Rising Red: Comrade Ly Kimlong’s Path to Socialism with the Korean Friendship Association

 

 

The march toward socialism is a path paved with dedication, ideological commitment, and an understanding of revolutionary principles. Among Cambodia’s 17 million people, Comrade Ly Kimlong stands as a strong advocate for socialism and communism. He is the current head of the Cambodian - Korean Friendship Alliance (KFA Cambodia), a branch of the Korean Friendship Association, an international friendship association with DPR Korea. Having taken office in 2022, Comrade Ly Kimlong’s unwavering efforts to promote Cambodia-DPRK relations and socialism reflect a broader mission of advancing socialist values, and friendships.

 

Enhancing Socialist ideals:

 

Comrade Ly Kimlong’s journey into socialism was not merely an academic pursuit but a deep-rooted belief in the principles of self-reliance, state sovereignty and independence. Inspired by the revolutionary works of Karl Marx, Vladimir Lenin, and later by the Juche ideology, he has devoted his past five years to studying socialism, particularly DPRK’s principles of Juche and Songun.

 

In 2022, Comrade Ly Kimlong was appointed as KFA’s official delegate in Cambodia. Through KFA Cambodia, he has played a role in promoting the successes and resilience of the DPRK within Cambodia. His efforts include organising events, hosting virtual Juche and Songun discussions, and writing in his native language (Khmer) to highlight the ideological and political strengths of socialist system practiced around the world, especially in Pyongyang.

 

KFA Cambodia is one of KFA’s most active branches. The organisation’s former social media account had thousands of followers but was suspended by Twitter without any explanation. KFA Cambodia, among its many activities, is a good friend and supporter of the DPRK Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, with Comrade Ly Kimlong being invited to attend functions and meet regularly with Korean comrades in Cambodia. Comrade Ly Kimlong was also presented with the DPRK leader portrait badge in 2024.

 

Looking into the future:

 

As Comrade Ly Kimlong forges ahead on the revolutionary path his vision remains clear: a Cambodia that upholds the principles of independence, state sovereignty and unwavering friendship with all friendly countries in the world. Through dedication and perseverance, Comrade Kimlong is not only strengthening Cambodia-DPRK bilateral ties but also ensuring that the torch of socialism continues to burn brightly in Cambodia.