Politics of theDPRK

Political Theory: The Creation of Juche and Songun Ideas

The Juche idea and Songun idea was established by Kim II Sung during the Japanese military occupation of Korea from 1920 to 1945. In the mid-1920s, as he began to lead the revolution for the liberation of Korea, Kim II Sung was seeking a new form of revolutionary ideology. Kim II Sung deemed the previous ideology as outdated and inapplicable to the then Japanese military occupation, hence the formation of Juche and Songun was regarded as a new form of revolution.

The Juche idea is based on the philosophical principle of the masses as the masters and driving force of revolution and construction. The Songun ideas priorities the force of arms as the overall enabler for revolution and victory to independence, sovereignty and property of a nation.

The fundamentals of the Juche idea and Songun idea was formerly stated in a meeting of the Young Communist League and the Anti-Imperialist Youth League held from 30 June – 2 July, Juche 19 (1930) in Kalun, Northeast China.

The Juche Idea

The Juche idea is based on the philosophical principle of the popular masses as the masters of destiny and the driving force of revolution and construction. In essence, Juche conveys the principle of independence for the nation and people of the nation.

Man as Master of Destiny

The starting point of Juche idea begins with the self-realisation of ‘man’ as the ‘master’ of their ‘destiny’. The Juche idea dispels the concept of inevitable fate, as this concept propagates that ‘destiny’ is predetermined by a mystical absolute being such as religion and ‘man’ may only submit to their predestined fate. Instead, Juche idea notes that ‘man’ can determine his or her surrounding nature and society, and, as such, can change the course of ‘destiny’. As a result, the philosophical principle of Juche idea centres on ‘man’ as the ‘master’ of determining his/her immediate world accordingly to needs.

The Concept of Man

The ‘man’ in Juche ideology is viewed as a social being, living and acting within a social group. Rather than the handiwork of God or an evolved animal, the concept of man in Juche idea is based on the Marxist understanding of man defined by social relations. Although, in Juche idea, ‘man’ is considered a social being and distinguished from animals by acquiring the following three principles only through living and acting in social relations.

Independence

Independence refers to removing restrictions of nature and opposing all manners of subjugation in society. Through the products of labour, the surrounding environment and conditions of society can be determined by the people, and therefore, ‘destiny’ can be reshaped by changing the external environment and conditions.

Creativity

Creativity is utilised to transform nature and society to be of use and benefit to ‘man’. In changing the old and creating the new, the surrounding environment and conditions can be developed for the use and benefit of man.
Consciousness
Consciousness refers to the conducting of activities with conscious purpose. The Juche idea holds that activities shall be governed with an understanding of the world and governing laws to change and develop nature and society in line with man’s needs.

Popular Masses as Masters of Destiny

Although, Juche idea considers that only ‘man’ himself may determine his ‘destiny’, ‘man’ cannot form his ‘destiny’ in isolation and apart from the community. Under the concept of man as a social being, the ‘man’ in Juche idea shall live and act in a social group, not individually, and his ‘destiny’ be shaped for the use and the benefit of the social group.

In substance, ‘destiny’ is shaped by and belongs to the majority of the social group, which is defined as the popular masses of the working people. ‘Destiny’ thus, in Juche idea, refers to the formation of society, and social-historical development being independently determined by and for the interests of the masses of people.

Juche idea notes that an individual may contribute his or her talents by integrating into the popular masses. In attaining the historical experience and intelligence of the popular masses, the individual may educate and mobilise the popular masses into revolution. However, it is only through the collective efforts of the popular masses that social progression and ‘destiny’ be realised.

Equally, the formation of ‘destiny’ is shaped by the popular masses as one independent unit. Specifically, the unit is defined as a country or nation and the people’s destiny of the country or nation is independently formed without interference or influence from outside countries.

The Independence Principle

At the core of Juche idea is the principle of independence in the orientation, creation and maintenance of the popular masses as masters of destiny.

