Meaning: The quote "National defense is the sacred duty of the young and all other people" is attributed to Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea. This statement reflects a fundamental principle of the North Korean ideology, which places a strong emphasis on the importance of national defense and the collective responsibility of all citizens to defend the nation.

In North Korea, the concept of national defense is deeply ingrained in the country's political ideology and is closely linked to the regime's legitimacy and survival. The regime has long portrayed itself as the defender of the Korean people against external threats, particularly from the United States and South Korea. As a result, the military and the defense of the nation are central to the regime's narrative and are used to justify the country's highly militarized society and the enormous resources devoted to the military.

The emphasis on the "sacred duty" of national defense reflects the regime's efforts to instill a sense of duty and loyalty in its citizens, particularly the younger generations. From a young age, North Korean citizens are taught to prioritize the needs of the state and to be ready to defend the country at all costs. This messaging is reinforced through education, propaganda, and the state-controlled media, creating a pervasive culture of militarism and loyalty to the regime.

The quote also underscores the regime's reliance on the entire population for national defense. In North Korea, military service is compulsory for both men and women, and the state mobilizes a significant portion of its population for military training and service. Additionally, the regime promotes the idea of a "military-first" policy, which prioritizes the needs of the military over other sectors of society. This approach is reflected in the allocation of resources, with a significant portion of the country's budget dedicated to the military, often at the expense of other social and economic needs.

The regime's emphasis on national defense as a "sacred duty" has broader implications for the society and the individual. It serves to reinforce the regime's control over its citizens, as it fosters a culture of surveillance and obedience in the name of national security. Furthermore, the militarization of society has led to the proliferation of paramilitary organizations and a pervasive culture of vigilance, where citizens are encouraged to report any perceived threats to the state.

At the same time, the regime's focus on national defense has had profound effects on the country's development and its place in the international community. North Korea's pursuit of nuclear weapons and its aggressive military posture have led to tensions with neighboring countries and the imposition of international sanctions. The regime's prioritization of military strength over the well-being of its population has contributed to widespread poverty, food shortages, and a lack of access to basic necessities for many North Koreans.

In conclusion, the quote "National defense is the sacred duty of the young and all other people" reflects the foundational principle of North Korea's ideology, emphasizing the centrality of national defense to the regime's legitimacy and the collective responsibility of all citizens to defend the nation. This emphasis has profound implications for the society, the individual, and the country's place in the international community, shaping the lives of North Koreans and the dynamics of the Korean peninsula.