The Unique Culture of North Korea: Immortal Leaders and Class Society
The Unique Culture of North Korea: Immortal Leaders and Class Society
North Korea, governed by an absolute and often harsh regime, has a unique cultural landscape that sets it apart from other countries. This article explores the peculiarities of its cult of personality and its class-based society, which have been integral parts of North Korean culture for decades.
The Cult of Personality
North Korea's unwavering devotion to its leaders is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The Kim dynasty has maintained a highly organized system to elevate their status and elevate Kim Il-sung to a near-godlike figure. This cult of personality surrounds all Kims, with Kim Il-sung particularly elevated to a level of revered divine status.
One of the most striking aspects of this culture is the posthumous recognition accorded to these leaders. Upon Kim Il-sung's death in 1994, the North Korean government transformed his presidency into an eternal one. His body was embalmed and displayed in the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where he continues to be worshipped by the populace. The constitution was amended to reflect this eternal presidency, ensuring his continued rule from beyond the grave.
The same treatment was given to Kim Jong-il upon his death in 2011, through another constitutional amendment. He too was made an Eternal General Secretary and Eternal Chairman of the National Defence Commission.
Most recently, in 2016, the JPJ Unification Philosophy (Juche) was updated to include that both Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il are Eternal Leaders of Juche Korea. This has placed them in a never-ending rule from their mausoleum in the Kumsusan Palace. Despite Kim Jong-un's leadership, the conversation often centers around the possibility of one day joining his predecessors in the eternal realm of North Korean leadership.
The Class-Based Society
The class-based society in North Korea further reinforces the stark division between the rulers and the ruled. Since about 1950, the population has officially been divided into three classes:
tClass A: The Elite tClass B: The Middle Class tClass C: The Bottom ClassA person's official class is determined by several factors, including their loyalty to the regime, potential to work for the regime, class background (at least three generations back), and birthplace. This classification system is not just a theoretical construct but actually influences various aspects of daily life:
tEmployment tEducation tHousing tMedical care tPermission to shop in certain storesThe system also plays a significant role in legal penalties. Those from lower classes receive harsher punishments for any breaches of the law, further entrenching the societal divide.
This class system perpetuates a cycle of poverty and social exclusion, with the Bottom Class struggling to improve their status, let alone change their fate.
Conclusion
While the cult of personality and the class-based society in North Korea are unique and often criticized, they serve as the foundation of its distinct cultural identity. From the eternal rule of its leaders to the rigid social hierarchy, these elements underscore the nation's unique cultural landscape.
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