BGSJI and KFA UK on the 46th anniversary of the Kwangju Massacre

  BRITISH GROUP FOR THE STUDY OF THE JUCHE IDEA 

  email juche007@yahoo.co.uk
                                                                                 
                                   

                        


               London 19th of May 2026
 The British Group for the Study of the Juche Idea (BGSJI) and   Korean Friendship Association of the UK (UK KFA ) )   issued the following joint statement on the  46th anniversary of the Kwangju Massacre ;

46 years ago  the south Korean puppet fascists drowned the city of Kwangju in blood  .The south Korean fascist puppet army killed 5,000 people and injured 14,000 in the south Korean city of Kwangju .Here the residents had organised protests against the military fascist dictatorship of Chun Du Hwan . These protests quickly turned into an uprising against the military dictatorship and were forcibly put down by the south Korean military .It was a truly barbaric massacre ,an act of genocide by the south Korean military fascists against the civilian population .It was a fascist despotic act aimed at  suppressing the democrats and patriots of south Korea.
                                 

   Standing behind the south Korean puppets and manipulating them  were the US imperialists At the time the US held peacetime operational command over the south Korean puppet army , it could not move without the say so of the US commander in south Korea . Moreover the then south Korean military ruler Chun Do Hwan had been trained in the US and had also fought in the Vietnam war . He was a special agent of the US CIA.
                                     
                                 

   A special meeting was held at the White House on the 22nd of May 1980 attended by Edmund Muskie, Warren Christopher ,Zbigniew Brzezinski and Donald Gregg among others . It was decided here that the Kwangju uprising should be suppressed.
 

   On the 22nd of May 1980 US commander in south Korea general Wickham gave the green light for the south Korean armed forces to suppress the Kwangju uprising by force. US president Jimmy Carter said that security concerns must override human rights .
   

The US also sent the warship USS Coral Sea to south Korea to be on standby to assist the south Korean armed forces in the suppression of the Kwangju uprising.
  

  Thus the US imperialists are the true author of the Kwangju massacre. US imperialism has the blood of 5,000 south Koreans on its hands!

. Today the perpetrators of the Kwangju massacre still have not been brought to justice and remain at large. 
   Our organisations, the BGSJIand KFA UK  , remembering the innocent lives that were ended by the south Korean puppets , call for the full facts of the massacre to be made public and for those responsible for slaughter, the remnants and descendants of the Chun fascist regime,  to be finally brought to justice.

BGSJI
KFA UK

On Juche and Third-Worldism

Juche and Third-Worldism are two theories which arose as forms of anti-colonialism and anti-capitalism traditions in the twentieth century. They are distinct ideologies with different roots and goals, but they share similar points and themes, especially with their joint opposition to imperialism and strong support for national independence. Despite this, they are also very different in terms of their understanding of socialism, internationalism, and political organization.

Juche, is a theory developed in the DPR Korea under the leadership of comrade Kim Il Sung during the 1950s and 60s. It was presented as a theory rooted with the interpretation of socialism that highlights on self-reliance in all three key departments: politics, military, and economy. Third-worldism, on the other side, is not a single ideology, but instead it is a set of belief that originated from anti-colonial struggles across Asia, Africa and the Latin America. It viewed the third world countries as exploited by the wealthy capitalist powers and that liberation struggles in colonized or formerly colonized nations were central to a global revolution.

One of the biggest similarities between Juche and Third-worldism is their strong stance against imperialism. Both theories see imperialism as virus and the main obstacle which prevent poor nations from achieving their potentials. Juche was strongly shaped by Korea’s struggle against the Japanese imperialists in the early 1900s and by the destructive effects caused by the Korean War. As a result, Juche values the importance of national sovereignty and resistance against foreign powers. Third worldists would argue in similar tones. They see the imperial powers, particularly the United States and Western Europe, as key actors which maintain the global inequality through various channels such as economic exploitation, military interventions, and political influence.