Firstly, the orientation of ‘destiny’ is based on the people’s demand and aspiration for independence. Specifically, independence refers to an equitable, happy life in a free and peaceful world, without domination, subjugation, aggression and war. In establishing such independence, national sovereign power is obtained by the popular masses and every member of society can fulfil their role in shaping the ‘destiny’ of the country.

Secondly, independence is fulfilled by reforming and developing both nature and society to serve its needs. This is achieved by the creative activities and abilities of the popular masses, which are continuously tailored to suit the specific conditions of the surrounding world.

Lastly, the principle of independence is steadily maintained to ensure the popular masses retain control of the nation and its’ destiny. Juche idea states four concrete forms implemented in society to maintain the principle of independence:

Juche in ideology

Establishing a firm attitude to fulfil the responsibility and the right to be the master of one’s own destiny, independent from others.
Independence in politics
Retaining national independence and sovereignty of the country; domination and interference from any outside forces are not tolerated.
Independence of economy
The economy is built by the country’s own efforts; material needs of the people are met by solely relying on the country’s economy.
Self-reliance in national defence
The country defends itself with its’ own resources and by its own effort.

The Songun Idea

The mission of the armed forces of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is to defend the leadership of the revolution, to safeguard the interests of the working people, to defend the socialist system and the gains of the revolution, and to protect the freedom, independence and peace of the country from foreign aggression by implementing the Songun-based revolutionary line.
The State shall implement the line of self-reliant defence, the import of which is to train the army to be a cadre army, modernize the army, are all the people and fortify the country on the basis of equipping the army and the people politically and ideologically.

Military First

At the root of the Songun idea is Juche. The Songun principle of prioritising the military first is based on ‘man’ as the master of ‘destiny’, and its demand for independence, as centred in the Juche idea.

In the Songun idea, a strong force of arms is the fundamental guarantee to independence and enabler of ‘destiny’.

‘The issue of defending independence, justice and peace has been regarded as a cardinal issue as it is related to the destiny of humanity’ (Juche idea).

Under the Songun principle, it is believed that without a strong military, the sovereignty of the DPRK is vulnerable to ‘imperial’ aggression and war. Hence, the force of arms and independence are interrelated and, in essence, the principles of Songun protects that masses as the masters of ‘destiny’.

The Revolution Principle

The core of the Songun idea is centred on the principle of revolution. Revolution refers to the abolishment of an exploiter class and its system leading to the establishment of a new social system and independence. Historically for the DPRK, the exploiter class and its system are identified as (1) the Japanese military occupation and (2) US military attacks.

These two regimes are considered as ‘imperialist’ and, according to the DPRK, engage in aggressive wars to extend power and control over nations and countries. Hence, the Songun revolutionary principle is the necessity of arms in the revolution. In Songun idea, there is an affirmation that the Korean revolution was carved out by the force of arms.

The two wars fought by Koreans against the US and Japanese imperialists are viewed as two stages of social revolution leading to the establishment of socialism in a country divided by foreign forces. The struggles of Koreans to defend the country and build a thriving country is the Songun revolutionary principle in practice.

The Japanese Revolution

In 1905, the Japanese established colonial rule over Korea and the two parties signed the Ulsa Five-Point Treaty. According to DPRK history, the Japanese proceeded to oppose, by force, the Korean petition for national independence. Reportedly, during the 1 March 1919 Popular Uprising of the Korean People, the Japanese killed more than 100,000 Koreans.

On 17 October 1926, Kim II Sung formed the Down-with-Imperialism Union (DIU) as an underground revolutionary organization to defeat the Japanese and liberate Korea by military force. Dependence on the military was further advanced in the founding of the Anti-Japanese People’s Guerrilla Army by Kim II Sung on 25 April 1932 and reorganised into the Korean People’s Revolutionary Army in 1934.

In founding the army first, on a military basis, the revolution was advanced, and victory was achieved over the Japanese occupation. The Songun idea asserts that “one cannot win by the means of petition, strike or dialogue in the fight against the enemy that has swords or guns. The most right method to defeat the armed enemy is the armed struggle.”

