Recently the Seoul daily, Chosun Ilbo, with the help of North Korean defectors, took a look behind the scenes at what constantly having to make an exhibition of yourself is really like as a way of life. It makes fascinating reading. Senior high-school students from downtown Pyongyang, with the suburbs roped in too for the biggest events. Each class of 45-50 forms one row. Initial training is by class teachers, themselves coached by trainers from the Collective Athletics department at Pyongyang Athletics College.
Practice lasts four months, or six for a major event.
As the date draws near, training may start at 7 am and last till midnight. That's not the only burden. Much training is in winter, and gulping hot soup causes lips to crack. Beating is the routine penalty for any infraction - such as peering to see what the child behind is doing. And woe betide anyone who plays a wrong card - above all if this shows up as a blemish on the Dear Leader's beaming face.