Why North Koreans Cannot Smile, Drink Alcohol Or Talk Loudly On July 8

KEY POINTS

The country mourns the death of Kim Jong Un's grandfather every year on July 8
Kim Il Sung died in 1994
On Thursday, Kim Jong Un visited his grandfather's mausoleum

North Korea on Thursday marked the 27th death anniversary of its founder Kim Il Sung. The country mourns the death of current leader Kim Jong Un's grandfather every year by imposing several restrictions on its citizens.

On July 8, North Koreans are prohibited from smiling, drinking alcohol and even talking loudly. Other restrictions include refraining from any fun activities like celebrating birthdays, dancing or even cracking jokes. Disrespecting the rules on this day could result in citizens being sent to labor camps or even killed, Times Now reported.

The oppressive North Korean regime is known to have cracked down on several things that Pyongyang believes to be Western-inspired. Last year, the Daily NK, citing its network of sources inside North Korea, reported authorities had stepped up the crackdown on things like "dyed hair, earrings, jeans and clothing with foreign lettering." Other weird laws in the country include restrictions on making international phone calls, strict regulation of Internet usage, ban on international TV programs and only getting a state-approved hairstyle.

Among the many restrictions that citizens need to follow regularly, July 8 comes with stricter rules.

Kim Il Sung still maintains a godlike status in North Korea. He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Il, after his death in 1994. After Kim Jong Il died in 2011, his son and current leader Kim Jong Un took over.

On Thursday, Kim Jong Un visited a mausoleum for his late grandfather to mark the anniversary of his death. He paid tribute at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where Kim Il Sung's body lies in a glass tomb.

"At the halls where Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il lie in state the General Secretary made a bow of best wishes to the President and the Chairman who performed undying feats before the country, the people, the times and the revolution with their profound ideas and theories, extraordinary leadership ability and sweeping revolutionary practices," the Korean Herald, quoted the Korean Central News Agency.