North Korea rallies instructors to instill loyalty to Kim Jong-un in children

North Korea has launched its first nationwide seminar for school youth instructors in an effort to strengthen children’s allegiance to leader Kim Jong-un. The training, which took place in Pyongyang from March 26 to 29, is part of a broader push to reinforce ideological control over younger generations.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the seminar aimed to ensure instructors fulfill their role in nurturing students into “youth revolutionaries and patriots.” The event, reportedly held under Kim’s direction, emphasized loyalty to the leader as a guiding principle for teaching children.

Focus on Loyalty and Ideology

At the core of the seminar was the Korean Children’s Union, a mandatory organization for children aged 7 to 14. Often called the “Red Necktie” unit, the union was founded in 1946 and is estimated to have over 3 million members. It is overseen by the Socialist Patriotic Youth League, which leads ideological education for youth.

Speakers at the event stressed that children should be taught from an early age to value the organization and participate in its activities voluntarily. Instructors were described as political guardians responsible for shaping students into loyal followers of Kim Jong-un.

The KCNA stated that Kim’s “great trust and love” should motivate instructors to show unwavering dedication. The seminar also addressed ways to improve training programs, strengthen school-based youth organizations, and correct shortcomings in current education efforts.

Part of a Broader Control Strategy

The instructor seminar follows another major event held earlier in March: the National Neighborhood Watch Leaders Conference, the first of its kind in 18 years. South Korea’s Ministry of Unification views both gatherings as part of a coordinated strategy to tighten internal control and boost loyalty to the regime.

Unification Ministry spokesperson Koo Byung-sam stated during a press briefing that North Korea appears to be increasing ideological oversight across all sectors. “There appears to be an internal demand to strengthen thought control,” he said.

As North Korea ramps up its youth indoctrination efforts, observers continue to monitor how these measures impact the regime’s internal stability and long-term strategies.

By Mooyoung Lee   [lee.mooyoung@koreadaily.com]