A constant reminder of who is to be obeyed under North Korea's totalitarian rule

The aim of the Second Inter-Korean Summit in 2007, between Roh Moo-Hyun, the South-Korean president and Kim Jong-Il, the North-Korean leader, was to build on the achievements of the first summit held in 2000 between Kim Dae-jung, the then South Korean president, and Kim Jong-Il. 

Since then, a steady increase in economic co-operation has developed, and separated families from the two sides have reunited.

Kim Jong-Il has a reputation for being a ruthless dictator, yet appears to have widespread support among his people.

But the enigma that is Kim Jong II remains stronger than ever. His recent failure to make public appearances has fuelled mounting speculation about his health, of which North Korea will say nothing. He is believed to have diabetes, heart disease and, in August, is said to have suffered a stroke.

Filmmaker Pieter Fleury takes us to the family of Hong Sun Hui, a female worker in a textile factory, through what appears to be an ordinary day in North Korea. Here, the people undergo an endless stream of propaganda. Unmoved by the constant stream of voices they perform their work dutifully.

At the nursery school, Hong's daughter learns that 'flowers need the sun and she needs the love of the Great Leader to grow'. The system of indoctrination, control and self-criticism seems both frightening and unnecessary. Just how does Kim Jong Il maintain such absolute power?

Al Jazeera's diplomatic correspondent Mark Seddon gives us his insight into recent developments regarding North Korea's nuclear strategy, with regard to its troubled relationship with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

This episode of People & Power aired from Saturday, September 27, 2008.