In September 1980 President Kim Il Sung met a delegation of the France-Korea Friendship Association. On that occasion he told the guests what had happened during a luncheon for the members of a delegation of the study group of the Asian and African affairs of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan who were on a visit to the DPRK.
Seeing the President smoking, a member of the Japanese delegation asked him in which country the cigarette was produced.
He replied that it was the famous Songchon tobacco produced in his country.
The Japanese guest asked him again which tobacco—Chinese or then Soviet Union’s—he would opt if any Korean cigarettes were not available.
Looking at the member, he said that he would smoke neither of them and that he would smoke Korean cigarettes.
At this, the Japanese asked what he would do if the country did not produce cigarettes.
To this question he declared: It is beyond reason that Korea has no tobacco. Why can’t we raise tobacco when other countries do? If my country does not produce tobacco, I will not smoke.
Then Kim Il Sung continued to say to the head of the delegation: A Korean saying has it that a nobleman maintains his dignity even in the face of great danger. If there’s no tobacco produced in our country, I will not smoke. Why should I smoke foreign cigarettes? Likewise, if each country holds fast to the banner of independence, it can wage a more vigorous struggle against the US and other imperialists and dominationists.
Later on, he said on various occasions: We have maintained our own style both in socialist construction and fight against the enemy. Everything will be successful only when it is done in one’s own way, not copying others.
Ko Chol Hwa
More From Naenara (En)
There took place a short course for the participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, the
March 01, 2026
There took place a short course for the participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang, the
A Pyongyang military-civilian meeting and a public procession took place with splendour at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. The
March 01, 2026
A Pyongyang military-civilian meeting and a public procession took place with splendour at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. The
A reception was given at the Mokran House on February 27 for the special guests who were invited to the celebrations of the Ninth
March 01, 2026
A reception was given at the Mokran House on February 27 for the special guests who were invited to the celebrations of the Ninth
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea conducted various political and cultural activities. While
March 01, 2026
The participants in the Ninth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea conducted various political and cultural activities. While
The 39th Sci-tech Festival of Kim Il Sung University took place in the DPRK from February 25 to 27. Presented to the festival held
March 01, 2026
The 39th Sci-tech Festival of Kim Il Sung University took place in the DPRK from February 25 to 27. Presented to the festival held
Youth and students had a gala evening at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. Among the spectators were Pak Thae Song, member of the
March 01, 2026
Youth and students had a gala evening at Kim Il Sung Square on February 27. Among the spectators were Pak Thae Song, member of the
The 2026 National Winter Games closed at the ice hockey gymnasium in the Paektusan area sports village in Samjiyon City, Ryanggang
March 01, 2026
The 2026 National Winter Games closed at the ice hockey gymnasium in the Paektusan area sports village in Samjiyon City, Ryanggang
At the beginning of the last century Japan militarily occupied Korea to impose an unprecedentedly harsh rule, forcing the Koreans
March 01, 2026
At the beginning of the last century Japan militarily occupied Korea to impose an unprecedentedly harsh rule, forcing the Koreans
Ryomyong Primary School in Taesong District, Pyongyang, is steadily improving the educational informatization. In a bid to make
February 28, 2026
Ryomyong Primary School in Taesong District, Pyongyang, is steadily improving the educational informatization. In a bid to make
Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s
February 28, 2026
Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People’s
The Mindulle Notebook Factory is situated on the banks of the Pothong River in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK. The
February 28, 2026
The Mindulle Notebook Factory is situated on the banks of the Pothong River in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK. The
From olden times Korea has been called a land of golden tapestry for its beautiful mountains and limpid streams. The mountains and
February 28, 2026
From olden times Korea has been called a land of golden tapestry for its beautiful mountains and limpid streams. The mountains and
The Paektusan Millyong Hot Spring is located in the city of Samjiyon, Ryanggang Province in the northern part of the DPRK. In the
February 28, 2026
The Paektusan Millyong Hot Spring is located in the city of Samjiyon, Ryanggang Province in the northern part of the DPRK. In the
Receptions were given in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on February 26 to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the
February 27, 2026
Receptions were given in Pyongyang, the capital city of the DPRK, on February 26 to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the
The Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held in January 2021 set it as a core task in socialist construction to
February 27, 2026
The Eighth Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea held in January 2021 set it as a core task in socialist construction to
Days ago, the inauguration ceremony of 10 000 flats at the fourth stage in the Hwasong area celebrating the overfulfilment of the
February 27, 2026
Days ago, the inauguration ceremony of 10 000 flats at the fourth stage in the Hwasong area celebrating the overfulfilment of the
One day in November 2021, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Phothae-dong, Samjiyon City. The dwelling houses and
February 27, 2026
One day in November 2021, the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un visited the Phothae-dong, Samjiyon City. The dwelling houses and
February 16 witnessed a splendid inauguration ceremony of 10 000 flats at the fourth stage in the Hwasong area in Pyongyang, the
February 27, 2026
February 16 witnessed a splendid inauguration ceremony of 10 000 flats at the fourth stage in the Hwasong area in Pyongyang, the
The Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp opened in the DPRK.The holiday camp, located in a picturesque place, has hot spring therap
February 27, 2026
The Onpho Working People’s Holiday Camp opened in the DPRK.The holiday camp, located in a picturesque place, has hot spring therap
A grand artistic performance was given at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on February 26 to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the
February 27, 2026
A grand artistic performance was given at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on February 26 to commemorate the Ninth Congress of the
More Articles
