North Korea harangues people to exhibit “noble and civilized” standards
Internal lecture material “Regarding the Party’s policies.” (Image: NK Insider)
Citizens throughout North Korea this month are studying how to “thoroughly establish” noble and civilized socialist moral standards.
This is the theme this month of the compulsory 45-minute lecture on ruling Party politics they have to sit through each week, according to material obtained by NK Insider.
The objective, according to the lecture material, is for people to: become true patriots dedicated to making the country and nation shine brighter; vigorously promote the fight for increased production and saving across all sectors and units; and thoroughly establish noble and civilized socialist moral standards throughout society.
All publications of this sort are released after receiving Kim Jong-un’s signed approval.
However, the theme this month is making citizens reflect on many things. Until recently they have seen Kim Jong-un’s image on TV quite often and found him to be a poor example of the “noble and civilized” morality and etiquette being promoted.
(Image: NK Insider)
For example, it is customary in North Korea for people to take their shoes off indoors, whether at home or in places like daycares and kindergartens. However, when Kim was filmed visiting a daycare, he didn’t do this. He just went into the building with his shoes on.
If he had even the slightest consideration for children or showed the minimum courtesy to the people as a leader, he would not have acted this way. Yet, he demands morality from them.
When visiting schools, he also smoked in the classroom, placing an ashtray in the back of the room. This scene while children were having lessons was publicly broadcast. In a time when even smoking outside the school fence would be considered inappropriate, Kim’s behavior shocked everyone.
During tours of facilities, Kim often sits by himself on a chair while older officials, almost his father’s age, stand. Such untypical behavior makes those around him uncomfortable. Kim’s disregard for etiquette may be a consequence of his ascension to power through dynastic succession. He evokes the image of a crime boss or gangster. It seems as though morality does not matter to him.
Yet, despite this, the study text claims, “Establishing socialist moral standards is an important requirement to uphold the essence of our society, enhance its superiority, and expedite the construction of a socialist great power.”
It even cites Kim’s own words: “The issue of thoroughly establishing socialist moral standards throughout society is a critical and serious matter that will determine the destiny and future of our style of socialism.”
There is a North Korean proverb that says, “When the upper water is clear, the lower water will be clear.” This means that those in power should set an example for those beneath them, and the national leader should embody noble and civilized morality as a model for the nation.
The regime asserts, “A person with noble moral character is someone who behaves humbly at all times and in all places, conscientiously observes etiquette and social order in public spaces, and gives up their seat for elderly people and mothers with children when using public transportation.”
Why is such a focus on morality being taught this month? It suggests that public etiquette and social order might be getting worse or be considered to have collapsed. This is not an unreasonable conclusion because the social issues raised in each period are highlighted through these study sessions.
“The reality that imperialists and hostile forces are persistently trying to corrupt and degrade the morality of our people suggests that the struggle against immoral acts should be intensified more than ever,” the material says.
The claim that external forces are corrupting the people is ironic. The authorities control the country so tightly, preventing citizens from freely traveling and blocking all foreign information, that it is somewhat absurd to argue that external forces are responsible for the lowering of standards.
Era is a North Korean defector and an experienced journalist who offers a unique perspective on one of the world's most secretive nations. Having escaped the oppressive regime, Era has leveraged her keen understanding of North Korean society to become a beacon of truth. Through her extensive network of in-country reporters, she maintains real-time communication with sources inside North Korea, providing unparalleled insights into the ground realities of the closed society.
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