Songun is a political and military policy in North Korea that prioritizes the military in the country's governance and development. The term translates to "military first," emphasizing the importance of the armed forces in national affairs and resource allocation. This policy was formalized under the leadership of Kim Jong-il in the 1990s and continues to influence the country's direction. Under Songun, the military is seen as the backbone of the state, ensuring national security and sovereignty. This approach has led to significant investments in military capabilities, often at the expense of other sectors like education and healthcare, reflecting the regime's focus on maintaining power and deterrence against perceived threats.