김정은 통치이념과 담론

Abstract

This study aims to examine the ruling ideology of Kim Jong-un in North Korea, specifically focusing on the element of “manipulation” within his ruling discourse. To achieve this goal, the study employs Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), a theoretical trend that highlights the importance of language use in shaping social reality. The study operates on the premise that the North Korean regime is characterized by totalitarianism, with power centralized around Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. As a result, the governing ideology is produced and distributed uniformly through propaganda.
 The analysis concentrates on the ruling discourse during the Kim Jong-un period, and uses editorials and articles published in the Rodong Sinmun from January 2021 to April 2023 as primary data sources. The content of these articles is classified into macroscopic and microscopic aspects, with an emphasis on identifying the expression methods and manipulation techniques used to control public thinking and attitudes.
 The results of the discourse analysis reveal that the ruling ideology during the Kim Jong-un period in North Korea is characterized by leader absolutism, collectivism centered on the leader, patriotism, and a utopian vision of equality, welfare, and human rights. However, with the faster spread of marketization, individualism and capitalist thinking have become prevalent in North Korea, making it challenging to control the public's thoughts with outdated governance discourse.
 The ruling discourse during the Kim Jong-un period elevates the people to a higher position while imposing more political, economic, and social duties and roles to induce loyalty. The development of this discourse appears to be a phenomenon that emerged as part of a system stabilization strategy, rather than a new change in the North Korean system. Ultimately, the ruling discourse during the Kim Jong-un period is a manipulated message of power that controls the thoughts of the people, legitimizes Kim Jong-un's authority and policies, and contributes to the maintenance and stability of the system.