INDEPENDENCE STAR -journal of the British Group For the Study of the Juche Idea

 

Report of Online Meeting of KFA UK and the British Group For the Study of the Juche Idea for the 84th anniversary of the birth of the great leader comrade KIM JONG IL 16.02.2026

The Korean Friendship Association of the UK (KFA UK ) and the British Group For the Study of the Juche Idea held an online meeting via Jitsi meet on the 16th of February at 1900 hours to mark the 84th anniversary of the birth of Generalissimo KIM JONG IL .

Participating were members of KFA UK and the British Group For the Study of the Juche Idea from London , Essex, West of England , Staffordshire and the north west as well as guests from KFA Andalucia (Spain) and the People’s Korea Initiative of Poland.

Alan Bolon KFA UK Organisation Secretary and head of KFA UK West of England said that “ it would take days and weeks to describe Comrade Kim Jong Il's achievements and his contribution to the theoretical development of the Juche philosophy, as well as his practical implementation of its principles in the socialist construction of the DPRK. He systematised and developed Juche idea and enriched Juche idea by new epochal theoretical contributions. Comrade Kim Jong Il was and remains a great figure, a great giant - a theoretician, but above all, a practitioner of Juche - type socialist construction. He is a figure often underestimated and, unfortunately, often overlooked by Eurocentric Marxist - Leninist circles, which limit themselves to the achievements of Marx and Lenin. I noted the similarity between the two figures: that both Lenin and Kim Il Sung were more theoreticians, while Stalin and Kim Jong Il largely implemented the principles of socialist construction in their countries. I said that Comrade Kim Jong Il is and will remain in our memories and in our hearts as a great and outstanding figure of the international revolutionary movement.”

The head of Staffordshire KFA UK and secretary general of the British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea read out excepts from the work of comrade KIM JONG IL  titled  “ Answers to questions raised by the general director of GRANMA, the organ of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba” dated 26 October 1989 and contained in Volume 9 of KIM JONG IL Selected Works. The speaker pointed out that the work is very topical at the moment . The work stressed the militant friendship between the DPRK and Cuba as well as the DPRK’s support for Cuba.

Dr Dermot Hudson Chairman of the Korean Friendship Association of the UK  read a presentation about the nuclear policy of the DPRK stressing that unlike Venezuela the DPRK was not attacked by the US .

Dr Hudson also read out a paper about comrade KIM JONG IL ‘s work in building Juche-based socialism saying that “Comrade KIM JONG IL had an amazing grasp of any subject from the cinema to military affairs .However his greatest achievement and enduring legacy was the building of people-centred socialism of Korean style based on the Juche idea ,a socialism that is different and unique not least because of its durability and indestructibility .” Dr Hudson pointed out that “the great leader comrade KIM JONG IL throughout his years of guiding 

the work of building socialism made sure that the socialism of the DPRK was a a unique , independent , Juche-based socialism. At the same time he also made sure that it was a socialism centred upon the popular masses, a people-orientated socialism”

The video clip “Korea’s Songun Miracle “ was streamed .

The online meeting concluded at 2005 hours GMT

“Report of the Meeting “Life in Peoples Korea 13.02.2026”

KFA UK Chairman Dr Dermot Hudson addressed  a meeting " Life In People's Korea"  which was held  Friday 13th February at 7-30m  in Ipswich, East Anglia .

The meeting attracted the participation of local progressive activists and local KFA UK members.

Dr Hudson addressed the meeting,he exposed the false propaganda of the mainstream media against the DPRK which is being increased to divert attention from the Epstein scandal. Dr  Hudson also pointe out that

 “The anti-DPRK propaganda machine encompasses the tabloids , internet ,social media and so-called special ‘independent ‘ websites such as “NKNews “ (which in reality is run by the CIA and the south Korean National Intelligence Service ) . Recently some media outlets carried a story about ‘public executions’ in the DPRK  that were so public that no one ever saw them or heard of them. The reports quoted Amnesty International who in turn quoted third hand reports from south Korean puppet sources.  It has been known for a long time that Amnesty International is directed by the CIA and is a tool  of US and Western foreign policy . Curiously Amnesty International advocate the ‘legalisation of sex work ‘  ! Were they getting money from Epstein as well  ?A question  I would like to pose to this meeting is why are trade unions affiliated to Amnesty and why do some lefties support it”

Dr Hudson described in detail his last 2 visits to the DPRK saying that “

That is the reality of People’s Korea , an advanced socialist society with free housing ,free health care and free education. We must redouble our efforts to defend People’s Korea with No Ifs or Buts .  We urge you to join the Korean Friendship Association  ,basic membership is free of charge”

Questions and Discussion followed which included topics like travel to the DPRK and the international relations of the DPRK.

KFA UK merchandise was sold 

Comrade Kimlong Ly: A Cambodian Socialist Voice in International Solidarity

 

Comrade Kimlong Ly, born on 28 March 2003 in Phnom Penh, is a rising Cambodian socialist activist and student of International Relations currently studying at the University of Suffolk in the United Kingdom. Emerging from a new generation of politically engaged youth, he has become active in international solidarity campaigns, particularly those cantered on national sovereignty and the rights of smaller nations within the global system.

