INDEPENDENCE STAR `The Juche Idea is based on Marx’s principle:

Journal of the British Group for the Study

`Workers of all countries, unite!’ and is in full accord
of the Juche Idea, Jan 2024 with proletarian internationalism.’ – Kim Il Sung

Contents
New Year’s Message from Chairman of Article: `Reflections on the 45th
BGSJI………………………………………………….pg.1 Anniversary of the Slogan “Let Us Live
Our Own Way”’, by Dr. Dermot
Extract from Work of Kim Jong Un: `Let Hudson………………………………………………pg.12
Us Live and Work in the Revolutionary
Spirit of Paektu, the Spirit of the Blizzards Report of Meeting: `People’s Korea –
of Paektu’…………………………………………….pg.2 Continuing the Revolution and Living its
Own Way’…………………………………………..pg.13
Article: `Leading the Korean People
Towards Final Victory – Tribute to Report of Joint Songun-Juche Study
Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un on his Session on the 30th November……………pg.15
birthday’, by Dr. Dermot Hudson……….pg.4
Answers from Dr. Dermot Hudson at the
Article: `Preliminary Criticism on Sartre’s 3rd Joint Songun-Juche Q&A Study
Existentialism’, by C. Pollak…………….…pg.5 Session……………………………………………….pg.16
Article: `On the 9th Plenum of the 8th Answers from Alan Bolon, KFA
Central Committee of the Workers’ Party Organisation Secretary, at the 3rd Joint
of Korea’, by BGSJI…………………………….pg.8 Songun-Juche Q&A Study Session……pg.20
Article: `A Polemic Against the `Six Heads Poem: `New Year’s Wishes to the Korean
Study Circle (Part 1)’, by CNY Rao……pg.9 People in the North and South’, by Tvrtko
Balic…………………………………………………..pg.23
Poem: Extract from `Mt. Paektu’ by Jo Ki
Chon…………………………………………………..pg.24

New Year’s Message from Chairman of the British Group for

the Study of the Juche Idea
Dear Members of the British Group for the should take new initiatives. We must
Study of the Juche Idea, comrades, and increase our membership!
friends,
We must defend the Juche Idea against
I wish all members of the British Group for slanderous attacks by the modern
the Study of the Juche Idea a very happy revisionists, opportunists, big-power-
new year: Juche 113 or 2024. May you chauvinists, and ultra-left dogmatists!
enjoy good health, happiness, and success!
I thank everyone for their support during Let us move forward together in 2024 and
the past year. strengthen our work to study the Juche
Idea, and spread it widely in the UK.
In the coming year, we must increase our
activities to study and disseminate the - Dr. Dermot Hudson, Chairman
Juche Idea and the Songun Idea. We BGSJI

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Extract from `Let Us Live and Work in the Revolutionary Spirit of
Paektu, the Spirit of the Blizzards of Paektu’
Work of Kim Jong Un

Today I climbed Mt. Paektu. On reaching

its summit, I admired the majestic view of
the mountain itself and its imposing
appearance and fortitude in the howling
blizzards.
Mt. Paektu is our ancestral mountain, the
sacred mountain of the revolution, which is
associated with the soul of our nation and
representative of the spirit and stamina of
Songun Korea. It is the birthplace of the
Juche revolution, the symbol of its victory
and the eternal beacon guiding it.
revolutionary cause of Juche that was
It is a marvellous mountain which presents pioneered on Paektu.
kaleidoscopic shifts. The Great Paektu
Mountains starts on Mt. Paektu, from Mt. Paektu is a witness to history. It
which all other mountains on this land embodies the immortal revolutionary
extend out. So the roar of this mountain history and exploits of our Great Leaders,
echoes throughout the country. their indomitable spirit and fortitude and
their ennobling traits. It is the mountain of
This mountain is the source of dignity for the great Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim
the Korean nation, of pride for our people. Jong Il.
The great General Kim Jong Il said that
all Korean revolutionaries should learn It is the sacred place of the Juche
about Mt. Paektu and cherish the revolution where Comrade Kim Il Sung
revolutionary spirit of Paektu so that the organised and waged the anti-Japanese
revolutionary cause of Juche, pioneered on revolutionary struggle. For more than 20
Paektu, could be carried down through the years after he started the Korean
generations. Bearing his precious revolution he crossed the rugged
instructions in mind, I climbed Mt. Paektu mountains of Paektu and fought bloody
for the first time over 20 years ago. Today battles, leading the anti-Japanese
I climbed it again in order to have a deeper revolutionary struggle to victory, and thus
understanding of how the revolutionary achieving the historic cause of national
spirit of Paektu, the fundamental source of liberation. The primeval forests and crags
the great mental strength of Kim Il Sung’s of Mt. Paektu all bear the noble imprint of
nation and Kim Jong Il’s Korea, was Comrade Kim Il Sung.
created and ensure that the whole country
brims over with the revolutionary spirit General Kim Jong Il’s birthplace is in the
and fortitude of Paektu. Paektusan Secret Camp on the mountain.
As the birthplace of our revolution it
Looking down on the mountains and rivers assures its lineage; as the birthplace of
of the country from Janggun Peak, I was Korea it is dear to the hearts of our people.
filled with deep emotion, since the sights It has enabled our army and people to
evoked the majestic images of the great travel a road resplendent with victory,
Comrades Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, enjoying the blessing of having Great
who led the Korean revolution to brilliant Leaders and generals for one generation
victory, braving the storms of history with after another.
the soul and spirit of Paektu. Standing on
the summit of Mt. Paektu, I have hardened The General was born on Mt. Paektu
my resolve and will to accomplish the during the arduous anti-Japanese

2
revolutionary struggle; having experienced Today, in climbing Mt. Paektu, we
severe trials in his childhood, he grew up experienced the severity of its blizzards.
into a great revolutionary who embodied The blizzards of Paektu, the severe
the spirit and temperament of Mt. Paektu. snowstorms of the mountain, are symbolic
He regarded it as his lifelong mission to of the revolutionary fortitude of Paektu. In
accomplish the revolutionary cause of this Season, because of the biting cold and
Juche pioneered on Paektu down through strong wind, those visiting the
the generations, and he devoted his all to revolutionary battle sites do not climb the
the victory of the revolution and to the mountain, but we did, in order to have
country and people. personal experience of the blizzards of
Paektu. Only when one climbs Mt. Paektu
In the 1970s Comrade Kim Il Sung in the midst of a blinding snowstorm to
entrusted him with the overall affairs of experience the blizzards of Paektu at first
the Party and the People’s Army. As the hand can one appreciate the real `feel’ and
General took direct responsibility for these attraction of the mountain and harden
affairs, a new revolutionary turn was one’s determination to carry out the
brought about in the work of the Party and Korean revolution.
the army; the Party and the revolutionary
ranks were further strengthened and a Revolutionaries should have a `feel’ of the
great golden age of socialist construction blizzards of Paektu. For revolutionaries,
was ushered in. the blizzards of Paektu are a warm wind
which sharpens the edge of their
The 1990s was a decade of trying ordeals, revolutionary faith and assures them that
during which our people suffered the they can achieve miracles and victory,
greatest national loss. They also had to whereas for renegades of the revolution
undergo the Arduous March and forced and traitors, they are a biting blast which
march owing to a series of natural deals them a crushing blow. Those who
calamities and the enemy’s pernicious have appreciated the `feel’ of the blizzards
isolate-and-stifle schemes against our of Paektu become revolutionaries, and
republic. In this grim period when the those who have not, renegades. In
Party and the revolution were facing retrospect, those who were unwilling to
severe difficulties, the General, climb Mt. Paektu and gave in for fear of
shouldering the responsibility for the the blizzards of Paektu, degenerated into
destiny of his country and nation by dint renegades and traitors. When renegades
of his energetic Songun-based and traitors appeared and challenged it in
revolutionary leadership, wisely led the the past grim days, our Party punished
struggle to bring the Arduous March and them without mercy by dint of the
forced march to a successful conclusion. blizzards of Paektu.
Thanks to his sagacious leadership our
army and people overcame manifold We should cherish the blizzards of Paektu
ordeals and difficulties, achieving one which sharpen the edge of our
victory after another in the confrontations revolutionary faith and inspire us with
with the enemy; they built a powerful firm confidence in final victory, and follow
defence industry, laid solid foundations for the road of revolution to end.
economic development, and demonstrated
the dignity of Songun Korea to the whole Our army and people should always live
world. and work in the revolutionary spirit of
Paektu.
In the future, too, our army and people
should regard his birthplace in the This spirit is, in essence, an unyielding
Paektusan Secret Camp as their spiritual attacking spirit of braving obstacles and
mainstay, and strive hard to add eternal difficulties and a staunch fighting spirit of
glory to his undying revolutionary rising up again no matter how often one
exploits, build a powerful country and may fall and fighting to the last. It is an
achieve the final victory of the ennobling spirit which our army and
revolutionary cause of Songun. people should cherish for ever in their
hearts and the most precious spiritual
wealth that must not be bartered for