Another strong similarity is the emphasis that both have on liberation. Third wordlist movements often voiced for revolutionary struggles in countries such as Cuba and Vietnam. These struggles were actually seen as part of a wider global resistance against colonialism and capitalism. Juche, also viewed the Korean revolution as a fight for the nation, for dignity, for sovereignty, and for independence. It is that in both cases that political freedom was considered to be impossible without economic and military independence.

Juche and Third-worldism also share the skepticism toward dependence on the world’s major powers. Back in the times of the Cold War, many Third-worldist leaders tried their best to avoid domination and subjugation by the superpowers of the US and the USSR. This attitude was actually the contributing factor to the growth of the global Non-aligned movement. Juche, (although the mainstream media would like to have you believe that Korea relied on the USSR and China), rejected reliance on both the Soviet and the Chinese. It argued that a national revolution should follow its own path. This is a defining feature of Juche and a feature that separate Juche from other form of socialism and communism.

Despite these similarities, there are major differences between the two theories. One of most obvious ones is their view on internationalism. Juche places the national first. It argues strongly that Korean should be a nation that is guided by strong leadership system which serves as the driving force of revolution. Loyalty is crucial in Juche. Third-worldism, however, has a more international outlook. It values national liberation, but it places these as part of a wider trend of global movement against imperialism.

The role of the leadership is another distinction. Juche places emphasis on the leader as the center of political and social life. DPRK political culture developed a system which places paramount of importance on the WPK and the state leader as essential to the survival and guidance of the nation. Third-worldism does not necessarily follow this structure as it has an international tendency. It is importance to note that despite this, some third-worldist movements were led by powerful leaders such as Mao Zedong, and Ho Chi Minh. It is just that the third-worldism ideology itself does not depend on a single leadership model.

In the economic sector, Juche emphasises on self-reliance. The DPRK has been building itself of its own way and resources and has minimize the reliance on foreign trade and external economic aids and support. This means that external factors play little to zero role and has no influence on Korean society. Third-worldism, however, includes a range of economic approaches, socialism plus as range of adopted mixed economies.

Finally, Juche is an ideology of Korea and the Korean people. Third-worldism is not tied to any specific country. It encompasses many movements, governments, and intellectual traditions across the many continents.

In conclusion, Juche and Third-worldism share common roots of origins in anti-imperialism, national liberation, and resistance to foreign domination. Both emerged from the struggles of poorer nations seeking independence during the twentieth century. However, they differ in some notable ways. Juche has a more nationalist tone and focuses on the importance of the Korean people and leadership. Third-worldism is a broader tradition with more international elements and is connected to anti-colonial solidarity across nations. Understanding these key points are important and helps explain the differences between revolutionary movements and key left-wing ideologies.

Kimlong Ly

Assistant Researcher, British Study Group for the Study of the Juche Idea

From Voice of Korea-Going Up to the Top of Water Slide

http://vok.rep.kp/index.php/detail_com/comde/iee260408018/57/en

  One day in April 2012, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Rungna Water Park under construction.

  After looking round the dressing rooms and shower rooms, he suddenly said he would go up to the top of a water slide.

  Officials dissuaded him because it was dangerous to go up the incomplete stairs to the top of the water slide. Comrade Kim Jong Un, however, did not mind it and ascended the stairs before others.

  At the top, he said that the water slide would be very popular among people in the future and that not only sliders but also spectators would like it.

  That day he said in a regrettable tone that it is a defect that there are no diving tower and water tank in the water park, Lecturer Ri Jong Sun at the Korean Revolution Museum said and continued:

  "The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un said to officials: When crossing Rungna Bridge, I thought it is a pity that there are no diving tower and water tank beside the water slide. Today I harden my resolve to build a diving tower and water tank.

  Then he selected the site for them and taught in detail how to build them.

  He had already planned to expand the capacity of the water park and build it into a water park with a diving tower and water tank.

  He went up to the top of the dangerous water slide without hesitation that day in order to confirm his plan."

  While making painstaking efforts for the happiness of the people, Comrade Kim Jong Un continues to conceive new plans.

 

Blessed Children

 2026.5.18

.http://www.mfa.gov.kp/view/article/24320

The word “orphan” is a synonym of a miserable life in any country.

