To believe or not to believe: This question seems all-too-prevalent among North Koreans with respect to the country’s “Juche” ideology. Popular belief appears to be waning, and continuing to emphasize this doctrine of economic autarky will be an unsustainable way to keep the masses content if rhetoric does not bear fruit in material realities.

There are continuous signs that the regime is seeking to revitalize ideological spirit among its population. In recent weeks, the apparent addition of a new Department for Culture and Arts, coupled with the hosting of the 5th Conference of Frontrunners of the