The government is poised to initiate concrete steps towards making North Korean media outlets, including Rodong Sinmun, accessible to the general public. This move comes in response to President Lee Jae Myung’s call for a proactive shift in policy to align with changing times. As of December 21, academic circles largely support this initiative, viewing it as timely expansion of the public’s right to information.
Viewing Rodong Sinmun Doesn’t Make One a Communist… Full Access to North Korean Media on the Horizon
During a December 19 briefing on the Ministry of Unification’s 2026 work plan, President Lee challenged the status quo, asking about why it’s preventing the citizens from accessing North Korea’s Rodong Sinmun? Does it fear they’ll be swayed into becoming communists? He argued that this approach undermines citizens’ autonomy, treating them as susceptible to propaganda rather than as independent thinkers.
Lee emphasized that one must trust the people. Underestimating their awareness is problematic. He directed that North Korean materials should be made openly accessible to everyone.
Currently, the government blocks access to over 60 websites, including Rodong Sinmun and the Korean Central News Agency, which disseminate the North Korean regime’s official stance. These sites are classified as subversive materials under the National Security Law.
However, scholars have consistently argued that the era when exposure to North Korean media automatically led to idolizing the regime is long past. While access remains controlled and requires government approval, major media outlets and academic institutions have been introducing key content from North Korean sources domestically. This reflects the understanding that the ideological confrontation between North and South Korea is no longer as relevant.
Critics argue that the government’s excessive control over access to North Korean media limits research opportunities, preventing a comprehensive understanding of North Korea from various perspectives.
President Lee’s inquiries reflect this evolving perspective. The notion that South Korean citizens will adopt North Korean ideology simply by viewing Rodong Sinmun is outdated, and current regulations seem overly restrictive.
Some within the government suggest that unnecessary controls only perpetuate distorted perceptions of North Korea and outdated viewpoints. They see open access as a means to combat the spread of misinformation and related issues.
Bridging the Gap Between Law and Reality is Crucial in Light of Changing Times
Currently, while internet access to North Korean media is completely banned, citizens can only view North Korean materials at restricted locations like the North Korean Materials Center at the National Library in Seoul or the National Assembly Library. This requires clear identification and stated research purposes. The government regularly imports North Korean media and publications for research, storing them at these centers.
However, the reality is that many citizens can bypass restrictions using virtual private networks (VPNs), rendering complete control of internet access ineffective. Law enforcement agencies generally do not prosecute individuals for merely accessing North Korean media.
Legislative efforts are underway to address this disconnect between law and reality. On December 12, Representative Han Min-soo of the Democratic Party introduced a bill to allow access and viewing of North Korean-related sites. The proposed legislation aims to enable individual citizens to access and view North Korean media from anywhere, a significant shift from the current blanket prohibition on access, viewing, and distribution.
The Ministry of Unification has identified expanding public access to North Korean materials as a key initiative for 2026. They plan to establish a legal framework for opening North Korean sites and expanding the availability of materials such as Rodong Sinmun and North Korean broadcasts.
The Ministry intends to engage in discussions with the National Assembly and other stakeholders to determine specific access methods and timelines. Full internet access is reportedly the current priority.
South Koreans Will Gain Insight into North Korean Reality… Full Access Pursued Even Under Conservative Administrations
Opposition critics have raised national security concerns, suggesting a more gradual approach to releasing North Korean media, in line with some academic recommendations.
However, it’s noteworthy that this policy has been pursued even under conservative governments, leading to a prevailing view that the time for openness has arrived. The Yoon Suk Yeol administration included gradual opening of inter-Korean media, publishing, and broadcasting in its national agenda, initially planning to showcase Rodong Sinmun as a pilot. They argue that access to North Korean media is beneficial for enhancing understanding and restoring national cohesion.
Kwon Young-se, the first Unification Minister under the Yoon administration, stated in a January 2023 broadcast that the citizens are mature enough to see through Rodong Sinmun’s propaganda, adding that proactive openness could serve as leverage for demanding North Korea’s own transparency in the future.
Kim Young-hee, a North Korean studies researcher at Dongguk University and a prominent defector, expressed significant anticipation in academic circles regarding access to North Korean media. While some doubt its value beyond propaganda, she emphasized its crucial role as primary source material for scholars to accurately observe North Korea’s internal policies and foreign relations.
Jeong Il-young, a research professor at Sogang University’s Social Policy Research Institute, noted that while increased access benefits media and academic circles, the general public may initially resist the idea of openness. He advised a gradual, expert-centered approach to establish a robust viewing system.