Penerapan Ideologi Juche Republik Rakyat Demokratik Korea pada Masa Kepimimpinan Kim Jong Il dan Kim Jong Un

Abstract

This research examines the implementation of Juche ideology Democratic People's Republic Of Korea during the leadership of Kim Jong Il (1994–2011) and Kim Jong Un (2011–present). The study uses a descriptive qualitative method with a literature review approach. Juche is a political doctrine and belief system emphasizing self-reliance in politics, economy, and defense. Under Kim Jong Il, Juche evolved through the Songun (military-first) policy as a response to political and economic crises after the fall of the Soviet Union. In contrast, Kim Jong Un implemented the Byungjin policy, focusing on the parallel development of the military and economy. Findings indicate that although Juche remains central, each leader adapted its application based on the era’s challenges. Kim Jong Il emphasized regime survival, while Kim Jong Un leans toward performance-based legitimacy. The research reveals Juche’s ideological flexibility in maintaining the authoritarian rule of the Kim dynasty.