"Ju-chae" ideology can be likened to the driving force that support, maintain, and fosters the North Korean society. Since the defection of Party Secretary general Hwang, Jang Yeup, however, the meaning of "Ju-chae" is being transformed, signifying the construction of a strong fatherland. Nevertheless, "Ju-chae" continues to be a strong ideological strength underlying the North Korean society in general. The 1995 food shortage was an occasion which shook the very foundation of North Korean establishment. The resulting economic reforms initiated in July 1st of 2002 leaves the impression believe that the leading consideration of the North Korean society is economic rather than political. Signs of such changes gave occasion for South Korean churches to reexamine their North Korean mission strategies. In other words, Christianity does not translate into anti-"Ju-chae" nor is anti-Christianity signify "Ju-chae." In between the early years of the North Korean government till the official recognition of religion in 1972 was the Korean war. While the traditionally this period is viewed a period in which the North Korean government attempted to eradicate religion, judging from events, it is a period in which official religion is transformed into an unofficial religion and all religion hostile to the government is eradicated. Christian church is included in this category. The Korean war resulted in anti-American feeling and Christianity was considered as an American religion. Anti-Christian activity became the ideological basis of "Ju-chae" ideology. The self-reliance or Kim, Il-sung-nism which form the basis of "Ju-chae" is linked to attempt to preserve the North Korean establishment from foreign powers. To this point, the North Korean government is viewed as in the forefront of Christian oppression. In reality, North Korea is known to execute believers for their faith. However, Christian leaders are known to hold high offices in North Korea. Furthermore, underground church is known to exist till today. This can be viewed as evidence that the North Korean church, rather than anti-Christian, merely views the Church as anti-government. Thus, "Ju-chae" and Christianity, instead of being antithetical, merely differs in methodology. Any attempt to evangelize North Korea must take into consideration the renewed interest in economy in North Korea. Because North Korea is concentration its energy towards economy, North Korean mission must work to integrate its activities with economic assistance. The fact that North Korean situation can change overnight by the actions of Kim Jung Il is the longstanding problem. Variation in North Korean politics is a handicap. But we must not forget that the economic problems of North Korea is unavoidable and must plan our mission strategy accordingly. Currently in North Korea, the introduction of cell-phone and computers are allowing outside news and information to enter North Korea and this leads to speculation that a return to the past is not an option for North Korea. Therefore, we must look at "Ju-chae" as a difference in type. It is time detailed mission strategy is formed in connection with North Korean economy, particularly in association with the special economic area created in Gae-sung.

• 박영환(서울신대)