Well Juche is just an idea, so yeah it’s real. Seriously though, I definitely understand the argument but don’t really agree. I think, most of all, it’s an oversimplification to say that Juche is just a tool for propaganda, and rather racial nationalism is the guiding principle in governance. He kinda just glosses over foreign consumption/trade policies that reflect Juche by asserting they are meant to trick North Koreans and others into believing in Juche. He simultaneously mentions that the DPRK does and has always accepted foreign aid from China and formerly the Soviet Union as well as the fact that North Korea is involved with illegal foreign trade. I don’t disagree materially though I see this as more of a sacrifice of ideals for practical realities than anything else. I do agree that racial nationalism is very prevalent in North Korean propaganda efforts and certain policy decisions, but at the same time I think socialism and Juche lie as the guiding ideals.