Raised in Cambodia’s capital, Kimlong developed an early interest in global politics and questions of justice between nations. His academic focus on international relations has complemented his activism, shaping his engagement with debates around imperialism, development, and geopolitical power dynamics. He has often argued that powerful states should respect the sovereignty and political systems of smaller nations, a principle he views as essential to global peace.

Kimlong is known for his outspoken support of socialist states and movements. In particular, he has publicly expressed support for the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), including its position that nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent to external intervention. He frames this stance within a broader argument about self-defense and national sovereignty, contending that international norms should be applied consistently to all countries rather than selectively.

In his organizational work, Kimlong serves as the head of the Cambodian–Korean Friendship Group, which he describes as dedicated to fostering mutual understanding and solidarity between the Cambodian and Korean peoples. The group maintains friendly relations with DPRK diplomatic representatives in Cambodia and promotes cultural and political exchange initiatives.

He also leads the “Cambodian Group for Friendly Relations with Socialist Nations,” an organization aimed at building connections between Cambodia and countries that identify with socialist principles. Currently residing in the United Kingdom, Kimlong has become an active voice within segments of the international socialist community. He participates in events, discussions, and campaigns focused on peace, anti-war advocacy, and global equity. His work has recently gained attention in the socialist communities of countryside Britain.

Comrade Kimlong Ly represents a distinct current of contemporary socialist activism, one which is grounded in anti-imperialist thought, anti-hegemony sentiment, and cross-border political organizing in an increasingly interconnected world.

KIM JONG IL – INTREPID GUARDIAN OF SOCIALISM AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY Matheus Knupp Ferreira -Brasil

14.02.2026

Upon recalling, on the occasion of the 84th anniversary of his birth, the great revolutionary

life of this great man, who was born in the midst of the fire of the anti-Japanese armed struggle,

there is something that stands out with particular relevance: his irreproachable defence of socialism

and communism at the most acute moment of its history.

When, with the fall of the socialist bloc and the Soviet Union between the end of the 1980s

and the beginning of the 1990s, the reactionary bourgeois forces and their spokesmen announced to

the four winds the "end of socialism", KIM JONG IL, who was assuming the helm of the revolution

amidst ferocious external and internal turbulences, in no way trembled or bowed his head, accepting

the such "outcome" propagandised by the enemies. On 1st March 1993, he published the work “The

Abuses of Socialism Are Intolerable ”, in which he categorically refuted the calumnies

propagated by the reactionaries that this regime would be "totalitarian", a "military dictatorship" or

a "tyranny" — which is a reality observed, indeed, in capitalist societies where the bourgeoisie

reigns supreme and, by all possible means, oppresses the popular masses and violates their rights. In

November 1994, the year in which the great Leader KIM IL SUNG had unexpectedly passed away,

he published the celebrated work “Socialism Is a Science”, in which he defended with incomparable

theoretical-ideological perspicacity that it was not the "end", but a setback, and that this system —

which uniquely responds correctly to the inherent demands of the human being and to those of

socio-historical development — will unfailingly triumph, burying the capitalist system. A month

later, he reaffirmed the immutability of his loyalty to the cause, as it had always been: “We must

follow only the path of revolution forged by the great Leader, however abrupt it may be and

even if it is a minefield. We must not deviate a single step from his path”.

With Korea becoming the focus of the imperialists' aim, who were avid for it also to collapse

or adopt the path of betrayal, that of "reform and opening", KIM JONG IL did not cower and seek

conciliation, but remained with his head held high adopting the line of responding with the harshest

countermeasures to imperialist provocations, brandishing the sword against the knife and pointing

the cannon against the gun. Upon visiting, on the first of January of the following year, the Tabaksol

post, he marked the symbolic beginning of the Songun policy, with which he found the force

capable of defending the country's existence and propelling it amidst the numerous trials, making

the glory of the heroic and miracle-working People's Army shine even more as a powerful driving

force of socialist construction, in addition to national defence. And in February 1996, he declared

with vigour to the cadres “Do not expect any change from me!”, making evaporate any doubt or

hope that existed inside or outside the country that he would abandon his socialist course, following

the base winds of the surroundings. On the political and ideological plane, he defended the nature of

socialism against the ideological tendencies that attempt to distort it and pervert it into a "socialist"

system in façade but totally capitalist in methods and forms. He declared emphatically, on 27th

September 1997: “As long as I am alive, I will never permit 'reform' or 'opening'. This is my

firm determination”.

