Believe in People as in Heaven- on the 25th anniversary of the passing away of the great leader comrade KIM IL SUNG -contribution of DPRK Embassy to UK KFA AGM

“Have you ever heard about a country in which people are worshipped as the God? I have
witnessed such a surprising reality.”–this is what a European figure said to journalists after
visiting the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
President Kim Il Sung (1912-1994), founding father of socialist Korea, believed in his
people as in heaven.
In his memoirs With the Century, he wrote: “The people are my God” has been my constant
view and motto. The principle of Juche, which calls for drawing on the strength of the masses
who are the masters of the revolution and construction, is my political creed. This has been the
axiom that has led me to devote my whole life to the people.
He regarded the masses of the people as omnipotent beings possessed of inexhaustible
strength and wisdom, and raised their position and role in historical development to the highest
level. Thus the Korean people, once subjected to humiliation and contempt, have enjoyed due
respect as dignified citizens of the DPRK.
The word “people” was included in the names of the country and the army, as well as in the
names of such monumental structures as the Grand People’s Study House, People’s Palace of
Culture, People’s Theatre, People’s Open-air Ice Rink and Rungna People’s Recreation Ground.
This word is not an abstract concept or a mere symbol. It refers to the masses of the people who
are leading a dignified life in socialist Korea.
All the lines and policies pursued by the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea and the government
are for the good of the people and everything serves them. Examples are the Agrarian Reform
Law and the Law on Sexual Equality promulgated in 1946, the universal free medical care
system established in the days of the Korean war (1950-1953), the universal free education
system established in 1959, the universal 11-year compulsory education system in 1975 and the
universal 12-year compulsory education system which is now in force. Thanks to these policies,
Korean society has been developed into one in which the people’s human rights are fully
guaranteed and they live happily without cause for envy.
Chairman Kim Jong Il (1942-2011) carried forward this ennobling idea of President
Kim Il Sung and its validity has been proved by the history of modern Korea.
True to his predecessors’ intentions, Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un visits wherever the
people live, including factories, farms, fishing villages, scientific research institutes, construction
sites, schools, kindergartens, baby homes, orphanages and rest homes.
His speech delivered at the military parade and public procession of the Pyongyang citizens
held in celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (October 10, 1945)
caused a worldwide sensation, as the word “people” was repeated many times from beginning to
end. According to a media report, the word was repeated 97 times in this 25-minute speech.
He would often say: I will pluck a star from the heavens if it is the wishes of the people; there
cannot be satisfaction in the work for the people; we must work with devotion for the people
until our shoes are worn out.
Under his wise leadership, the DPRK is making a leap forward in all spheres of social life.
The people’s living standards are steadily improving as they increase production in all economic
sectors by giving full play to the spirit of self-reliance and self-development. They have ushered
in a heyday of construction: light-industry factories and commercial service organs are being
built or renovated, and monumental structures like the Masikryong Ski Resort, Munsu Water
Park, Mirae Scientists Street and Ryomyong Street have sprung up in many parts of the country.
The Korean people’s beautiful dreams and ideals will surely come true under this benevolent
social system.