3
anything in the world, however valuable. severe trials of the revolution, live in the
When we live in this spirit, we will have revolutionary spirit of Paektu, the spirit of
nothing to fear and nothing will be beyond the blizzards of Paektu, can they fully
our strength. understand the greatness of the Party and
the leader and how precious is their
To be fully equipped with this spirit is all country, and creditably perform their
the more important for our young people of mission as successors to the revolutionary
the new generation who have emerged as cause of Juche, the revolutionary cause of
the main force of the revolution. Only when Songun.
these people, who have not experienced the

Leading the Korean People Towards Final Victory – Tribute to

Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un on his Birthday
By Dr. Dermot Hudson, Chairman BGSJI
Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, whose During the past year, despite the ever-
birthday falls on the 8th January this year, intensified sanctions of the US
is a truly great leader who is leading the imperialists, world imperialists and other
Korean people forward along the road of reactionary forces, remarkable progress
independence, self-sufficiency, and self- has been made with a bumper harvest
reliance without deviation or hesitation. He reaped and massive housing construction
is the staunch anti-imperialist leader, who taking place all over the country. Another
is feared by the US imperialists and new street, Hwasong Street, appeared in
reactionaries of the world. Pyongyang. Some countries could not last
for 5 minutes with their borders closed, but
Marshal Kim Jong Un himself does not the DPRK has survived for nearly 4 years
celebrate his birthday and it is not a public with its borders closed, and carried out a
holiday in the Democratic People’s great deal of construction work, doing
Republic of Korea (DPRK). January 8th is more in one day than some countries do in
not marked on any official calendar in the 10 or 20 or even a hundred years! This is
DPRK. This is because Marshal Kim Jong testimony to not only the resilience and
Un is a humble and modest leader. One durability of Korean-style socialism, but
when I was in the DPRK a few years ago, also the skilful leadership of Marshal Kim
I asked my guide why there was not a Jong Un.
portrait of Respected Marshal Kim Jong
Un alongside those of President Kim Il A great leap forward has taken place in the
Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il, and my work of building up national defence.
guide replied that Marshall Kim Jong Un Marshal Kim Jong Un is a man who has
himself had forbidden it. Although it is not no illusions about imperialism and knows
officially marked, the birthday of Marshal that the answer is to confront the
Kim Jong Un is a very important date for imperialists by force, to answer nukes with
the people of the DPRK and the world’s nukes. Some countries made the mistake of
people, because of the role played by signing agreements and treaties with the
Marshal Kim Jong Un, both in Korean and imperialists, which only allowed the
world politics. imperialists to build up their forces and
those of their puppets behind the scenes. In
Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un has November, the DPRK launched its first
carried forward the Juche revolutionary military reconnaissance satellite, the
cause pioneered by Great President Kim Il Malligyong-1, and in December tested the
Sung, and Great Chairman Kim Jong Il, Hwasongpho-18 ICBM.
steering the DPRK along the road of
independence, self-reliance, and socialism, The DPRK, under the leadership of
defying all attempts at `regime change’ by Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un, during
the imperialists and enemies of socialism. the past year has solidified ties with anti-
imperialist countries. The DPRK has

4
supported the cause of the Palestinian On the occasion of the birthday of Marshal
people and is one of the few countries not Kim Jong Un, we salute him for his great
to recognise Israel. achievements in leading People’s Korea
and the world anti-imperialist forces.

Preliminary Criticism on Sartre’s Existentialism

by C. Pollak

Existentialism is a bourgeois ideology. grounded by its necessary kernel:

Human-nature (so-called) is a economic social relations.
contradiction in terminology, as humans
live in society, not nature, but historically Marx here is not denying the existence of
evolved or arose out from nature. This man or individuals, rather trying to
society is then an overcoming of nature, explain them as social-beings: that our
while still maintaining the anarchic birth- fundamental essence is conditioned by our
pangs of nature within that society: existence... not meaning that our existence
can be nothing more than an essence, or
`if it is true that existence precedes socio-economic relations, but is grounded
essence,* we can never explain our by these economic social-relations. So, men
actions by reference to a given and do not voluntarily define themselves,
immutable human nature.’ (J.P. contrary to the following:
Sartre, Existentialism is a
Humanism, p.29, Yale, 2007) `Man is nothing other than his own
project. He exists only to the extent
Charitable reading: socio-economic that he realises himself, therefore he
relations are the primary is nothing more than the sum of his
determinants, or ground of actions, nothing more than his life.’
existence. (J.P. Sartre, p.37)
But, if there is still universality across all These actions are defined, prohibited, or
humans, it is not worth mistaking the facilitated, by our socio-economic relations.
above to mean some kind of unknowability Because an individual man can do
(fundamental difference) between humans. anything at all, let al one act, this is exactly
That universality, which is common to all, premised on man’s social being – living in
of human-nature (so-called) is true a community, relying on others for bread,
abstracted in itself, but false in a society housing, healthcare, etc. – otherwise that
divided into classes, where concretely one man’s essence is solely his existence,
man is richer, thanks to another man being struggling on his own for bread, housing
poorer. and health… men are hence defined by their
actions in relation to (inside and out of)
`human essence is no abstraction community. To end the definition of man,
inherent in each single individual. or to reduce man to actions alone, is an
In its reality it is the ensemble of incomplete abstraction separated from the
social relations.’ (K. Marx, Theses whole:
on Feuerbach, in: Early Writings,
p.423, Penguin, 1992) `Man is a social being who lives and
acts in social relationships. The fact
Reality: human essence is not that man is a social being is the
limited to, but arises from existence, major quality which distinguishes

* [Editor’s note: quotes’ underlining and

italicisation in this article is that of the
author.]