The American War

The DPRK notes that the Korean People’s Army, under the leadership of Kim II Sung, won victory in the Fatherland Liberation War against the US during the 1950s. The Koreans attribute the victory to the leadership of Kim II Sung, who gave precedence to the force of arms. Although the DPRK regarded the Korean army as a young army and the US army held an undefeated record, victory was achieved by prioritising ‘military first’.

After the victory, prioritising the force of arms and military affairs in the post-war rehabilitation was continuously maintained by Kim II Sung. In leading with a ‘military first’ approach, the socialist system based on Juche principles politically independent, economically self-sufficient and self-reliant in defence.

Continuous Military Strength

The strength of and dependence on the force of arms is continuous. The Songun idea notes that without such an approach, it is impossible to defend the gains of the revolution and advance socialism. Equally, the fulfilment of socialism hinges on the force of arms. The army must remain faithful to the State and the people, otherwise, the independence of the nation is lost. As a result, giving priority to the military is viewed as the only powerful weapon to safeguard the people and State from imperialists and reactionaries.

Songun Politics

‘A country or a nation can emerge victorious in the revolution and defend revolution and carve out its destiny independently only when it has its own powerful revolutionary armed forces” —Kim Jong II

The Songun idea closely combines politics and military together for the revolution and construction of the nation. Kim Jong II regarded Songun politics as a mode of leadership and socialism a mode of politics in which military affairs are given top priority. In essence, Songun idea politics resolve any obstacles in fulfilling the people’s cause for independence through the utilization of the military.

Songun politics is also paramount in the revolution and construction of the nation. Under the slogan, “Let us take charge of both the defence of the country and the socialist”, the soldiers of the Korean People’s Army are noted as playing a key role in socialist construction with soldier spirit.

A primary example of the latter was reflected on 23 October 1997, when the Korean People’s Army was instructed to increase the production of electricity in the Pukchang Thermal Power Complex, the largest power base of the country. The KPA solved an electricity problem by building more than 1,000 small or medium-size hero power stations in many parts of the country. Here, the Songun idea places army before the working class. Songun dispels the Marxism theory that revolution and construction are founded by the working class, since Marxism is applicable to the current working class, in which capitalism and the labour of the working class have developed and advanced. Instead, the development of society calls for a new of socialism, which is dependent on the force of arms to defend independence and contribute to revolution and construction. In essence, the rifle is placed before the sickle and hammer.

Three Pillars of Songun Politics

The Songun idea declares Songun politics to be supported by three pillars as follows:

The Revolutionary Party

The Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), as the ruling party of the DPRK, is the primary pillar. The WPK is regarded as the pivotal force to ensure Songun politics is central in leading the party and country. Songun politics is described as the politics of the Workers’ Party of Korea and the Songun revolutionary leadership is the leadership of the Workers’ Party of Korea. The army is placed under the command and leadership of the Party to fulfil its mission and duty as the revolutionary army.

The Korean People’s Army

The KPA guarantees adherence to the Songun politics through implementing the idea and line of the Party and leader. Songun politics notes that KPA soldiers are devoted to defending the Party and the leader against attacks, even risking their lives. The devout spirit of the KPA is reflected by the DPRK people, who are united in building a thriving country.

Single-hearted Unity

Single-hearted unity refers to an ideological and moral obligation to the leader as the centre. In practise, it is the masses united with the KPA around the Party and leader on one ideology and noble moral obligation.

Single-hearted unity is declared by the Songun idea as the strong political foundation and driving force of Songun politics.

National Defense Commission

In practice, the National Defence Commission is the concrete form of Songun idea politics. The National Defence Commission was introduced during the first session of the 10th Supreme People’s Assembly held by the Kim Jong II. Within the first session, the Kim II Sung Constitution was adopted, and the National Defence Commission was stipulated as the supreme defence leadership organization, the overall defence management organization.

The NDC is established to enhance Songun politics and enable the army to play a role in all State affairs and social life. In the NDC, a Songun leadership system is established with the Supreme Commander centred on a monolithic ideology, as the leader. In this manner, the organisation and control of the overall State and social life is unified on the principle of prioritizing the military and Songun politics is guaranteed by law.