Answers to Questions on the Juche from Foster Klug of Associated Press given by Dr Dermot Hudson Chairman of the Juche Idea Study Group of England

                                   
Answers in Bold Italics


.1 How do you define Juche?
Juche is the idea that  humans are the masters of everything and that people are the masters of the revolution and construction in their countries .It is about people taking an independent and creative stand , basically empowerment.In terms of practical and concrete application in policy terms it means independence in politics , self-sufficiency in the economy and self-reliance .The Juche idea was first conceived by President Kim Il Sung during the anti-Japanese armed struggle and was further developed and systematised by Chairman Kim Jong Il
2. Why do you think some foreign DPRK analysts have trouble defining it (if you do)?
Bias and prejudice has a lot to do with it . Some Western analysts are chauvinistic, racist even, towards Korea  looking down on it and also blinded by anti-socialist ideas. Also maybe they do not take the time out to properly study in depth so as to achieve a better understanding. 
3. What do you mean think Juche means to People in the DPRK?
Juche is the life of the people of the DPRK . It the ideology that they have chosen because it guarantees independence and guides them in building a new socialist society in which everyone can have a better life . The people of the DPRK know their own experience and practice  that the Juche idea is the truth, Juche in deep in the hearts of every citizen in the DPRK.
4. What does it mean to you?
To me the Juche idea is a great revolutionary philosophy and a guide in the struggle for socialism . It is an anti-imperialist and socialist idea .It is an idea for realising independence. It is a guide to human liberation and a way of empowering people.
5. Can you tell me something about your background and why you’re attached to Juche?
   I am the Chairman of the Juche Idea Study Group of England  and chairman of the UK Korean Friendship Association .I am 58 years old, a British citizen and i am a writer.
 I came to the Juche idea in the 1980s as a young communist  when I was looking for a new revolutionary ideology after becoming disillusioned with the revisionism (dilution of principles ) of the USSR and also some communist parties.
6. Can you recommend other foreign proponents of Juche?
There are 1,000 Juche Idea Study Groups in the world and there is the International Institute of the Juche Idea head quartered in Tokyo , Japan . There are scores of academics, political scientists ,political activists , students , workers and others who are Juche Idea followers .
7. Do you think Juche has taken on a new importance under the current leader? Has the meaning of it changed for people in the DPRK over the years?
Juche will always be important in the DPRK , respected Marshal Kim Jong Un is carrying forward the ideas of President Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il .I do not think the meaning of Juche has changed but of course it is being further developed . 
   Juche and self-reliance will enable the people of the DPRK to defeat the unjust reactionary imperialist sanctions .

8. When/if you visit the DPRK is there some way you quantify Juche? Is it the signs that mention it? The buildings named after it? Something else?
  I do not think that you can quantify an idea and a philosophy . However visiting the DPRK you can see Juche being applied and the DPRK prospering under the banner of the Juche idea with new streets like Ryomyong Street and Mirae Scientists Street being constructed . Juche is guaranteeing the independence of the DPRK in the face of regime change attempts by imperialism.