With such unparalleled political, theoretical-ideological and military leadership,

KIM JONG IL handled with firmness and astuteness the helm of the revolution at its most acute

moment and succeeded in navigating without hesitation out of the storm, bringing it safe and sound

into the new century, where, now, it welcomes its era of integral prosperity under the leadership of

General Secretary KIM JONG UN, who glorifies the great life of his predecessor and brings to

fruition his dream of building a great independent, self-sustained and self-defensive socialist power

From Voice of Korea-People's Happiness He Pictured to Himself at a Fish Farm

http://vok.rep.kp/index.php/detail_com/scomde/iee260108015/39/en
It was a noble intention of the great leader Kim Jong Il based on his love for the people that stars should be picked from the sky and flowers grown even on the rock if the people wish.
One day in August 2009, Kim Jong Il visited the then changed Kujang Fish Farm in order to provide the people with more fish.
He beamed all over his face, so satisfied to see the firm prospect that can rapidly increase the freshwater fish production.
He thought of the people while looking at the shoals of fish teeming in the spacious ponds, lecturer Ri Jong Sun at the Korean Revolution Museum said and continued:
"That day, the great leader Kim Jong Il said: Everybody marvels at the swarming fishes. Looking at these fishes, however, I am lost in thought. How good it would be if those fishes swarming to me were provided to our people in larger quantities!
As he was so concerned to provide the people with more affluent life, he pictured to himself a greater happiness to be enjoyed by the people in the movement of the fishes."
/ Features
People's Happiness He Pictured to Himself at a Fish Farm
It was a noble intention of the great leader Kim Jong Il based on his love for the people that stars should be picked from the sky and flowers grown even on the rock if the people wish.
One day in August 2009, Kim Jong Il visited the then changed Kujang Fish Farm in order to provide the people with more fish.
He beamed all over his face, so satisfied to see the firm prospect that can rapidly increase the freshwater fish production.
He thought of the people while looking at the shoals of fish teeming in the spacious ponds, lecturer Ri Jong Sun at the Korean Revolution Museum said and continued:
"That day, the great leader Kim Jong Il said: Everybody marvels at the swarming fishes. Looking at these fishes, however, I am lost in thought. How good it would be if those fishes swarming to me were provided to our people in larger quantities!
As he was so concerned to provide the people with more affluent life, he pictured to himself a greater happiness to be enjoyed by the people in the movement of the fishes."

Kim Jong Il had modern fish farms built in all parts of the country in order to provide the people with a lot of tasty and nutritious fish.
Thanks to his love for the people, new historical terms such as "more fish than water" and "sturgeon to the sea, Korea to the world" came into being, lecturer Ri Jong Sun at the Korean Revolution Museum said and continued:
"Looking at the gratifying scene with an air of satisfaction, the great leader Kim Jong Il said: Some time ago, I said that shoals of sturgeons could be released to the sea at the Sinchang Fish Farm. Here at the Kujang Fish Farm, however, I'd like to say that shoals of rainbow trouts go to the people. I want to provide the people with larger quantities of freshwater fish as early as possible. I have nothing more to desire if I can provide the people with an affluent and rich life.
Kim Jong Il said he does not recognize what does not give real benefits to the people and added that it is his wish to make the people benefit from even one thing. People's happiness came to grow day by day on the road of his uninterrupted field guidance.
 

From Voice of Korea - A Factory Winning Popularity of the People.

http://vok.rep.kp/index.php/detail_com/scomde/iee260128001/39/en

  A factory has been kept in the minds of the Korean people along with the trademark "Sonhung".

  It is the Sonhung Foodstuff Factory which produces foodstuffs liked by all, young and old.

 The factory is associated with the efforts made by the great leader Kim Jong Il to provide the people with a better life.

  Kim Jong Il had paid deep concern to its establishment and production and seen the foodstuffs it produced.

  It was very cold on December 11, 2010.

  Kim Jong Il visited the factory despite the biting cold.

  He looked round different places of the factory including the carbonated drink workshop, Eskimo production process and general control room to learn about the modern equipment in detail.

  He was very satisfied to see the factory developed into the one producing hundreds of foodstuffs of tens of kinds for over 10 years though it had produced only a few kinds, Section Chief Yun Ryon Mi said and continued:

  "Looking round the factory that day, the great leader Kim Jong Il said with pleasure that the foodstuffs of the factory are better than those made in other countries and that the Sonhung Foodstuff Factory has become a factory winning popularity of the people."

  Later, going round a number of service amenities in the capital city, Kim Jong Il highly appreciated that the foodstuffs of the Sonhung Foodstuff Factory are the best in quality and adults as well as children like the products of the factory.

  Keeping his trust deep in their hearts, the officials and producers of the factory pooled their creative wisdom and applied new technologies and thus robotized the carbonated drink, eskimo and confectionery production processes on a high level in 2015

They are now producing over 400 kinds of foodstuffs including functional and health foods by natural raw materials.

  In particular, they are directing primary efforts to the improvement of the quality, always bearing in mind that what is most important in the production of foodstuffs is to ensure their quality.

  Section Chief Yun Ryon Mi said the products of the factory were highly estimated at a number of trade fairs on tens of occasions and they are regarded as popular foodstuffs, and continued:

  "We will produce more foodstuffs favoured by the people, bearing in mind that though we produce many varieties of goods, the only standard of estimating them depends on whether or not they are popular among people."

  Winning popularity of the people has been past history of the Sonhung Foodstuff Factory and is its future goals.