 Following a major famine in the early 1990s, due partly to the collapse of the Soviet Union (previously a major economic partner), leader Kim Jong-il instigated the "Military-First" policy in 1995, increasing economic concentration and support for the military.North Korea's culture is officially promoted and heavily controlled by the government.The Arirang Festivals or "Mass Games" are government-organized events glorifying the regime, involving over 100,000 performers.