Honestly, I think the public is in panic mode.
They fear each other as much as their tyrant leader.
One word from anyone, and your life is over.
Think of one person who drops out of favor with the government. They could easily barter innocents to save their own necks.
It’s a evil place.
I don’t disagree with your idea the capital has lost touch with the rest of the populace.
Well Kim likes to keep them in the panic mode....thus depending on the state....they don’t fear each other as much as they fear ‘getting caught’ by each other and turned over to the state. I will also say they can be ruthless with each other under normal conditions....well their normal anyway.