North Korean authorities have held up a Hyesan family that skipped a traditional 60th birthday celebration in late January as a model of socialist frugality ahead of the Ninth Party Congress — but people say the family simply couldn't afford the feast.
A source in Ryanggang province who requested anonymity for security reasons told Daily NK that city party officials learned of the family's decision through the Socialist Women's Union of Korea (SWUK) and praised them for "accurately understanding and practicing the party's intentions."
The source said authorities are pushing a frugality campaign ahead of the congress, scheduled for later this month. "The Supreme Leader (Kim Jong Un) is constantly shown visiting production sites across the country day and night for the people," the source said. "The idea is for people to keep pace with this as well."
North Korean authorities have been telling residents that avoiding luxury and waste is integral to a proper socialist lifestyle, calling lavish weddings, first birthday parties and 60th birthday celebrations wasteful and urging people to keep such occasions simple given the state's economic situation.
But traditional celebrations retain their social weight. Businesses that rent table settings for weddings and birthday feasts continue to thrive, and families still gather relatives and friends at home for 60th birthday meals. Skipping such an occasion carries real shame — it is widely regarded as a failure of filial duty.
That social reality is why people are scoffing at the party's decision to hold the family up as a model.
"Both children were struggling financially and couldn't afford a 60th birthday feast for their parents," the source said. "When the parents said 'we're too busy making ends meet for a birthday party,' the children were relieved."
While the family escaped the shame that would normally accompany skipping the celebration, the optics have unsettled others. "No one gives up a 60th birthday party to support the Workers' Party," the source said. "Now people worry the state will crack down on inviting neighbors over for a meal, calling that luxury, too."