5
 him from other biological beings. In the following quote, it is clear, Sartre
Marxism defined man’s essential (the individual) cannot compete with the
quality as the ensemble of social science of history, a scientific system, put
relations. This definition rendered a together by entire states:
historic service by shattering the
unscientific, reactionary view which `we do not believe in the idea of
regarded man as a purely spiritual progress [wow!]. Progress implies
being or a simple biological being. improvement, but man is always the
However, the definition of man’s same [?], confronting a situation
essential quality as the sum total of that is forever changing, while
social relations does not provide a choice always remains a choice in
comprehensive elucidation of man’s any situation.’ (J.P. Sartre, p.47)
own essential qualities […] In the Man[kind] is not so-called always the
past, too, many attempts were made same, the social situation of [hu]man[s]
to elucidate man’s essential changes social-man. If the situation
qualities by dealing mainly with his improves for the working-majority
own features, for example, attempts (proletarian), we have so-called progress
to define man as a speaking, (the new being better than the old). If the
working, or thinking being. These situation improves for the bourgeois
attempts, however, all dealt with ruling-minority, which is always a so-
some aspects of man’s actions, called improvement or progress at the
which are the expression of his expense of the working-majority (the class
essential qualities. Man is a social that without them, all civilisations will fall,
being with independence, creativity, since they build the homes, bake the bread,
and consciousness. Herein lie his harvest the crops, fish the fish, cook the
essential qualities.’ (Kim Jong Il, meat, weave the clothes, raise the children,
Socialism is a Science, p.11, Foreign etc.), then we have reaction, that is, the
Languages Publishing House, opposite of progress, a backwards
Pyongyang, Korea, 1994) movement, or regression… not to a natural
Beyond individual subjectivity, while state or state more in accordance with man,
living in the world, we have only a finite but pre-societal man, that is, man in
number of possibilities, so then, the only nature, or no longer man, but beast, ape…
free-act is the positive act towards infinity, to claim the natural human state is in the
the revolutionary-historical task which chaos of nature, as if humans are no better
leaves a legacy and overcomes this than animals in nature, is to be a loyal
finitude, a common cause, being towards bourgeois, justifying the present day
infinity. [Although it is difficult to foresee [dis]order of bourgeois society as eternal
every possible outcome beforehand, this and natural. Again, men do not voluntarily
complexity does not mean impossibility.]: choose their situation… what kind of choice
is a choice that does not let us choose the
`Man […] his possibilities go beyond conditions of our choice, and the conditions
all his actual realisations and are of those conditions, etc.:
not determined by these realisations
in an unequivocal manner. But this `man is condemned to be free:
is also to say that he can actually condemned, because he did not
realise only a limited number of his create himself, yet nonetheless free,
infinite […] possibilities. In other because once cast into the world, he
words, man always dies somehow is responsible for everything he
prematurely (which to a certain does.’ (J.P. Sartre, p.29)
extent `justifies’ his desire for an `those who conceal from themselves
afterlife) – that is, before this total freedom, under the guise
exhausting all the possibilities of of solemnity, or by making
his being.’ (A. Kojeve, Introduction determinist excuses, I call cowards.’
to the Reading of Hegel Lectures on (J.P. Sartre, p.49)
the Phenomenology of Spirit, p.256,
Cornell University Press, 1980)

6
This unmitigated freedom is a one-sided of philosophical schools consisting
view disconnected from real life processes. of a small number of philosophers
There is no such thing as freedom without and their disciples, detached from
necessity. Without necessity as an opposite life and the people, and alien to the
of freedom there is no movement, no effect people. Marxism is not such a
after the cause. Freedom to have no effect philosophical school. On the
is slavery. Freedom without taking into contrary, it supersedes the old
account necessity is ignorance. Only a philosophy – philosophy that was
bourgeois individual with infinite money the property of a small elite, the
and no responsibilities could speak of total aristocracy of the intellect. It
freedom and necessity of taking on more marked the beginning of a
responsibility. In final analysis: completely new period in the history
of philosophy, when it became a
`With the appearance of Marxism as scientific weapon in the hands of the
the scientific world outlook of the proletarian masses in their struggle
proletariat ends the old period in the for emancipation from capitalism.’
history of philosophy, when (A. A. Zhdanov, On Literature,
philosophy was the occupation of Music and Philosophy, p.80, NEPH,
isolated individuals, the possession Toronto, 2022)

BGSJI PUBLICATIONS

The British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea publishes a variety of pamphlets and
books, which are for sale both online and at in-person meetings. They can largely be
found on lulu.com and amazon.co.uk.
Red Suns of Juche-based Socialism by Dr. Dermot Hudson: 7.61 GBP
The Great Conspiracy Against People’s Korea by Dr. Dermot Hudson: 7.61 GBP for
first edition, 8.75 GBP for enlarged edition, 5.00 GBP for German translation.
Socialist Paradise of Juche by Dr. Dermot Hudson: 5.75 GBP
In Defence of Songun by Dr. Dermot Hudson: 8.56 GBP
Journey to the Country of the Sun by Shaun Pickford: 4.79 GBP
People’s Korea, An Example of Independence and Self-Reliance: National and Social
Liberation in the Age of Globalisation by Shaun Pickford: 4.31 GBP
The Eternal People’s Sun by Dr. Dermot Hudson: 4.00 GBP for first edition, 7.50 GBP
for German translation.
Juche Philosophy Study Course – KFA UK and BGSJI by Alan Bolon and Dr. Dermot
Hudson: 2.10 GBP for e-book.
Report of October 2019 Visit to People’s Korea by BGSJI: 3.00 GBP
Let Us Intensify the Anti-US, Anti-Imperialist Struggle by President Kim Il Sung: 4.37
GBP for physical copy, 3.74 GBP for e-book.
Only Victory and Glory Will Be in Store for Us who are Advancing under the Unfurled
Flag Bearing the Immortal Beaming Images of the Great Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il
by Marshal Kim Jong Un: 4.66 GBP

7
On the 9th Plenum of the 8th Central Committee of the
Workers’ Party of Korea
The 9th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central times, rolled steel 1.9 times,
Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea machine tools 5.1 times, cement 1.4
took place in Pyongyang from December times, and nitrogen fertiliser 1.3
26-30. The meeting was guided and times, and the GDP grew up 1.4
presided over by Respected Marshal Kim times.’
Jong Un. Many important deliberations
were made at the meeting with Marshal Moreover, the report estimated `the over-
Kim Jong Un making a very significant fulfilment of grain production, the
and important speech. Space does not dominant height of decisive significance in
permit us to make a detailed analysis of the overall economic development and the
the decisions of the 9th Plenum of the WPK guarantee of people’s living’ as the most
Central Committee, however it is useful to precious and valuable success achieved in
make some brief observations about the the economic work for 2023.
content of the 9th Plenum. This goes to prove that the mainstream
Firstly, the9th Plenum meeting reported media’s talk of `famine’ and `starvation’ is
the stunning progress made by the DPRK untrue. Also, that sanctions do not affect
in the past year. The report stated that: the DPRK’s economy one bit.

`The 12 goals for the national Marshal Kim Jong Un said that a tough
economic development were all stand should be taken towards the US
attained, with 103 per cent of grain imperialists and the south Korean puppets.
production, 100 per cent of electric He had stern words for the south Korean
power, coal and nitrogenous puppets:
fertiliser, 102 percent of rolled steel, `South Korea at present is nothing
131 per cent of nonferrous metal, but a hemiplegic malformation and
109 per cent of logs, 101 per cent of colonial subordinate state, whose
cement and ordinary cloth, 105 per politics is completely out of order,
cent of marine products, 106 per whole society tainted by Yankee
cent of railway freight transport culture, and defence and security
and 109 per cent of houses under totally dependent on the US.’
construction. The overall economy
witnessed clear production growth, The DPRK will now regard south Korea as
including 220 percent of motor the enemy and will not seek reunification
production, 208 per cent of with it. Marshal Kim Jong Un severely
transformers, 121 per cent of lead, criticised south Korean puppet regimes of
113 per cent of paper, 110 per cent one kind or another for wanting to annex
of salt, 109 per cent of cosmetics, the DPRK, basically the so-called
100 per cent of flat glass and 104 `unification under liberal democracy’
per cent of magnesia clinker, and (capitalism).
plan discipline was established.
The DPRK will no longer try to engage in
Compared with the total growth of dialogue with south Korea as it is a waste
the economic sector in 2020, the of time.
previous year of the 8th Party
Congress, the production of We applaud the new revolutionary line of
important indices largely went up in the WPK, laid down at the 9th Plenum of
2023 by raising the production of the 8th Central Committee.
iron trioxide 3.5 times, pig iron 2.7

