Ideological confusion spreads across North Korea this week. Specifically, citizens expressed shock and bewilderment after leader Kim Jong Un announced plans to establish a formal police system. For decades, state education has branded police as class enemies. Consequently, the announcement has created a deep ideological crisis among ordinary North Koreans.
A source in North Hamgyong province reported widespread quiet bewilderment on Wednesday. People learned in revolutionary history classes that police represent oppression. However, now authorities say the word police is not bad at all. This contradiction has left many citizens deeply unsettled. As a result, ideological confusion spreads through workplaces and homes alike.
North Korea’s 12-year compulsory education system teaches a specific revolutionary curriculum. In fact, that curriculum repeatedly frames police as legitimate targets of struggle. The founding mythology of the Kim dynasty relies heavily on anti-police narratives. For instance, Kim Il Sung’s guerrilla forces famously attacked a Japanese police substation at Pochonbo. Moreover, that battle remains one of the most celebrated state history events. Similarly, revolutionary hero Kim Jong Suk outwitted Japanese police in Pochon-ri. Indeed, that episode appears on virtually every revolutionary history examination.
The source explained that these core events recur throughout the entire curriculum. For example, the Pochon-ri civilian certification incident comes up without fail on exams. Now people question whether any of their education holds truth. Consequently, ideological confusion spreads as citizens whisper about past lessons. One resident reportedly said they cannot tell basic facts anymore. In particular, they question whether the earth revolves around the sun or vice versa.
Beyond the ideological contradiction, residents fear tighter daily control. Many North Koreans already resent the current security officers called anjeonwon. Specifically, people dismissively refer to these officers using the Japanese-derived slang obbasi. Citizens worry that renaming them police will make enforcement even more vicious. Furthermore, they anticipate more systematic and aggressive crackdowns on everyday activities. The negative image of police from revolutionary education intensifies these fears. As a result, people believe routine enforcement will worsen and life will become harder.
Kim Jong Un first announced the police system on March 23. Specifically, he delivered this plan during a policy address to the Supreme People’s Assembly. The assembly represents North Korea’s nominal legislature. Kim argued that a police system constitutes an essential state management requirement. Moreover, he insisted that the word police itself carries no negative meaning. In addition, Kim called for specialized and professionalized public order work. He also instructed officials to conduct public outreach for correct understanding.
This police announcement followed the Ninth Workers’ Party Congress in February 2026. In particular, that congress introduced sweeping institutional changes across the government. One major change included renaming the Ministry of State Security. For instance, it now operates as the State Information Bureau. The police system appears to extend this reorganization further. Indeed, it directly affects public order enforcement mechanisms.
North Korean authorities face a significant public trust challenge. They must reconcile revolutionary history with new institutional realities. Officials will likely intensify propaganda campaigns to reshape perceptions. Nevertheless, the deep-rooted anti-police education spans multiple generations. Consequently, ideological confusion spreads especially among older citizens who internalized these lessons. However, younger North Koreans may adapt more readily to the change. Still, the government’s credibility has suffered a notable blow. Future outreach efforts will determine whether citizens accept the new system. For now, quiet bewilderment continues across the country’s northern provinces.
