Decembrism

In Menghean nationalist discourse, Decembrism (Menghean: 십이월주의 / 十二月主義, Sibiwŏl-juŭi) or Decembrist Spirit (십이월 정신 / 十二月精神, Sibiwŏl Jŏngsin) refers to the ability to "not only identify the morally upright course of action in a given situation, but resolutely act on that course without a moment of hesitation." It is regarded as a core virtue for the New Socialist Citizen, and regularly appears in Menghean propaganda and rhetoric.

Origin

The term "Decembrism" is a reference to the Decembrist Revolution, in which Major-General Choe Sŭng-min refused orders to fire on a crowd of protesters and instead launched an assault on the headquarters of the Menghe People's Communist Party. While in reality Choe was simply moving forward an existing plan for a military coup, propaganda accounts promoted after the event depicted it as a spur-of-the-moment decision driven by the injustice of General-Secretary Ryŏ Ho-jun's orders.

As with other propaganda around the Decembrist Revolution, this later led to a gradual revision of meaning, as the Choe regime sought to avoid legitimizing revolutionary activity against the state. Subsequent accounts focused on the fact that Ryŏ Ho-jun, by launching a disastrous economic policy, attacking Menghe's traditional culture, and ignoring a severe famine, had betrayed the country. Thus, Decembrism was expanded from a revolutionary trait into one supporting the status quo: as long as the incumbent regime remained righteous, a Decembrist citizen would not hesitate to obey its calls to arms.

Traditional roots

Menghean poets and philosophers, both inside and outside the Yuhak school, had long exhorted the "upright person" to unhesitatingly follow the correct moral path whenever called upon to do so. This provided a useful foundation for the new government, which worked to connect the "Decembrist spirit" to existing concepts which were more familiar to the bulk of the population and carried the respectability of ancient traditions.

Decembrism found particularly strong links from Chŏndoism, which had long stressed the importance of good moral deeds and counted Humanity and Righteousness among its "Five Virtues." Some priests linked the Decembrist ethos to the existing idea of chŏnjik, a heavenly "calling" toward the right duty or mission in life. As Chŏndo religious authorities were closely linked to the Menghean government, and nearly three-quarters of Menghe's population had some link to Chŏndo traditions, this portrayal of the Decembrist ethos became particularly strong.

In Menghean propaganda

Menghean propaganda in all forms - text, music, broadcasting, and religious doctrine - has made reference the concept of Decembrism. The well-known patriotic song "Footsteps" includes the lyrics:

English	Menghean
Tramp tramp tramp tramp tramp - footsteps The footsteps of our Choe Sŭng-min Spreading the spirit of December onwards - tramp tramp tramp	척척 척척척 발걸음 우리 최승믄 발걸음 십이월의 정신 뿌리며 앞으로 척척척

Modern state depictions of the "Decembrist spirit" often downplay its original message of rebellion against unjust authority, out of concern that this could justify resistance to the Menghean government. Instead, they emphasize its components of strict obedience toward the correct moral path, or unquestioning self-sacrifice in the name of the greater good, both of which compel obedience and deference to authority, as long as that authority is just.

See also

• Choe Sŭng-min Thought
• Joguk Janyŏ
• Youth Vanguard
• Menghe Socialist Party
• Collected Quotations from Choe Sŭng-min