaction to Kim's death, and for the world to know exactly what is going on in the reclusive country.
Quotes
"If people don't cry in public, then they can be seen as insulting the leadership. It can regarded as a crime against the state." - Son Jeong Hun, North Korean defector
"So, some of them, even some of them called -- we called today, they say that they welcome the death of Kim Jong-il, because the death of Kim Jong-il signals a new era, when they can change North Korean society." - Ha Tae Gyung, radio station director
Warm Up Questions
1. According to the video, why would North Koreans feel they needed to cry “crocodile tears” over the death of Kim Jong-Il?
2. Why do you think North Korea is closing its borders more than ever and becoming even more isolated following the death of Kim Jong-Il?
3. What is a ‘cult of personality?’ Why do you think Kim Jong-Il went to great lengths to construct a cult of personality around himself and his family?
Discussion Questions
1. What is the difference between North Korea and South Korea? How did the two countries become divided?
2. What is Communism?
3. What might be some issues in a country ruled by one family, passing power from generation to generation?
Additional Resources
