Inside The Cult Of Kim

North Korean Tensions: Inside The Cult Of Kim -- The Economist

Despite doomsday warnings, life continues as abnormal as ever in the capital.

IT IS hard to talk about normality in North Korea. But as its leaders each day cranked up the threats of merciless all-out war with America and South Korea, residents in and around the capital, Pyongyang, appeared to be busier preparing for the coming of spring than a coming war.

At a time of high tension on the Korean peninsula, a propaganda blitz in Pyongyang warning of something akin to a doomsday “do-or-die” battle was relentless. On March 26th people crowded around television screens to watch a newsreader in pink bark out orders from the top brass of the Korean People’s Army for field units to be ready to attack American bases and conduct “physical action” against South Korea.

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My Comment: My parents grew up under Stalin .... so I only know too well how surreal this may sound to outsiders, but for those who are living in it .... it is surprising very effective. My father  grew up in the Ukraine during the height of the 1932-33 famine.  And while he was always hungry (as well as everyone else) .... they all had to gather together to sing the praises of Stalin .... and as my father told me .... they believed it.