Yet, the orphans are enjoying a blessed life and the greatest affection in the DPRK, as respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, the father of the country, is devoting his all to bring happiness to the people to make sure that every single person living on this land lead a happy life.

On February 3, 2014, Comrade Kim Jong Un took measures to rebuild Pyongyang Baby Home and Pyongyang Orphanage in modern style, saying that the parentless children should never feel the orphan’s sorrow and grow up happily by giving them parental attachment which they miss the most.

After visiting the construction site several times to give detailed guidance, Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the completed Pyongyang Baby Home and Pyongyang Orphanage again in October. He said that he was so glad as if he had plucked a shining star off the sky, because the best and stylish buildings now stood ready for the kids without parents. He gave valuable instructions on taking good care of children and raising them into pillars of the country.

These are not all.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited Pyongyang Baby Home and Pyongyang Orphanage in 2015 just after delivering the New Year’s address. He spent a long time with the children. He said that he was so glad to celebrate the new year’s day with the children, that he was proud of doing a worthwhile work, challenging though, and that he was more convinced of the bright future of our country as he saw happiness on children’s faces.

Parentless children are growing up to be reliable pillars and talents of the country under the special attention and loving care of respected Comrade Kim Jong Un.

Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Convenes Meeting of Commanding Officers of Divisions and Brigades of Entire Army and Meets Them

Pyongyang, May 18 (KCNA) -- The respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, convened a meeting of the commanding officers of the divisions and brigades of the entire army on May 17 and met them.

Present there were Ri Yong Gil, chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army, and Pak Jong Chon, advisor to the Ministry of National Defence of the DPRK.

The commanding officers were filled with great excitement as they were to meet the Supreme Commander at the sacred headquarters building of the Party Central Committee which the KPA service personnel have always cherished in their minds at every post in the sky, ground and sea of the country.

When Comrade Kim Jong Un appeared, the commanding officers broke into stormy cheers of "Hurrah!", looking up to the outstanding leader of the revolution who is dynamically guiding the inexhaustible development of our army to glory and victory with his distinguished commanding philosophy and art.

Highly appreciating the extraordinary services of the commanding officers who are leading the combined units while devoting their sincere efforts to the country and the people, he warmly encouraged them.

He met the commanding officers of the combined units at all levels of the entire army and had a talk with them on a series of important military issues.

Stressing that the tasks of the commanders of the combined units are very important, he said that the historic assignment to develop our army into the strongest one in the world is entrusted to the commanders of the divisions and brigades. And he referred to the main orientation arising in carrying out the military and political tasks at present.

Reiterating that the training for perfecting the combat preparedness is the main task of the army, he advanced a policy for readjusting the training system and intensifying the practical training in keeping with the changing aspects of modern warfare and the trend of the development of our army.

Noting that a structural measure for updating our army in a military organizational and military technical way is to be taken in the future, he stressed that the responsibility and role of the commanding officers are very important in correctly implementing it.

He said that planned projects, too, should be stepped up to newly define the concept of operations in all spheres in keeping with the rapid modernization of the military and technical equipment of our army and apply it to the combat training of the units.

Mentioning the Party's policy of territorial defence on strengthening the first-line units in the southern border and turning the border line into an impregnable fortress, he expressed a plan for remodeling the military organizational structure and strengthening the first-line units and other major units in military and technical aspects as an important decision to more thoroughly deter war.

Briefing on a prospect of modernization of the KPA and progress made in developing the military and technical equipment, Comrade Kim Jong Un said that we are building a powerful army and affirmed that as already clarified, if the tasks for the period of the Five-Year Plan are carried out, preparedness of the KPA's strategic action will be renewed beyond comparison with the present and a great change will be made in an aspect of deterring war.

He stressed that the commanding officers of the entire army and all levels should continue to raise their class consciousness, outlook on the arch enemy, and remain faithful to their sacred duty of defending the sovereignty while always keeping highly alert.

