On Wednesday, Representative Bae Hyun-jin of the People Power Party criticized the Ministry of Unification for pushing to unblock North Korean websites without verifying their content.
During a Q&A session at the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, Rep. Bae stated that the Ministry admitted they’ve never accessed these 65 North Korean sites they’re promoting. It’s reckless to disclose them without understanding their nature and purpose.
She explained that the South Korean government has blocked North Korean propaganda because it incites conflict among the citizens, threatens the political system, and endangers the liberal democracy. This has been a necessary protective measure.
In response, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young said the website addresses are with the Korea Communications Standards Commission. He added that the decision to disclose North Korean websites reflects differing views on whether to protect citizens or trust them with open information.
Rep. Bae immediately countered, calling this argument fallacious.
She asserted that the South Korean government’s top constitutional priority is protecting its citizens. It’s the government’s duty to safeguard its people.
Bae continued that rather than carelessly releasing Rodong Sinmun and 65 unidentified sites, it should focus on effectively communicating South Korea’s realities to North Koreans. Otherwise, the taxpayer-funded Ministry of Unification risks becoming North Korea’s propaganda mouthpiece.
She revealed that contrary to the Ministry’s claims, these websites contain no factual information about North Korea, only propaganda glorifying the Kim dynasty.
Moreover, the sites disclose email addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, and addresses of North Korean Workers’ Party central departments, raising concerns about the risks of making such information freely available to South Korean citizens. The Ministry of Unification appeared unaware of these facts.
Rep. Bae pointed out that recently, a military officer received a 20-year sentence for leaking our black operatives’ list to China. If North Korean contact information is disclosed, it risks unknown security breaches, yet the Ministry shows no intention of addressing these concerns or taking responsibility.
She added that North Korea is infamous for hacking and malware attacks. If citizens fall victim to financial fraud after contacting these sites out of curiosity, will the Ministry be held accountable? Bae concluded that the Ministry’s plan to open North Korean websites requires a comprehensive reevaluation.