Introduction

It is often wrongly stated or implied that North Korea is a one-party state under the Workers Party of Korea. In fact, North Korea is run by a coalition/popular front of the kind found in much of Eastern Europe (and China) after World War 2.

To read more about the political parties of North Korea click here.

To read more about the Workers Party of Korea click here.

History of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland

The Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland, or as it is sometimes known, the Fatherland Front is a popular front formed to govern the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea). The front was formed in line with other popular fronts that appeared after the Second World War, such as in the GDR

To read more about the East German Popular Front click here.

The front was initially formed on July 22nd, 1946 and whilst it has gone through various changes, it is still the country’s governing force. All candidates for the Supreme Peoples Assembly must be a member of the front.

Members of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland

The following political parties are members of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland:

• Workers Party of Korea (leading party)
• Korean Social Democratic Party
• Chondoist Chong Party

The Following Mass Organizations Are Members of the Fatherland Front:

• Kimilsungist-Kimjongilist Youth League
• Socialist Women’s Union of Korea
• General Federation of Trade Unions of Korea
• Union of Agricultural Workers of Korea
• The Korean Children’s Union

Note – The Chondoist Party is the only North Korean religious organization represented. These are the only permitted organizations for elections in North Korea.

Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland – Related Organizations

The Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front is not a member of the Democratic Front for the Reunification of the Fatherland but holds close relations. It is officially a South Korean entity and the only organization from the Republic of Korea to have an office in Pyongyang.

It is considered by many to be the southern equivalent.

To read more about the Anti-Imperialist National Democratic Front click here.

To see how North Korean is governed yourself join the experts in North Korean tourism on a tour to the DPRK.