8
A Polemic Against the Six Heads Study Circle (part 1)
by CNY Rao

I recently had the displeasure of reading a what Comrade Kim Jong Il would actually
rather pathetic essay entitled `A Critique of say.
Juche’, published by a group who have
dubbed themselves the `Six Heads Study Our friends at the Study Circle go on to
Circle’. In reality, they are more of a `one write:
head study circle’, as their primary `So he argues for an idealist
occupation is reminiscing about the perspective. How do we know this?
Peruvian PCP and, in particular, its leader Well, if he were talking about
Abimael Guzman, whom they materialism, he would only be
affectionately call `President Gonzalo’ – talking about two types […] he is
president of where? Their secondary not talking about dialectical
occupation is forgetting the teachings of materialism, nor does he mention
the other five heads – Marx, Engels, Lenin, the errors of mechanical
Stalin, Mao – to obsess over the infinitely materialism.’ (Six Heads Study
more successful and relevant Workers’ Circle, A Critique of Juche, p.2,
Party of Korea. 2020)
In this short polemic, I will attempt to Why must he? If I tell you that I live in
refute the claims they make about the London, will you respond: `Why haven’t
Juche Idea, point by point. you made mention of the different
boroughs which make up the city?’ Well,
perhaps because if I had, my original
1. `Juche is anti-Materialist.’ statement wouldn’t gain any additional
value?
Here, we see a blatant manipulation of a
quote from Kim Jong Il: A common theme we come to see is that the
writer has little to no understanding of
`The limitations of the preceding what Marxism actually entails. He/she
theory [Marxism, were] based on uses three quotes as examples of its
the materialist outlook on history idealism, which all point to the necessity of
[that] have been revealed more the masses’ controlling their own fates.
clearly in the course of socialist What’s wrong with this? The writer seems
construction since the establishment to think that it is revisionist to say that one
of the socialist system.’ (Kim Jong can influence his/her material conditions:
Il, Socialism is a Science, p.7,
Foreign Languages Publishing `Juche argues that man can control
House, Pyongyang, Korea, 1994) his destiny, or in other words bend
material conditions to his will. This
This is taken from the seminal work isn’t a development of Marxist
Socialism is a Science (not On the Juche theory, but a revision of it.’ (Six
Idea, as they incorrectly suggest) – Heads Study Circle, p.4)
except… it isn’t. The inserts (in square
brackets) were added by the Study Circle, I suppose Marx himself was a revisionist:
and completely change the meaning of the
statement. Read it again without looking `The chief defect of all hitherto
at the inserts… it means something else existing materialism — that of
now! Comrade Kim Jong Il is actually Feuerbach included — is that the
saying here that Marxism’s view of history thing, reality, sensuousness, is
had certain limitations, but the writer of conceived only in the form of the
this critique has misconstrued it to say that object or of contemplation, but not
materialism has limitations. This is not as sensuous human activity,
practice, not subjectively. Hence, in

9
 contradistinction to materialism, the Chairman Kim Jong Il means by this not
active side was developed abstractly that the theory of the unity of opposites is
by idealism — which, of course, does incorrect, but that its explanation and
not know real, sensuous activity as consequential understanding in the current
such.’ (Karl Marx, Theses on historical era are not at the same level of
Feuerbach, in: Early Writings, importance as they perhaps once were.
Penguin, 1992) This is both a universal and particular
issue, as seen in Tripura at the moment,
The author then writes: where thansa is on progressives’ minds.
`Gonzalo Thought upholds the Conditions influence such concepts’
universality of Marxism-Leninism- relevance!
Maoism, and upholds Gonzalo Eventually, the Study Circle makes a good
Thought to their particular point on dialectics, on the back of a lengthy
conditions in Peru […] Juche does and unnecessary explanation directly
not recognise this contradiction quoted from Engels (it’s almost as if these
between the universal and the people have no understanding of the Six
particular.’ (Six Heads Study Heads they study? Just a thought…):
Circle, p.3)
`When two forces are at odds with
The major flaw in this way of thinking is each other, one will overpower the
the misplacement of Marxism-Leninism- other. Man does not exist
Maoism in relation to Marxism-Leninism. independently of the laws of
What is ignored is that Marxism- dialectical materialism.’
Leninism-Maoism is viewed by ICL-ites as
a necessary development, which renders all This is correct. What you have been
other currents as revisionist, despite arguing against this whole time, you’d
having arisen only forty-or-so years ago. actually agree with – if you bothered to
Thus, ICL-ites accuse Juche Idea followers understand the texts you’re quoting. The
of the very thing they are guilty of Juche Idea seeks to emphasise – to focus
themselves: Marxism-Leninism-Maoism is on – the interaction between Man and
to Marxism-Leninism as Juche is to nature. It doesn’t reject Marxist dialectics,
Marxism-Leninism – that is, both have per se, but rather it sharpens it.
been declared universal successors.

3. `Juche distorts class struggle.’

2. `Juche is anti-dialectical’.
This really is the most bizarre accusation
The Study Circle now continues to present of them all, as it fires shots more at the
us with unanalysed – and probably unread policy of the DPRK – the only state
– quotations. Chairman Kim Jong Il currently putting into practice the Juche
writes: and Songun Ideas – rather than at Juche
itself. Thus, I may have to delve into more
`I think that the principle of the non-theoretical speeches and writings in
unity and struggle between order to counter the nonsense you’re about
opposites elucidated by the Marxist to read. Let us continue.
philosophy has many unreasonable
points in clarifying the law of the `Il-Sung [sic] claimed [the DPRK]
development of socialist society at will reach communism by
present.* This is why we did not revolutionising the people, calling
mention this principle much when this `working-classising’, and
explaining the theory of the Juche intellectualising all members of
philosophy.’ society.’

*[Editor’s note: quotes’ underlining inserted

by author.]

10
Shortly before his death in 1994, Comrade property (as it should have), brought them
President Kim Il Sung actually clarified to justice (as it should have), and any
exactly what he had made sure would revisionist faction which sided with them
happen in post-revolution Korea: was rightly dismissed.
`Before liberation there was no Secondly, the goal of Juche is to construct
university in north Korea, so there socialism and eventually communism.
were few university graduates. Saying it is to `defend the fatherland’ is
Those who took part in the anti- logically inconsistent, considering that just
Japanese armed struggle were crack a few pages ago the writer told us that the
shots, but they were not technically Juche Idea is considered universal.
able to draw up a plan or run a Therefore, the whole point about Juche
factory. […] there were only 12 regarding nationality or `race’ as a more
engineering graduates [in the relevant social determiner than class is
country]. […] to build a new incorrect, as it does not. There is not much
society, a primary concern was to else to say on this point, as whoever wrote
train intellectuals, and to this end, this article goes on for another two pages,
a university had to be set up.’ basically ranting about something which
Kim Il Sung did not believe, which the
Post-liberation, there were actually many writer has fabricated in their mind.
practical concerns which had to be taken
care of.
The writer’s general point here – as far as 4. `Juche disallows criticism.’
I understand – is that President Kim Il
Sung did not actually care about the This is a pretty shameful narrative pushed
liberation of the toiling classes, but rather by western media, especially when
was singularly focused on national regurgitated by so-called `communists’.
liberation, and that therefore he engaged The Study Circle like to tell each other that
in class collaboration. See for yourself: the August Faction Incident was an
example of Kim Il Sung removing dissent
`[Kim Il Sung] wanted to remould from the Party, and dismantling
capitalists peacefully through democratic centralism. In reality, this was
education and persuasion, rather necessary to safeguard socialist democracy
than struggle. Because the goal of from instability and destruction.
Juche is to `defend the fatherland’, Kimtubongites were counter-
Il-Sung [sic] assumed all people revolutionaries, and thus should have been
share a common goal of defending – and were – dealt with harshly. If this
the fatherland from external had happened in China, the Study Circle
aggression.’ would definitely be ready to justify it.
There are numerous issues with this line.
Firstly, it should be well-remembered that
Kim Il Sung in fact did not cuddle up to TO BE CONTINUED …
capitalists. The state seized their private

