We were talking about the education system last time. Throughout this system and the whole Communist life-way, individualism is rejected. Indeed one of the staples of discipline is peer criticism. Peers are not only encouraged but often forced to put a fellow student in place by a criticism session following a confession of some weakness.

In terms of subject matter, of course everything is Kim centered. Writings of and about the Kims are the main diet. Korean classics are taught only at University level. Strange. The Japanese are blamed (rightfully) for trying to stamp out Korean culture. But a Korean seems to have succeeded in this task to a much greater extent. No pottery classes. The songs have new words. No modern music.

At least in 1979, the schedule is 8 hours work, 8 hours study, 8 hours rest. And while "the people" are saddled with this heavy burden, the Kims themselves live a rather extravagant lifestyle, according to Martin. Many mansions. Many women. Jobs for all his many relatives. The Kims live like the old "nobles" (yongban in Korean) that ruled for centuries and are despised by Communists, as is the old Yi dynasty. But that dynasty has now been replicated by the new dynasty, about to enter its 3rd cycle.

Excessive funds are spent on buying royal villas, and entire neighborhoods are given over to the new royal class, all of whom eat very well while those less favored by the government starve and die.