Saying that the KPA should defend the country with its ideology and faith than physical strength and that the ideology and faith are the unique secret of the combat capability of our army which can exceed the limit of physical strength, he added that the KPA should continue to carry forward its tradition of overwhelming the enemy with ideology and faith by steadily waging the ideological revolution with firm belief in its cause and that only then can the KPA reliably maintain its honor and position as the strongest army in the world.

Our Party and people's expectation in the KPA commanding officers is very high, he said, expressing belief that the KPA commanding officers would remain faithful to their sacred duty, bearing deep in mind the heavy responsibility for their mission, no matter who may know it or not.

That day, Comrade Kim Jong Un had a photo session with the commanders of the combined units of the entire army in the yard of the Party Central Committee.

The commanders of the KPA combined units at all levels, who were honored to meet the great brilliant commander and receive the great trust from him, vowed to cherish the important teachings of the Supreme Commander as the coordinates of struggle and boundlessly remain faithful to the important mission and duty they assumed before the Party and the revolution and thus fully demonstrate the honor of the KPA commanding officer in the most glorious and strongest era led by him. -0-

www.kcna.kp (2026.05.18.)

조선중앙통신 

On Juche and Postcolonial theory differences

 

Juche and postcolonial theory are two theories which stemmed from the will against domination. On the surface, they seem to be similar, but they differ in many ways such as how they define liberation, subjectivity, and historical agency. Although both theories criticise the imperialist agenda and reject the idea that the Western way is the only way, they both differ in their overall goal. As Postcolonial theory seeks to reset the thinking about nation, identity, and authority. Juche asks to transform anti colonial struggle into a doctrine which centralised national sovereignty.

Juche begins from the idea that independence is paramount and is the foundation of human existence. Juche opposes colonialism as it destroys the history and autonomy of a nation. Under foreign domination, a nation not only suffers from the lack of economic autonomy but also ideological and national consciousness. The only way to restore this is through a liberation under a strong organised organisation. In this thinking, the nation is the main historical subject. The revolutionary tendency of Juche is the mechanism through which collective consciousness can be made under a strong leadership. A leadership that can guide the people forward, in one voice, in solidarity.

Postcolonial theory approaches colonialism differently. Postcolonial theory is more mainstream and regarded as one of the most influential theories in politics, philosophy, and international relations. In this tradition, colonialism is understood as a system that influences language, identity, desire, etc. The colonised subject lack a unified national consciousness and therefore lack national identity. It is in this way that postcolonial theory is often skeptic of a solid-state identity. In a way, postcolonial thinkers believe that nationalism can be reproduce through the same structure of exclusion and authority that colonialism imposed.

However, Juche rejects this doubt. Juche insists on clear and united ideological clarity. It argues that the people are yearning for liberation, but they lack the right leadership to lead them. A leadership is needed to guide and open a way for the people to follow toward liberation. When the people are united, under the right leadership, they are one. They become a collective historical force. Juche seeks total integration of the people into the political community. This is different to postcolonial theory.

The way both theories treat culture is also noticeable. Postcolonial thinkers usually argue that colonialism produces cultural hybridity. Colonised societies, in postcolonial perspectives, absorb and integrate imperial influence into their own society. It views culture as something that is always changing, fluid, and can be a subject of manipulation and negotiation. Juche opposes this thinking almost completely. Juche views the hybridity of culture as weakness and contamination to national identity and ideology. It sees foreign influence as weapon, a threat to the state, a virus to national autonomy because dependence on external cultural forms can undermine local culture and political consciousness. Foreign influence on local national culture is an insult to not only the people, but to the heroes who sacrificed their blood to the motherland/fatherland.

The two theories have opposing views on power. While postcolonial theory sees domination spreading through dialogue and institutes, Juche tries to centralise the power instead. Liberation requires concentrated power, to mobilise the masses, to put forward what is to be done. Fragmentation is weak. Fragmentation means weak union and this opens for a possibility of external interference. Therefore, in Juche, the leadership is indispensable and must be protected at all costs. This structure is treated as the condition of true independence. Juche rejects Western universalism. It replaces this with national particularism. Each people must determine its own path according to each unique condition. This philosophy is important to understanding Juche. Extrapolate this and it would result in a theory that concerns with state power, national identity, than internationalism and globalisation.

