Stalinism and Kimilsungism: A Comparative Analysis of Ideology and Power

Since the 1970s, North Korean leaders have denied and even tried to eradicate any traces of Stalinist influence in the North Korean political system. Thus, today it is difficult to bring to light the role Stalinism played in the formation of North Korean politics. However, in order to understand fully the present nature of the DPRK socialist system, its indispensable Stalinist roots cannot be ignored. This article examines the ties between Stalinism, defined as a “radical variant of Leninism,” and Kimilsungism, defined as the ideology and system of power instituted by Kim Il Sung. In doing so, the article analyzes the establishment of a monolithic ideological system; the rehabilitation of state and nation; the interrelations between Stalinism, Maoism, and the idea of juche; personal power; suppression of oligarchy; and the political culture of terror.