On the basis of the elucidation of the independent nature of the socialist cause and the socio-historical conditions of its implementation, the immortal Juche idea has defined the maintenance of the Juche character and national character as the fundamental principle that must be adhered to in the whole course of building socialism.

The essence and importance of the principle are clarified in the famous work "On Preserving the Juche Character and National Character of the Revolution and Construction" published by General Secretary Kim Jong Il on June 19, 1997.

Maintaining the Juche character of the revolution and construction means that the popular masses shape the destiny of their country and nation and their own destiny independently and creatively as the masters and keeping the national character alive means that they preserve and develop the inherent and fine characteristics of the nation and apply them to all fields of social life.

Embodied in the national character are the spirit of national independence and cultural traditions of a nation, which constitutes a precious wealth of the country and nation and an important wherewithal for the socialist construction.

Only by adhering to the Juche character and national character can the socialist cause be the truly revolutionary cause of championing and realizing the independence of the masses and of ensuring the independent development and prosperity of the nation.

It is a historical lesson that one cannot avoid a catastrophic end if one pins hope on the "ready remedy" of the imperialists without bridging over the political and economic difficulties created in the course of social progress with one's own strength in one's own way.

The danger of the national obliteration policy pursued by the imperialists under the pretext of "integration" of the world glaringly shows how important is the preservation of national character along with the Juche character in the state administration and all other spheres of the revolution and construction.

The DPRK has vigorously forged ahead along the one road of victory and glory under the banner of independence, shattering the unceasing political and economic blockades and all sorts of challenges of the imperialists.

The WPK and the people led by it will in the future, too, discharge their internationalist duty and mission of the times in the struggle for accomplishing the socialist cause of Juche and achieving the independence of the world by invariably holding fast to the principle of Juche and the principle of national independence.