11
Reflections on the 45th Anniversary of the Slogan `Let Us Live
Our Own Way!’
by Dr. Dermot Hudson, Chairman BGSJI

Soon it will be the 45th anniversary of the

slogan `Let Us Live Our Own Way!’, which
was put forward by the Great Leader
Comrade Kim Jong Il in a speech titled Let
Us Increase the Party’s Fighting Efficiency
and Bring About a Fresh Turn in the
Building of Socialism to a consultative
meeting of the senior officials of the
Organisational Leadership Department
and the Propaganda and Agitation
Department of the Central Committee of
the Workers’ Party of Korea on the 25th
December 1978. At the meeting, Comrade
Kim Jong Il said, `Living our own way of outside forces to impose their will on the
means that we think and act with our own DPRK. Later, Comrade Kim Jong Il was
spirit, as required by the Juche Idea, and to declare `Expect no change from me’,
find solutions by our own efforts and in the when the imperialists expected the DPRK
interests of our revolution and our people.’ to `reform’ and `open up’, after the Great
Leader Kim Il Sung passed away.
When the slogan `Let Us Live Our Own
Way’ was put forward, People’s Korea The slogan `Let Us Live Our Own Way’ is
faced a complex situation which included both a practical application of the great
the threats from US imperialism as well as Juche Idea, and an encapsulation of the
pressure from the big power chauvinists DPRK’s ethos and spirit. Living its own
and modern revisionists. One week before way is the DPRK’s way of life. The DPRK
the slogan was put forward, a is not a copy of another country, it has built
neighbouring country which had been socialism of a Korean style, centred upon
building socialism suddenly and the popular masses, and based on the
inexplicably announced a policy of `reform’, Juche Idea.
and `opening up’. Elsewhere in the world, The DPRK has closed its borders for well
the influence of modern revisionism was over three years, and yet survived when
spreading and taking new and more some countries would not last two or three
extreme forms, with some parties days with their borders closed. The DPRK
blathering about a peaceful, parliamentary overcame COVID-19 by its own efforts,
road to socialism. There was even talk of a and without imperialist aid. Today, the
`historic compromise’, and also the DPRK, under the leadership of Respected
abandonment of proletarian class politics Marshal Kim Jong Un, is living its own
in favour of trendy lifestyle politics. way. It is rejecting imperialist cultural and
The situation demanded that the DPRK ideological infiltration and the infiltration
live its own way and stick firmly to the attempts of the decadent south Korean
road of Juche, the road of self-reliance, and puppet comprador bourgeoisie. Moreover,
the road of socialism. As Comrade Kim the DPRK is opposing anti-socialist and
Jong Il pointed out: `In the future, we must non-socialist ideas.
live up to our principles, no matter what We must step up our support for People’s
others say.’ This was a militant affirmation Korea, a country living its own way!
that the DPRK would follow the road of
Juche to the very end, and reject the efforts

12
Report of Meeting: `People’s Korea – Continuing the
Revolution and Living its Own Way’

An online meeting, organised by the generations, over the past decades

Korean Friendship Association UK (KFA- the Korean people have continued
UK), and the British Group for the Study revolutions and socialist
of the Juche Idea (BGSJI), under the title construction by their own forces,
of `People’s Korea – Continuing the relying on themselves and not
Revolution and Living its Own Way’, took appealing to any patterns or outside
place at 1500 hours GMT on Sunday 10th help.’
December. Participating were members of
KFA-UK and the British Group for the Theo Russel, a member of the Political
Study of the Juche Idea from London, West Bureau of the NCP, and national organiser
of England, Liverpool and Staffordshire, of the NCP, spoke about Chairman Kim
as well as leaders and members of the New Jong Il’s contribution to the cause of
Communist Party of Britain (NCP), Korean reunification, and also the Songun
Revolutionary Communist Party of Britain policy, stressing that one day Korea will be
(Marxist-Leninist) (RCPB-ML) and reunified.
Internationalist Revolutionary Communist Michael Chant of the RCPB-ML, in his
Party (IRCP). The meeting was also contribution, said that the DPRK has
joined by international guests from KFA always lived its own way, and stressed the
Germany (including the great-grandson of need to uphold the DPRK’s right to be, and
Wilhelm Pieck, the first president of the quoted Shakespeare.
German Democratic Republic), and from
the People’s Korea Initiative. The chairman of Staffordshire KFA-UK,
and Secretary-General of the BGSJI, in his
Dr. Dermot Hudson, Chairman of the contribution, explained the essence of the
BGSJI and KFA-UK, introduced the slogan `Let Us Live Our Own Way’, and
meeting, saying that it is important to also praised the DPRK as a self-reliant
remember the Great Leader Comrade Kim socialist state with free healthcare, free
Jong Il, and recall his life by emphasising housing, etc. and real people’s democracy.
that the revolution continues.
Dr. Dermot Hudson, making the keynote
A two-minute silence was observed in contribution, said that:
memory of Chairman Kim Jong Il.
`When Chairman Kim Jong Il took
Comrade Alan Bolon, organisational the mantle of leadership after
secretary of KFA-UK, head of KFA-UK President Kim Il Sung passed away
West of England, and editor of People’s in July 1994, the DPRK faced
Korea Today, spoke on the subject of innumerable and huge difficulties.
`Living Our Own Way’, stressing that: The collapse of the USSR due to
`Living our own way, in a word, is modern revisionism meant that the
to live as required by the Juche Idea. world socialist market disappeared,
In other words, it means thinking some countries tore up trade
and acting in the right sense as agreements, and demanded
required by the Juche Idea and settlement in dollars! The
carrying on the revolution and imperialists tightened their
construction in the interests of the sanctions. The DPRK was hit by a
Korean people and according to the series of natural disasters from 1994
actual interests of Korea. Thanks to to 1997 – at one point 80 per cent of
the great revolutionary spirit crops were wiped out and
tempered in anti-Japanese and anti- substantial damage was done to
imperialist struggle, the steadfast infrastructure and the energy
and iron will, and the joint effort of sector. The imperialist media and

13
 so-called `Korea experts’ (bourgeois caused by natural disasters were
academics in the pay of south Korea overcome, and the Democratic
and the CIA) predicted imminent People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)
collapse in May 1996 […] Chairman has not only defended socialism, but
Kim Jong Il turned the situation has become a Korean-style socialist
around.’ nuclear power.’
Dr. Hudson pointed out: Participants held a brief discussion
session about how to build
`Today, the DPRK lives according solidarity with People’s Korea and
to the principle `Let Us Live Our gain support from the British labour
Own Way’. Back in 2018, some of and trade unions movement.
the mainstream media and so-called
experts said that the DPRK would A letter to Respected Marshal Kim
open a McDonalds and KFC, and Jong Un was adopted.
join the International Monetary
Fund, but these things did not A resolution calling for the
happen. Instead, the Workers’ Party dropping of all charges against
of Korea is leading the Korean KFA President Alejandro Cao de
people to struggle against anti- Benos and the restoration of his
socialist and non-socialist ideas, passport was adopted.
and to reject alien lifestyles.’ The short film `Kim Jong Il, the
The Vice-Chairman of KFA Germany said People’s Leader’ (extract from `The
that: Brilliant History of Great
Leadership’) was shown.
`Under the wise leadership of
Comrade Kim Jong Il, the The meeting concluded at 1710
challenges of the difficult march hours.

