Kim Jong Un’s Loyalty Push: A Call for Total Devotion from North Koreans

North Korea has called on its citizens to demonstrate loyalty, declaring that “millions must serve as human shields and bombs for the Supreme Dignity,” referring to Kim Jong Un.

The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on its front page on Thursday that absolute loyalty to the leader is a precious legacy of our revolution and the highest national spirit. The article emphasized that “the most illustrious aspect of the legacy and national spirit established by revolutionary predecessors is loyalty to the leader.”

It further asserted that “hostile forces are maliciously attempting to breach our stronghold of political ideology, which is the source of our infinite power,” adding, “This is an illusion that cannot be realized even in a hundred years. To protect the Supreme Dignity, ten million must become human bombs and bulletproof walls, representing the true essence of our revolutionary ranks.”

The report continued, stating, “Loyalty to the leader is the noble heritage of our revolution and the highest national spirit, and in this lies the greatness and irresistible strength of our revolution and our state.” It urged citizens to “unite even more firmly around our General Secretary and vigorously fight for the new victories of our revolution and the bright future of our great nation.”

This report underscores the importance of loyalty education in fostering allegiance to Kim, thereby strengthening ideological unity and solidarity among the populace. 

North Korea’s loyalty education is one of the five key teachings outlined in the revised party charter from the Eighth Party Congress in 2021. The other four are revolutionary tradition, patriotism, anti-imperialist class education, and moral education. Loyalty education is a fundamental element used by Kim Jong Un’s regime to legitimize its authority.