The Juche Philosophy
주체 사상
"Juche means to stick to the following principle: To solve independently all questions of the revolution and the build-up, in accordance with realities in its own country and mainly by its own forces. It signifies a creative application of the general truths of Marxism-Leninism and the international revolutionary movement in accordance with historical conditions and national specifics of your own country. It means that everybody is responsible himself for his own affairs and decides them independently until the very end."
– Kim Il-Sung, Party Conference Speech, 1966
– Kim Il-Sung, Party Conference Speech, 1966
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Korean army veteran explains Juche in working class terms. A State of Mind
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"...It’s translated as self-reliance, but it’s more amorphous than that. It’s really just a term for a whole complex of things that characterize the North Korean political system, that have to do with loyalty, kind of a mix of loyalty and nationalism." -Stephan Haggard, Lawrence and Sallye Krause Professor of Korea-Pacific Studies, UCSD |
Juche is a plastic blend of preexisting nationalism grafted onto a Marxist root. Originally developed as a response to foreign occupation of Korea, it has since permeated the entire social, economic and political fabrics of the country.
The Juche Tower, located in Pyongyang, praises Juche's virtues of independence and self-reliance. DPRK.com
Work and Live in the Spirit of Ch'ollima. Ch'ollima is the name of the North Korean "Great Leap Foward" taken after a mythological horse. Business Insider
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Jonathan Haidt, Professor of Ethical Leadership at New York University's Stern School of Business, explains the archetypal national myth and its application to North Korea. Juche Strong
"(3) SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN THE ECONOMY
The economy is the material basis of social life. Economic self-sufficiency enables one to consolidate the independence of one's country and live independently, provides a sure guarantee for Juche in ideology, independence in politics, and self-reliance in defense and ensures rich material and cultural lives for the people... ...(4) SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENSE Self-reliance in defense is a fundamental principle of an independent sovereign state. A state without self-reliant armed forces capable of defending the country from the enemies at home and abroad when imperialism exists cannot, in fact, be called a completely independent sovereign state." – Kim Jong-Il, On the Juche Philosophy, 1982 |
North Korea’s Juche ideology says “People are masters of their own destiny and the power to determine their destiny lies in themselves.” Juche ideology also says the people can develop a presence of independent, creative political and social life if they receive guidance from the leader. For this reason, North Koreans have to receive guidance from the leader. For this reason, North Koreans should not hear, or see any forbidden information.
- Mr. Kim, North Korea Reform Radio
- Mr. Kim, North Korea Reform Radio