14
Report of Joint Songun-Juche Study Session on the 30th
November

The Korean Friendship Association of the

UK (KFA-UK) and the British Group for
the Study of the Juche Idea (BGSJI) held
its 3rd Joint Songun-Juche Q&A on the 30th
November 2023, via Skype at 1830 hours
GMT.
Participating were members of the KFA-
UK and the BGSJI from London, West of
England, Scotland, and Yorkshire. Also
joining in were members of KFA Germany,
KFA Spain, KFA Poland, and the People’s
Korea Initiative of Poland.
Questions were raised by KFA Germany
about the nature of single-hearted unity in
the DPRK, about preventing the
infiltration of reactionary ideology and
culture into the DPRK and the question of
the relationship of Kimilsungism-
Kimjongilism to the communist movement.
Both Dr. Dermot Hudson, KFA-UK and
BGSJI chairman, and Comrade Alan In response to the third question about
Bolon, KFA-UK Organisation Secretary, Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and the
strongly refuted the allegation that the communist movement, Comrade Alan
DPRK has a `caste’ system based on the Bolon, KFA-UK Organisation Secretary,
concept of `Songbun’ (not Songun). Both said:
speakers pointed out that such an idea was
a myth. Dr. Hudson stressed that: `Some features of this revolutionary
theory and Juche philosophy can be
`The DPRK carries out the line of successfully applied in the
class struggle and mass struggle, revolutionary and anti-imperialist
combining the class line and mass struggle.’
line. A struggle is carried out
against anti-socialist and non- Dr. Hudson added that:
socialist ideas.’
`The core principles of
In answer to the question about the Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism are the
prevention of the infiltration of reactionary idea of independence and the
culture and ideology, Dr. Hudson said that people-first idea. All communist
the DPRK adopted the `law on rejecting parties can and should have people-
reactionary ideology and culture’ on the 4th first policies.’
December 2020. He stressed that President
Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim Jong Il Discussion was held on the different
questions.
had always stressed that the mosquito net
should not be raised to prevent the Dr. Hudson read out some passages from
infiltration of reactionary imperialist the booklet `Questions and Answers on the
culture and ideology. Dr. Hudson said that Songun Idea’.
the DPRK is absolutely correct to carry out
the struggle against the infiltration of The session concluded at 2000 hours GMT.
imperialist culture and ideology.

15
Answers to the 3rd Joint Songun-Juche Q&A Study Session
by Dr. Dermot Hudson, Chairman BGSJI

Question: Lately I have read an article the Party’s trust and love home to
about Songbun Policy (not Songun). In them, a process of the Party
the western media, it is of course winning them over. It is only when
mentioned quite negatively, but to me it the Party showers its trust and love
seems like an effective anti-revisionist tool. upon the people that they will
Could you maybe explain this policy? remain loyal and sincere to it. `Let
us build a new society with trust
Answer: The so-called `Songbun policy’ is and love’, this is my invariable
a creation of anti-DPRK propagandists to motto.’
slander the socialist system of the, to
spread misinformation, to create a false The policy of evaluating people on the
idea that there is a caste system in the basis of family background would have
DPRK, that there is some kind of elite in been wrong and would have made it
the DPRK. impossible to achieve single-hearted unity.
Particularly after the Fatherland
The idea that there is some kind of rigid Liberation War, the structure of the
hierarchy or caste system in the DPRK is population of the DPRK was complex;
actually one of the main planks of the anti- there were some people who had family
DPRK human rights offensive. This kind members who had been tricked into going
of propaganda goes beyond the usual to south Korea by false propaganda, and
nonsense about everyone `starving to there were also those who had participated
death’ and state-approved hairstyles.* in the `peace maintenance corps’ of the US
In actual fact, the term `Songbun’ does not imperialists (there was the question of
appear in any of the works of President whether they willingly participated or
Kim Il Sung, Chairman Kim Jong Il, or whether they were coerced into it) and
Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un. lastly there were also some south Koreans
who had changed sides and come over to
As a matter of fact the Great Leaders the DPRK. A simplistic and rigid approach
President Kim Il Sung and Chairman Kim would not have worked. Moreover, people’s
Jong Il strongly argued against such an ideology is not something unchangeable.
approach. Chairman Kim Jong Il said: Some people from worker or peasant
backgrounds can become corrupted even in
`We must rally the broad masses of a socialist society.
the people around the Party.
Therefore, the Party officials must The DPRK carries out the line of class
always mix with the people and struggle and mass struggle, combining the
shower the Party’s trust and love class line and mass line. A struggle is
upon them. They should frequently carried out against anti-socialist and non-
meet those with complicated pasts, socialist ideas. However, this is done by
to say nothing of the basic sections evaluating the ideological level of a person,
of the masses of the people. rather than by simply saying `Oh, his
Mingling with them at work, they granddad was a steel worker’, or `her great
should heal their sores, treating uncle was in the anti-Japanese armed
them kindly and winning them over struggle, so they must be alright.’
in a broad-minded manner, so that
they come to open their hearts. This Question: A few months ago we heard that
is precisely the process of bringing in the Democratic People’s Republic of

* I wrote an article a few years ago, refuting `Caste’ System in the DPRK, the So-Called
the allegations of a secret caste system in the `Songbun’ Theory’.
DPRK: Refutation of the False Theory of a

16
Korea, a law for protecting Korean conduct exchanges and joint
language and culture was enforced, but we ventures with other countries, but
couldn’t find any details. Do you know the we must pitch mosquito nets to
details of this law and do you think the prevent those insects from
establishment of such a law should be part infiltrating.’
of the programme of other communist
parties to fight cultural imperialism? Chairman Kim Jong Il said:

Answer: I believe that you are referring to `Intensifying ideological education

the DPRK law on rejecting reactionary among Party members and other
ideology and culture that was adopted by working people can be likened to
the Supreme People’s Assembly of the casting a mosquito net.’
DPRK on the 4th December 2020. The law Adding that:
on rejecting the reactionary ideology and
culture specifies the principles to firmly `The deeper into the quagmire of the
implemented by all the institutions, policies of reform and perestroika
enterprises, organisations, and citizens, and the more malignantly the
further cementing the DPRK’s ideological, imperialists throw mud at
revolutionary, and class positions, by socialism, the more aggressively we
thoroughly preventing the inroads and should conduct ideological
spread of anti-socialist ideology and education among Party members
culture, and firmly maintaining the and the other working people, to
DPRK’s idea, spirit, and culture. I do not build up a strong defensive position
have further details. for preventing any of the alien
ideological elements – including
The law was adopted as part of an ongoing revisionism and bourgeois ideology
campaign in the DPRK against the anti- – from penetrating our ranks.’
socialist and non-socialist ideas and
culture. Marshal Kim Jong Un himself In 1999, the DPRK media carried the
said: famous article `Let Us Reject Imperialist
Ideological and Cultural Poisoning’, which
`Establishing a socialist lifestyle stated, among other things, that:
and morality is a serious political
struggle and an acute class struggle `The former Soviet Union and
to defend and glorify our idea and eastern European socialist countries
social system.’ collapsed, not because their military
and economic potentials were weak
The 5th Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central and their level of cultural
Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, development was low, but because
held in January 2020, adopted a resolution they opened the door wide for the
which included the following: imperialist ideological and cultural
`We will intensify the struggle poisoning. Corrupt ideas spread by
against anti-socialist and non- the imperialists are more dangerous
socialist deeds, and tighten moral than atomic bombs for the countries
discipline, and the working people’s in the process of socialist
organisations will scrupulously construction.’
carry out ideological education.’ I think that the policy of rejecting
It is worth noting that as far back as the reactionary ideology should be part of the
1980s, President Kim Il Sung and programme of every communist party and
Chairman Kim Jong Il put forward the socialist country.
idea of the mosquito net, to prevent the I would like to remind people of the words
infiltration of imperialist culture and of CIA Director Allen Dulles (or that were
ideology. President Kim Il Sung said: attributed to him):
`Careless opening may allow `We shall arm comedians with jokes
mosquitoes and blowflies to fly in that laugh at their present and
and cause damage. We must

