GOVERNMENT

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) operates under a centralized government system guided by the principles of Juche, a political ideology emphasizing self-reliance. The day-to- day functioning of the government is rooted in a structured hierarchy designed to manage a nation of over 25 million people.

At the top of the system is the Supreme Leader, currently Kim Jong Un, who serves as the head of state, the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK) (link) and the military. The WPK, founded in 1945, is the primary governing body and oversees all aspects of political and economic life. Key decisions are made by the party’s Central Committee and its Politburo, which includes senior officials and advisers.

The government is divided into various ministries and agencies that handle specific sectors such as foreign affairs, agriculture, and public health. While these institutions follow directives from the central government, they also carry out day-to-day operations like running hospitals, schools, and factories. On a local level, provinces, cities, and counties are managed by people’s committees, which implement policies from the central government while addressing local needs. These committees also organize community activities and oversee basic services.

The DPRK’s government functions as a centralized system with clear lines of authority and responsibility. Understanding this structure helps to contextualize how policies are implemented and how the country is managed at various levels.