North Korea’s prominent women’s organization, the Socialist Women’s Union, recently organized a political ideology study session focused on Kim Jong Un’s “Our State First” doctrine, aiming to strengthen internal unity. However, many members responded with cynicism.
According to a Daily NK source in South Pyongan province recently, the women’s union branch in Sunchon conducted a study session on “Our State First” ideology at various neighborhood branches on April 18 as part of their monthly political education activities.
The session, which lasted over an hour, covered four main topics:
- The essence of the “Our State First” ideology
- Its ideological and spiritual foundation
- Tasks required to advance the ideology
- Methods for promoting it
During the session, instructors explained that the essence of “Our State First” is to take pride in the socialist homeland that embodies the dignity of the people. They emphasized that the ideology is based on Juche thought and “Kim Jong Il Patriotism.”
The study materials noted that to advance this ideology, members must uphold and inherit Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il’s state-building philosophy while loyally supporting Kim Jong Un’s leadership to develop the economy, science, technology, and culture.
The session also stressed that to properly implement “Our State First,” citizens must actively maintain “national characteristics” such as high independence and patriotism while creating new national customs befitting a powerful nation.
Most women’s union members who attended expressed dissatisfaction afterward, comparing themselves unfavorably to youth league members and indicating weariness with the ideological content. Others expressed frustration that these abstract ideological sessions continue while their real-life problems remain unaddressed.
After the session, members criticized the ideology privately, questioning whether they should feel gratitude merely for day-to-day survival or pride in their current living conditions.
The source added that many North Koreans are already aware of conditions in the outside world, making the state’s claims of superiority ring hollow. While people may not express these sentiments openly, internal cynicism is reportedly spreading.
Despite the North Korean authorities continuing to promote Kim Jong Un’s governing ideologies like “Our State First” and “People-First Politics” through party-affiliated organizations, critics note that these efforts may actually be increasing public resentment rather than building support.
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