17
 future. We shall poison the soul of reasons, he was not able to answer the
the youth with disbelief in their question.
purpose in life, awaken their
interest in sexual problems, bait Answer: I agree that Kimilsungism-
them with such lures of the free Kimjongilism should be promoted within
world as fancy dances, pretty the communist movement. The core
clothing, special records, verses, principles of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism
songs, sow discord between the are the idea of independence, and the
youth and the older generation.’ people-first idea. All communist parties
can and should be independent in their
The revisionist-led socialist countries such activities, and should have people-first
as the USSR and the eastern European policies. In fact, I would say that if a
countries failed to take measures against communist party does not have people-first
the infiltration of imperialist ideology and policies, then it is pretty useless as a
culture. They allowed themselves to communist party!
become Americanised and westernised.
Visiting Hungary in 1988 and 1989, I Indeed, Juche is not simply `Marxism-
found that the people were into the most Leninism applied to Korea’, as many new
rubbishy aspects of bourgeois imperialist problems came up in the course of the
pop culture, such as Madonna and Rambo. revolution and construction in Korea, for
I can remember Hungarians even praising which solutions could be not found in the
Thatcher! This led to the crumbling of classics of Marxism-Leninism, so the
socialism in these countries, and the DPRK had to go beyond Marxism-
eventual frustration of socialism. I would Leninism.
add that when I travelled through China, In People’s Korea, socialism had to be built
on the way to the DPRK, one of the first through not only struggle against
things I saw at the airport was a imperialism, and class enemies, but
McDonalds, and a KFC. A McDonalds and against a hidden internal enemy:
a KFC have been built near Tianenmen dogmatists and factionalists. These people
Square, where the revolutionary would argue against different policies of
monuments of the Chinese people are. the Workers’ Party of Korea, either saying
The measures taken by the DPRK against that such-and-such-a-policy was not in the
the infiltration of imperialist ideology and classics of Marxism-Leninism, or that it
culture are not only part of the drive to had not been done in a big country. Such
defend socialism, but also to defend the elements claimed to be `pure Marxists’ –
independence of the DPRK from purer than pure – but in fact, their
globalisation. The imperialists aim for a approach was actually extremely
unipolar world, in which national cultures reactionary, and counter-revolutionary (for
would be destroyed and would be replaced example, opposing collectivisation).
by a `world culture’. Ironically, these arguments, that were
Question: The last question I asked to one shattered decades ago in People’s Korea,
of the delegates from the Anti-Imperialist still echo among some on the Left today.
Front in South Korea, at the last Respected Marshal Kim Jong Un defined
Communism Congress in Berlin was to Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism as follows:
what extent Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism
has to be considered a universal philosophy `An integral system of the idea,
that can be applied to the communist theory, and method of Juche, and a
movement worldwide. As far as I am great revolutionary ideology
concerned Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism is representative of the Juche era.
the greatest philosophy in the history of Guided by Kimilsungism-
human thought and not a mere application Kimjongilism, we should conduct
of Marxism-Leninism to Korea. Therefore, Party-building and Party activities,
it would be vital to propagate it in the so as to sustain the revolutionary
communist movement. Out of security character of our Party and advance
the revolution and construction, in

18
 line with the ideas and intentions of Songun politics is an integral part of
the President and the General.’ Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism. It was the
Great Leader President Kim Il Sung, who
The Juche-oriented theory of revolution first put forward the concept of Songun at
also teaches us that the main factor in the the historic Kalun meeting of June 1930,
revolution is the independence of the where he elaborated that Korea’s
popular masses. When the independence of independence could be achieved only by
the popular masses is trampled on, force of arms. The Songun idea and
revolution breaks out. It is the popular Songun politics were later developed in
masses that are the driving force of the depth and applied by the Great Leader
revolution. Comrade Kim Jong Il. The essence of
Today, the revolution is carried out Songun can be summed up in a nutshell;
independently in each country according to the revolution is advanced and defended by
the will of the people in each individual arms. As the Great and Dear Respected
country. There is no need for an Marshal Kim Jong Un said:
`international centre’ to guide the `Songun means our independence,
revolution in each country. This is what dignity, and lifeblood.’
Juche teaches us. Moreover, the revolution
cannot be advanced and socialism History does not know of any reactionary
defended simply by repeating ideas and ruling class that has peacefully handed
theories from the past classics which over power to the exploited class. Some
stressed the material and economic factor. revisionists tried to advocate a `peaceful
Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism is the great road’ to socialism, but this proved to be an
revolutionary idea of the era as it stresses abject and abysmal failure. In some
that the popular masses are the subject of countries, attempts to advance peacefully
the revolution, the masters of the towards socialism came to zero, and in
revolution. To reiterate, the Juche-oriented Chile the Allende government, which tried
theory of revolution sees the outbreak of to effect a peaceful transition to socialism,
revolution not being caused by material- was murderously overthrown by the
economic contradictions (these can be very imperialists and local reactionaries. Thus
severe indeed as in the case of the Songun is fully in accord with the
developed capitalist countries, where there experience of the world revolutionary
is still no revolution), but by the movement.
infringement of the independence of the
popular masses and their consciousness of Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism shines
being the masters of the revolution. brightly as the guiding idea for the world
revolution, as it gives correct answers to
the questions of our times.

19
Answers to the 3rd Joint Songun-Juche Q&A Study Session
by Alan Bolon

Question: Lately I have read an article Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism, in my

about Songbun Policy (not Songun). In opinion, is the result of the dialectical
the western media, it is of course development of Juche philosophy in the
mentioned quite negatively, but to me it conditions and under the influence of the
seems like an effective anti-revisionist tool. development and historical needs of the
Could you maybe explain this policy? DPRK.
Answer: Songbun is an expression created Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism is not a
by the anti-DPRK, pro-western media, as simple application of Marxism-Leninism to
one of the elements of chaos and the conditions of the DPRK, just as the
disinformation. In fact, there is no such Juche philosophy is not too, because both
thing as Songbun, and the name was Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism and Juche
borrowed to mislead from the Songun have original and unique features which, in
policy which we all know. It is neither an accordance with the general principles of
anti-revisionist tool, nor anything that was Marxism-Leninism, are new features
created in the DPRK. According to lies developed in Korean conditions.
created by Western media in their
disinformation propaganda, Songbun is a To the question whether Kimilsungism-
kind of caste system in DPRK society. The Kimjongilism has universal features and
word `Songbun’ does not appear anywhere could be considered a universal philosophy
in the works of President Kim Il Sung, that can be applied to the communist
Chairman Kim Jong Il or Marshal Kim movement worldwide, and it would be vital
Jong Un. In actual fact, President Kim Il to propagate it in the communist
Sung strongly is against discriminating movement: in my opinion not entirely, as
against people on the basis of family their experiences are based on practice in
background. Ideas such as a caste system the conditions of DPRK, so – for example
would go against the basic idea of the – not in all the countries in the process of
socialist system in the DPRK and would be building socialism the army would be
contrary to the people-centred policy. suitable as main force of revolution, as it
is in DPRK, because of many factors
Question: The last question I asked to one (historical, security and so on…), but some
of the delegates from the Anti-Imperialist features of this revolutionary theory and
Front in South Korea, at the last Juche philosophy can be successfully
Communism Congress in Berlin was to applied in the revolutionary and anti-
what extent Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism imperialist struggle.
has to be considered a universal philosophy
that can be applied to the communist To wider explain what Kimilsungism-
movement worldwide. As far as I am Kimjongilism is, I am going to read a few
concerned Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism is passages of book Kimilsungism: Theory
the greatest philosophy in the history of and Practice, by Muhammad al Missuri.
human thought and not a mere application `A great idea that represents the
of Marxism-Leninism to Korea. Therefore, times gives scientific answers to all
it would be vital to propagate it in the theoretical and practical questions
communist movement. Out of security arising in the historical
reasons, he was not able to answer the development of the times. By that
question. means, it dynamically promotes the
Answer: Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism forward movement of the times and
comes from Juche philosophy, and has leads the people’s revolutionary
connections with Songun politics as well. struggle to victory.