Ultimately, postcolonial theory treats identity as unstable and contested. It views identity as historically produced by the dominators. Juche, in contrast, treats identity as something that is paramount and must be protected through the political organisation. Although both arises from anti-imperialist thoughts, one moves more toward multiplicity and criticisms, while the other moves toward national unity and state sovereignty.

Kimlong Ly

Assistant Researcher, British Study Group for the Study of the Juche Idea

“The Meaning of May Day in People’s Korea “-special article by Dr Dermot Hudson

 

The 1st of May ,international workers day , is the holiday of working people throughout the world . In some countries there will be demonstrations ,marches and protests but in People’s Korea where the working people hold power there is no need to hold demonstrations or protests but instead celebrate their power and the existence of the people-centred socialist system . People’s Korea ,May Day is marked by mass meetings , games such as football and volleyball ,picnics and dances. May Day is an official public holiday in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) and has been since 1946 . In the DPRK May Day is celebrated on the 1st of May and not on another date like some of the capitalist countries which tried to “de-politicise “ May Day by having the May Day holiday on the first Monday after the 1st of May . The USA even does not mark May Day but holds a “Labour Day “ in September to avoid any connection with what they see as a “communist holiday “.

Last year the Korean Central News Agency reported as follows about the May Day celebrations in the DPRK “ Officials of Party and power organs across the country significantly celebrated May Day together with working people.

Officials visited the production sites seething with the drive for increased production and congratulated the working class on the indomitable struggle to provide a springboard for the comprehensive national rejuvenation with sincere efforts and on their innovative successes.

Various sports and amusement games took place at the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex, the Hungnam Fertilizer Complex, the Chonnaeri Cement Factory, the Sinuiju Cosmetics Factory, the Haeju Tractor Parts Factory and other industrial establishments across the country.

Working people's organizations in North Phyongan Province, Nampho Municipality and other local areas held meetings with persons of merit of the preceding generation and front-rankers in noble traits and meetings to follow their example.

Colorful performances were given at theatres and outdoor stages in the capital city to add to the festive mood.

The festive mood was revved up with art performances given in North Hwanghae, Jagang, Kangwon and South Hamgyong provinces and other parts of the country.

Many people spent a pleasant time at the Central Zoo, the Natural History Museum, the Munsu Water Park, a riding service base in Hamhung City and other cultural recreation grounds.

Diverse holiday services at he public catering units in Pyongyang and local areas including Okryu Restaurant, Chongryu Restaurant, and Kyongam Restaurant of Sariwon and Songdowon Restaurant of Wonsan delighted customer”

The famous British comedian Michael Palin in his documentary “ Michael Palin in North Korea “ made in 2018 which although it was hostile and from a liberal standpoint , included excellent coverage of May Day festivities on the Moran hill in Pyongyang .

This contrasts with the so-called “free democratic” capitalist countries of the West the life of workers is very bitter indeed. There is mass unemployment with very few decent jobs available (many are “zero hours contracts “ ),insecurity , poverty , long hours and massive social inequality . In the UK according the website statista.com 2.9 million food parcels were distributed to people who could not afford to buy food.Food prices are sky high and inflation is rising all the time Working hours have actually lengthened in countries like Britain . Housing is unaffordable for many workers . In London the rent of a modest 2 bedroom flat on the outer reaches of London is £1,600 per month and that excludes council tax ,energy and water bills.

In People’s Korea workers can celebrate May Day joyfully not only with the pride of being masters of power , masters of their proud socialist country but because of the great benefits of people-centred socialism such as free of charge housing , free education , free health and the abolition of taxation. In People’s Korea food is distributed almost free of charge ; when I was in the DPRK in October 2025 I was told that food costs only the equivalent of 0.3 dollars -about 20 pence in British money - per month.

The workers of the DPRK have plenty to celebrate on May Day , no doubt the fireworks will fly high into the sky of Pyongyang on May Day !

Long live May Day !

Long Live People’s Korea !

(Dr Dermot Hudson ,general chairman KFA UK/deputy editor /reviewer PKT )