 In contrast to other socialist states ( which upheld the orthodox communist belief that the masses are masters of historical development ) , WPK ideology asserts that the masses can only initiate revolutionary change through a leader . While other socialist states often emphasized certain historical figures , due weight was still given to the people . The opposite occurred in North Korea , where the party line was " The great revolutionary task of the working class is pioneered and led to victory by the Leader and completed under the leadership of the Leader only . " From this perspective , the revolutionary task given the working class by the other socialist regimes became the sole responsibility of the leader in North Korea . The leader theory supports one @-@ man leadership , since all important tasks can only be accomplished by a great leader it argues . This ideological outlook may explain why Kim Il @-@ sung appointed his son , Kim Jong @-@ il , as his successor . In North Korea , Kim Il @-@ sung was considered a " Great Leader " with a decisive role ; he was cited by official media as the man who established the WPK and founder of the Juche idea . Because of this , Kim Il @-@ sung was not " elected " WPK General Secretary ; the position was bestowed on him by divine right . 
