김정은 시대, 인민대중제일주의의 정치적 의도

Abstract

This paper aims to analyze the ideological foundation of the “People-First Principle” advocated by the Kim Jong-un regime in North Korea, as well as its underlying political intentions. By examining the relationship between the Juche ideology and the People-First Principle, this study seeks to reveal how North Korea utilizes this concept as a political tool to solidify its party-state system under the absolute power of the Supreme Leader. The findings indicate that while the People-First Principle appears to emphasize "people-centered" governance as a means to address economic difficulties and internal discontent, it actually functions as a political and ideological mechanism to reinforce the North Korean dictatorship and supplement Kim Jong-un’s leadership. Slogans promoting ideological mobilization, scientific and technological innovation, and the construction of a self-reliant economy largely remain within the framework of Juche ideology, serving to justify absolute loyalty and collective mobilization rather than deviating from it. These results suggest that while North Korea presents the People-First Principle as a response to international sanctions and internal crises, its actual purpose lies in strengthening the supremacy of the Supreme Leader and consolidating the regime rather than improving the living standards of its people or implementing structural reforms. Ultimately, the People-First Principle under the Kim Jong-un regime serves merely as a political pretext to control economic failures and internal discontent, with the true essence being the consolidation of absolute power.