At the South Pyongan Province annual spring agricultural tool exhibition

sympathetic voices saying, “In these difficult times, even maintaining appearances is challenging.”

In reality, “formalism” has become chronic in North Korea. The authorities impose unrealistic demands, forcing those on the ground to obsess over ceremonies and procedures. Local officials, working with limited resources, have simply been going through the motions of implementing directives.

Meanwhile, the Workers’ Party continues to pressure local officials to reduce their “formalistic working attitude,” creating a disconnect.

They have to do things a certain way, implementing party directives, yet they have to do it spontaneously. It's a hard one…but they'll get there in the end. True freedom comes with obeying the party. "Freedom is slavery".