A history teacher in Khabarovsk, Russia, created a club for students to learn about Juche, the state ideology of North Korea. The club aims to debunk myths about North Korea and has visited a Cold War-era summer camp in the country. The club has already organized three events, and the teacher hopes that students from other schools in Khabarovsk will join in the future. North Korea’s consulate in the city supported the creation of the club, and students work on projects related to North Korean history, such as “The Defeat of the American Aggressors in the Taejon Operation” or “The Korean People’s Army Air Forces.” Students also read the memoirs of North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung.
The founder of the club, Vladislav Kushnirenko, expressed his desire to strengthen relations between Russia and North Korea, believing that a strong Moscow-Pyongyang alliance will lead to the collapse of American imperialism. Russia and North Korea have been allies since North Korea’s founding after World War II. Putin signed a mutual defense agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a visit in June, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. However, concerns have been raised about North Korea providing ammunition and missiles to Russia for the war, fueling worries about potential future deliveries under the mutual defense treaty.
The decision to create a club focused on North Korean ideology in a Russian city raises questions about the relationship between Russia and North Korea, especially in the wake of recent geopolitical events. The mutual defense agreement signed between Putin and Kim Jong Un has drawn attention to the growing cooperation between the two countries, which has implications for regional security and stability. The club’s activities, including studying North Korean history and ideology, reflect a deepening interest in North Korea among Russian students and teachers.
The club’s activities and the support it has received from North Korea’s consulate in Khabarovsk highlight the efforts to promote positive perceptions of the country. However, concerns have been raised about the potential influence of North Korean propaganda on students involved in the club and the impact it may have on their understanding of international relations. The club’s focus on debunking myths about North Korea suggests a critical approach to studying the country’s history and ideology, but it remains to be seen how this will shape students’ perspectives on North Korea and its role in global politics.
Overall, the creation of a club dedicated to studying North Korean ideology in a Russian city underscores the complex relationship between Russia and North Korea, as well as the shifting dynamics in the region. The club’s activities reflect a desire to strengthen ties between the two countries and promote a positive image of North Korea among Russian students. However, the implications of this initiative on geopolitical relationships, regional security, and the students involved in the club raise important questions about the intersection of education, ideology, and international relations. As the club continues its work, it will be important to monitor its impact and consider the broader implications of promoting North Korean ideology in Russia.
