Kim Jong-un and Religion in North Korea: Truth Behind the Propaganda

The question of whether Kim Jong-un is religious is a complex one, and the answer varies depending on the source and perspective. Officially, North Korea is not classified as a religious country, with official religions including Shamanism, Chondoism, Christianity, and Buddhism. However, the current political landscape and propaganda of the nation suggest a different narrative.

Official vs Personal Beliefs

While North Korea's official stance is that the country is atheist, Shamanism and other traditional beliefs still exist to some extent. However, the beliefs and practices of North Korean leaders, such as Kim Jong-un, are not openly discussed, making it difficult to ascertain their personal views.

Some speculate that Kim Jong-un might believe in himself as a god, claiming that only he can deliver North Korea from the evil west. This belief is deeply ingrained in the regime's propaganda, where Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-Il are revered as divine figures. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, and the actual beliefs of Kim Jong-un remain shrouded in secrecy.

Pseudo-Religion of Juche

The state of North Korea practices a pseudo-religion based on the ultra-nationalist ideology of Juche, which emphasizes self-reliance and the worship of the Kim family. This belief system is a blend of communist ideology and Korean traditions, creating a unique form of devotion to the ruling Kim family.

Kim Il-sung, the founding father of North Korea, was initially portrayed as a Soviet-trained guerrilla who fought against the Japanese invasion during World War II. However, over time, he was elevated to the status of a living god, with children in North Korea taught myths about his divine abilities and miraculous achievements.

For instance, North Korean children are taught that Kim Il-sung defeated the Japanese forces by himself, transformed pinecones into bullets, and had supernatural control over the weather. These stories are part of a broader propaganda campaign designed to instill loyalty and devotion to the Kim family.

Kim Jong-un’s Announcement and Public Reception

Recently, Kim Jong-un made an announcement at a North Korean press conference that he had become a born-again Christian. He claimed that Jesus Christ would become the new King of North Korea, and the government would distribute food to all citizens. This announcement has received praise from international leaders and organizations.

President Joe Biden has publicly praised Kim Jong-un for his change of heart and offered to send Christian missionaries to North Korea. However, this announcement is highly questionable given North Korea's established system of pseudo-religion. It is more likely a strategic move to improve relations with the West and gain international support.

Materialism and Atheism in North Korea

Despite the existence of other beliefs, North Korea is fundamentally atheistic and materialistic. The worship of deities, whether real or imagined, is highly persecuted, and the primary deities recognized are Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, displayed in the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun.

The philosophy of Juche, while outwardly religious, is based on the idea of self-reliance and the supremacy of the state and its leaders. This is a fundamentally different form of worship from the Judeo-Christian-Islamic tradition, emphasizing the power and authority of the state rather than a personal or universal deity.

Regardless of the official stance or personal beliefs, the real power in North Korea lies with the Kim family, and any religious beliefs are subservient to the maintenance of their rule.

Conclusion

The religious beliefs of Kim Jong-un remain unknown, as he has not publicly disclosed them. What is clear is that the official religious landscape of North Korea is heavily controlled and manipulated to serve the regime's purposes. Whether Kim Jong-un himself is religious or not, the propaganda of the state is designed to maintain the worship of the Kim family and the ideology of Juche.