North Korea: Kim Jong-un calls for propaganda campaign to increase 'self-reliance' ideology

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has sought to spread motivation to the nation’s ruling political party. Kim has called to launch a propaganda campaign to further spread the ideology of self-reliance.

North Korean state media reported that Kim has called for a propaganda campaign to shore up public support for the country’s ideology of self-reliance or “juche.” The North Korean leader sent a letter to officials of the ruling political party who attended a workshop Monday that looked to boost motivation for socialism while advancing innovation in the ideological work of the Workers Party.

Kim said that the party has been making progress despite facing “worst difficulties” while stressing the need to spread the ideology of self-reliance.

“We should regard the ideological and moral strength of the popular masses as the foremost weapon as ever and stir it up in every way,” said the North Korean leader, according to state media outlet KCNA.

Kim said that the “juche” theory meant that all things are possible when people are ideologically motivated.

The North Korean leader also said that the ideological campaign should zero in on getting rid of the “evil spirits of anti-socialism” along with non-socialist elements that have “gnawed away at our revolutionary position,” according to KCNA.

This comes as North Korea continues to face condemnation and sanctions over the continued testing of its missiles. The nation’s economic crisis, paired with its approach to COVID-19 has significantly cut trade with China. While Pyongyang has not confirmed any coronavirus cases, it has closed its borders and imposed strict travel bans along with other restrictions.

Last week, North Korea has also confirmed that it has tested its biggest intercontinental ballistic missile on Kim’s orders as it seeks to bolster its defense capabilities and prepare for what is described by state media as a “long confrontation” with the US. The launch took place Thursday last week, of the ICBM called the Hwasong-17.

Last week’s launch also marked the first fully-fledged launch of an ICBM since 2017. The North Korean leader called for the test citing the tensions in the Korean peninsula and the “inevitable” confrontation with the US and the possibility of a nuclear war.