Politics of North Korea

The politics of North Korea (officially the Democratic People's Republic of Korea or DPRK) takes place within the framework of the official state philosophy, Kimilsungism–Kimjongilism. Juche, a part of the philosophy, is the belief that true socialism is achieved only through self-reliance and a strong independent state.

North Korea's political system is built upon the principle of centralization. The constitution defines North Korea as "a dictatorship of people's democracy" under the leadership of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), which is given legal supremacy over other political parties. The WPK's General Secretary is typically the supreme leader, who controls its Presidium, Politburo, Secretariat and Central Military Commission, making the officeholder the most powerful person in North Korea.

The WPK is the ruling party of North Korea. It has been in power since its creation in 1948. Other minor political parties also exist, but are legally bound to accept the ruling role of the WPK. Elections occur only in single-candidate races where the candidate is effectively selected beforehand by the WPK. In addition to the minor political parties, there are over 100 mass organizations controlled by the WPK. Non-WPK members are required to join one of these organizations. The most important such organizations are the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, Socialist Women's Union of Korea, General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea, and Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea.

Outside observers generally view North Korea as a totalitarian dictatorship, particularly noting the elaborate cult of personality around Kim Il Sung and his family. The WPK, led by a member of the ruling family, holds power in the state. Kim Jong Il placed emphasis on the Songun or "military-first" philosophy, and all references to communism were removed from the North Korean constitution in 2009 in favor of it and Juche. Under Kim Jong Un, terminology such as communism and the socialist economy returned to common use. He also made Kimilsungism–Kimjongilism the main ideology of the country.

History

Kim Il Sung led North Korea from 1948 until his death in July 1994. He held many important jobs, including General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, Premier, and President. After he passed away, his son, Kim Jong Il, took over. Although he was chosen as the next leader in the 1980s, it took him three years to fully gain control. In 1997, he became General Secretary like his father, and in 1998, he took on the role of chairman of the National Defence Commission, which made him the top leader of the country. The constitution was changed to remove the presidential role and to name Kim Il Sung as the "Eternal leader of Juche Korea" to remember him always. Many think this title came from the strong respect and admiration people had for him during his time as leader.

Political parties and elections

According to the Constitution of North Korea, the country is a democratic republic. The Supreme People's Assembly and Provincial People's Assemblies are chosen by people aged 17 and older. However, these elections are mainly for show, with only one candidate to pick from. Voting against this candidate is possible but very risky.

All elected leaders belong to a group led by the main ruling party, the Workers' Party of Korea. There are also two smaller parties, the Chondoist Chongu Party and the Korean Social Democratic Party, but the main party has control over who can run for office. In the past, a few other small groups also took part in elections.

Political ideology

North Korea started with ideas from Joseph Stalin and the Soviet Union. Over time, it focused more on Juche, a belief in being strong and independent by itself. This idea comes from Marxism–Leninism, but it was changed to fit North Korea’s own needs. In 1972, Juche became the main idea of the country when a new rule book was made. Later, in 2009, some words about communism were taken out, but North Korea still sees itself as part of a bigger group of left-leaning countries. The Workers' Party works with other similar groups and has a close link with Cuba. In 2016, North Korea showed respect after Fidel Castro's death by holding three days of mourning.

Political developments

North Korean politics has often been shaped by its tense relationship with South Korea. During the Cold War, North Korea was closely tied to the Soviet Union and the People's Republic of China. The country focused much of its efforts on building up its military to aim for reuniting Korea, either through force or defense against outside threats. The idea of Juche guided North Korea to seek independence and use all its resources to protect itself.

After the Soviet Union ended in the early 1990s, North Korea faced serious economic problems, including shortages in food and industry. The government worked to keep stability while also trying to improve ties with South Korea, which helped a little through trade and support. However, North Korea’s push to build nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles made relations difficult. Despite some openness to market changes, these efforts had limited success. The country’s leadership has stayed stable, even with predictions of change. After the death of Kim Il Sung in 1994, his son Kim Jong Il took over, and later, Kim Jong Un continued to lead the nation with a focus on both military strength and economic issues.

Transition of power to Kim Jong Un

Political power

After the death of Kim Jong Il in December 2011, his son, Kim Jong Un, took over the leadership of North Korea. He quickly became the leader of the army, the head of the main political party, and the top leader of the country's defense group.

Differences from the Kim Jong Il regime

Kim Jong Il had focused strongly on the military to keep the country stable. Kim Jong Un has kept a similar style but has shared power more between the political party, the government, and the army. This change has shifted some power away from the military and may lead to new challenges in the future.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of North Korea

North Korea's relationships with other countries have been shaped by its long-standing conflict with South Korea and its history with world communism. Both North and South Korea believe they are the only true government for all of Korea. The Korean War in the 1950s did not settle this, and North Korea remains in a military standoff with South Korea and the United States Forces Korea across the Demilitarized Zone.

During the early Cold War, only communist countries recognized North Korea. Over time, it built ties with developing nations and joined the Non-Aligned Movement. After the Eastern Bloc ended in 1989–1992, North Korea worked to strengthen its ties with wealthier capitalist countries. Meanwhile, the world worked on solving tensions on the Korean peninsula (called the Korean conflict). During this time, North Korea acquired nuclear weapons, which worried the international community.