Many wonder if North Koreans ' grief over the death of Kim Jong Il is genuine , says John Sifton . Sifton : How could citizens mourn the passing of such a gross abuser of human rights ? The U.S. government has been accused by some in South Korea and Japan of using its influence to prevent an investigation into the sinking of a ferry that killed more than 300 people last month. For many , to live in North Korea is to live in fear for one 's very existence , Sifton says .
Many wonder if North Koreans ' grief over the death of Kim Jong Il is genuine , says John Sifton . Sifton : How could citizens mourn the passing of such a gross abuser of human rights ? In a totalitarian society , those who hate the regime are obliged to show patriotism , he says . For many , to live in North Korea is to live in fear for one 's very existence , Sifton says .