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Ever since their appearance on the stages and all domains of the
arena of history, the masses of the revolution and construction, not in a
people have waged ceaseless certain definite stage of the
struggles to free themselves from revolution or a few domains of the
oppression, take power in their revolution and construction. That is
hands and lead a really happy, why many students of
creative, and dignified life, while Kimilsungism call it an
seeking after a guiding ideology encyclopaedic revolutionary theory.’
which would serve them as a (Muhammad al Missuri,
compass for struggle. When Marx Kimilsungism: Theory and Practice,
put up the famous slogan `Workers Foreign Languages Publishing
of the whole world, unite!’ in House, Pyongyang, Korea, 1978)
Manifesto of the Communist Party
in the mid-19th century, it drew This is the very distinguished historic
deep attention of the working class contribution made by Kimilsungism in
of the world, which found in it the thoroughly overcoming the historical
guiding idea it had sought for. limitations of the former revolutionary
theories and evolving them onto a new
For the first time in history, higher stage.
Marxism discovered the law
governing the movement of I think it would cost several volumes of
capitalism, provided a scientific books to deal with all the contents of the
basis for the revolutionary theory of revolutionary theory of Kimilsungism. So
the working class, and opened up a I would like to outline here only a few
bright vista for the working class, aspects of the revolutionary theory of
making it possible to lead its Kimilsungism.
liberation struggle in the right In the revolutionary theory of
direction. In this, great credit goes Kimilsungism, a very important place is
to Marx, the world-famous thinker. assumed by the theory on the anti-
Later, Lenin, Marx’s successor, imperialist, anti-feudal, democratic
creatively developed the principles revolution.
of Marxism to suit the requirements Today there are not many developed
of the changed era and the objective capitalist countries on the globe. On the
conditions of Russia. contrary, the majority of the countries are
Thus emerged Leninism, the underdeveloped countries, which were
revolutionary thought of the colonies or semi-colonies in the past or are
working class in the period of still dependencies.
monopoly capitalism, imperialism, `Kimilsungism holds a
which became the trend of those distinguished place in the history of
times.’ the development of human thought,
`As can be seen, Marxism-Leninism because it is a revolutionary idea
just reflected the historical features that originated as a reflection of the
of those days and their demand of the present day and its
requirements, and was based on the system and contents are new and
conditions of that time. original.’

This age, however, is characterized `Through the study of the theories

as a new age, different from the of Great Kimilsungism and the
time when Marxism-Leninism admiring experiences gained by the
emerged.’ Korean people in the course of their
application, we can form a
`Kimilsungism, however, embraces conclusion that they are of
all the theoretical and practical particular significance in the
problems arising in the development of human thought in
revolutionary struggles of all the present times.’

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What does the superiority of inherit the ideological legacy of his
Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism mean for the predecessor, but also and primarily
preceding revolutionary theories, what is it acquire his moral traits and virtues.
synthesized in, and could be used in the 9. Communists lead the revolution,
world communist movement? There are: basing themselves on their own
forces and under their own
1. The main role of man in revolution responsibility, and starting from the
and construction. specific traits of the context in which
2. The definition of independence, they work, not on order of someone
creativity, and consciousness as else.
fundamental attributes of the social
being who autonomously shape its There have been five phases until now
destiny. through which communist thought moved:
3. The role of the leader in the Marxism (1848-1917), Leninism (1917-
revolutionary process and socialist 1966), Maoism (1966-1976), Kimilsungism
construction. (1976-2012) and Kimilsungism-
4. The new definition of the national Kimjongilism (since 2012). It is important
question and the essence and to stress also, that the Juche idea was
meaning of nationalism. developed from 1930, separately of
5. The reconditioning on scientifically Marxism-Leninism, and gave its essence
and concrete tracks of dialectical as basis to Kimilsungism-Kimjongilism
materialism and the principle of later on. I believe that recent years have
unity and struggle of opposites. opened a new era in communist theory and
6. The new, creative definition on a thought, which is Internationalist
practical base of the issue of the Universalism, combining all progress and
leading class of revolution and the revolutionary trends with Songun politics
criterion of class belonging. and Juche philosophy, a direction that is
7. Independence as a staple of every the guiding thought of the Internationalist
action of the communist party, both Revolutionary Communist Party, of which
on internal and external fronts. I am the founder, but this is a topic for a
8. The question of succession: the separate discussion as it is not related to
leader must not confine himself to the subject we talk about today.

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`New Year’s Wishes to the Korean People in the North and
South’, a poem
by Tvrtko Balic

Dear leaders are thought of at the end of December

Past is something Koreans fondly remember
But they also look to the future
And for the state’s good nurture
Whether they work in the field, factory or office
Workers vow to strengthen their fortress

But not all are of such fortune

In the south some live in slums
There are overworked people and jobless bums
And for them life is torture
Under the foreign boot they slave
And a better life they crave

Let the holiday season bring about cheer

Let the good people everywhere not fear
Let fortune smile upon us in the next year
As we promote all we hold dear
Let independence guide the people as a shining star
Let liberation heal every sorrow scar

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 Poem: `Mt. Paektu’, Extract from Chapter 1
by Jo Ki Chon

1 To where ancient snow-haired Paektu

Hills and Mountains, hills and cliffs Ever stands on menacing guard
Stretch unending out of sight. With his tumbling avalanches
Pass one valley on your way And his icy blizzard breath?
And another lies before you.
Passing along the mountain track 2
You will see outstretched above you Look more closely at this track:
Spreading branches of ancient oaks These are not lost and wandering steps.
Woven with the cedars’ branches. People passed here in the night,
Bearing arms, in robes of white.
The valley climbs the mountain slowly, They were a hundred strong and more,
Feebly descends the other side, But they left a single track
Like a man by work exhausted. As they passed on to the north
Many hundreds of ri beyond Amidst the vast and snowy wastes.
Lies the thick snow-sprinkled forest.
Even the wild beast comes not here And now look–the Japanese
And no bird will fly this way – Pass by, floundering as they go.
To Changbai ridge’s lofty lair. Dogs lead the detachment on,
Bayonets on guns gleam brightly
The howling blizzard heaps up drifts The officer’s glasses catch the sun.
But between, among the bare cliffs, “There are only one man’s tracks,”
The eye discerns a solitary track, Says the officer, astonished,
Leading ever up and north, “Where are all the other devils?”
But who can have passed this way? But his thoughts are left unspoken,
The icy silence rudely broken,
Perhaps some hunter gone astray, And the glasses tumble down,
Trusting fate to wind and snow? With no time to glance around
But why should he northward go, In the direction of the shot.

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 3
Then the air is ripped and torn
By the roar of a machine-gun,
And the crackling rifle-fire
Fills the icy Hongsan valley
With a ringing triple echo.
Forward! Forward!
And the white-robed running figures
Hurtled down the cliffy slope
Like an avalanche of stones
Upon the Japanese.
And there was the iron clashing
Of weapons wielded hand to hand,
Bayonets were brightly glinting
Like swift bolts of steel-blue lightning.

“Comrades!
Let not one Japanese
Be left alive by us today!”

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