Seoul, March 31
North Korea has hosted the first large-scale workshop of instructors for a nationwide children's union, emphasising their role in fostering young people's loyalty to leader Kim Jong-un, state media reported Monday.
The large-scale lecture for instructors from across the country was held in Pyongyang from Wednesday to Saturday for the first time in history to urge them to fulfill their responsibilities in nurturing "youth revolutionaries and patriots," Yonhap news agency reported quoting the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The report was referring to a nationwide children's union, known as the "Red Necktie" unit, which students aged 7-16 are required to join. Established in 1946, the union is estimated to have 3 million members.
The KCNA said the event was held at Kim's instruction and that his remarks were delivered during the meeting, though no details were disclosed.
Issues discussed during the lecture included instructors' role as political protectors tasked with nurturing children as youth "revolutionaries and patriots" who remain endlessly faithful to North Korean leader Kim, the report said.
"Children should be taught to appreciate and know the value of the organisation from a young age and to accustom themselves to voluntarily participating in its activities," the KCNA quoted a speaker as saying at the meeting.
Ways to enhance educational methods, as well as "defects" in the projects aimed at strengthening the children's union and its roles, were also discussed during the meeting, according to the KCNA.
Koo Byung-sam, spokesperson for South Korea's unification ministry, said the latest gathering, along with a meeting of the heads of North Korea's most basic neighbourhood administrative units in mid-March, can be seen as "an attempt to tighten ideological control over all levels of people and enhance loyalty."
He said there have been recent attempts in North Korea to bolster internal ideological control and increase loyalty, adding that there seems to be such demand internally.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting to see how early political indoctrination starts in North Korea. The "Red Necktie" unit sounds like their version of scouts but with very different values being taught. Makes me appreciate the freedom we have to choose our kids' activities.
While I disagree with the political motivations, I have to admit the organizational structure is impressive. 3 million members is no small feat. Makes me wonder what results they could achieve if this energy was directed toward STEM education instead.
The article mentions "defects" in the program but doesn't elaborate. Would be interesting to know what those are - even in such a controlled system, it seems they recognize some things aren't working perfectly. 🤔
I think the article could have provided more historical context. The union was established in 1946 - how has its role changed over time? Also curious about what actual activities the kids do in this program beyond ideological training.
The psychological impact on children being part of such a system from age 7 must be profound. I wonder if any former members have spoken out about their experiences? Would make for a fascinating follow-up piece.
The South Korean spokesperson's analysis seems spot on. This appears to be part of a broader pattern of tightening control. Makes you wonder what internal challenges they're facing that require such measures. Stay safe to our friends in the North. ðŸ™
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