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
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