Kim Jong-un: The Myth of His Mormon Faith Debunked

The assertion that Kim Jong-un is a Mormon is not only unsubstantiated but also stands in stark contrast to both historical and contemporary facts about the regime he leads. It is crucial to critically analyze such claims not just for their inaccuracies, but also for the potential misinformation they might spread.

Short Answer: Unfounded Claims

Claiming that Kim Jong-un is a Mormon, or any other specific religious figure, lacks any credible evidence. The North Korean state decidedly does not permit any form of organized religion, and the only worship practiced is that of the deceased leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Any claims to the contrary are either the result of misinformation or an attempt to mislead.

The Truth about Religion in North Korea

North Korea is officially an atheist state, and the constitution enshrines freedom of religion. However, this is merely a facade, as any such supposed freedom is purely theoretical. In practice, religious practices are severely restricted, and anyone caught engaging in such activities could face severe punishment, including imprisonment or worse in concentration camps.

The Cult of Personality and Its Influence

The cult of personality around Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il is a cornerstone of North Korean society. Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, had his personality cult deified during his lifetime, primarily to secure the stringent succession of his son, Kim Jong-il. This deification went hand in hand with a state-enforced orthodoxy that conflates religion with loyalty to the Kim family dynasty.

Kim Jong-un inherited this tradition and carries it forward, further entrenching the idea that he holds a place akin to divinity. The state has erected numerous statues and monuments dedicated to these leaders, serving as constant reminders of their supposed greatness and the continued importance of the Kim family to the nation. For instance, the statue of Kim Il-sung, initially covered in gold, symbolizes the prominence and reverence accorded to these figures.

The Incompatibility of Religion and North Korean Political Ideology

Communism, in its purest form, is fundamentally incompatible with traditional forms of organized religion, but North Korea’s interpretation of communism, often called Juche, is a bastardized hybrid. Juche, meaning 'self-reliance', is a political philosophy and a state ideology with roots in both nationalist and Marxist beliefs, but it does not embrace traditional religious practices.

The regime's state religion is more accurately described as a form of secularized and state-controlled worship, centered around the Kim family. This system is designed to produce loyalty and subservience to the regime rather than promote any form of religious belief or practice. It is thus erroneous to equate this with adherence to any specific religion, Mormon or otherwise.

Conclusion

The allegations that Kim Jong-un is a Mormon are not only baseless but also ignore the systemic truth about the nature of North Korean society. The only divinities worshipped in the DPRK are the deceased Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, and any claims to the contrary are integral to the regime's strategy of maintaining power through the perpetuation of a cult of personality.