March 28, 2024
Analysis

The NK News study guide part 5: The idea called Juche

Origins of misunderstood ideology can be traced from 1955 speech

The word “Juche” is probably one of the most frequently associated with the North, making appearances in much of the research about and news coverage of North Korea. Generally understood as a unique North Korea concoction of different philosophical elements, Juche is considered by many as the guiding force behind North Korea's behavior in foreign policy, economy and domestic affairs.

But what are its core tenets, what is its real weight on domestic politics and how much influence does it exert on North Korea's worldview? Furthermore, why does it seem to be so ubiquitous in discussions North Korea and yet so hard to grasp?

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