State atheism was adopted by Marxist-Leninist socialist states throughout the 20th century. It started in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics as a response to the theocracy of the Russian Orthodox Church under the tsar and was meant to promote a more secular society. Other ML states adopted this line in the 20th century, but today the concept is controversial among many Marxist-Leninists, who felt it unfairly targeted various religious groups.
Korean leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il popularized the phrase "The people are my God" as a democratic and people-centered alternative to a state religion.[1]