In a significant symbolic move, the South Korean government has removed the long-standing requirement for its citizens to obtain prior approval to read North Korea's primary state-run newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun. This step marks a notable shift in Seoul's decades-old policy of strictly controlling access to Pyongyang's propaganda materials.
A Historic Policy Reversal
For many years, access to the Rodong Sinmun, or "Workers' Newspaper," was prohibited in South Korea on national security grounds. The two Koreas remain technically at war since their 1950-53 conflict ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty. During the Cold War and beyond, Seoul enforced tight restrictions on all North Korean media to limit its influence.
The newspaper serves as the official mouthpiece of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. Its content consistently features reports on missile tests, lavish praise for the country's leadership, and strong criticism of the United States and its allies. All media in the isolated North is strictly controlled by the state.
Dovish Leadership Drives Change
This policy change is implemented under the administration of President Lee Jae Myung, who has adopted a more conciliatory approach towards the North. President Lee has expressed a desire to mend relations with Pyongyang, which are currently at a low point. He has downplayed security concerns surrounding the move, humorously remarking that he does not think South Koreans will "become commies" just by reading the publication.
President Lee has framed the easing of these censorship rules as an "opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately." Starting this week, South Koreans no longer need to identify themselves or submit an application stating their reason for wanting to read the Rodong Sinmun. Physical copies are available at designated public libraries, although access to North Korean websites from South Korean IP addresses remains blocked.
Symbolic Step and Mixed Public Reaction
Analysts view this primarily as a gesture. Chad O'Carroll of NK News told AFP that "practically speaking, this is really a symbolic change." He noted that for researchers and students, direct online access to North Korean state media websites would be far more useful, but that would require politically challenging amendments to South Korea's security laws.
Public opinion in Seoul is divided. Some citizens strongly oppose the decision. Park Si-won, a 22-year-old university student, compared it to "giving people access to ISIS propaganda," questioning the motive behind such a move. It is crucial to note that this policy shift is not reciprocal. North Koreans are still forbidden from accessing any South Korean content and face severe penalties if caught.
Seoul has announced plans to "steadily expand access" to information about North Korea as part of its broader strategy to improve cross-border relations. Some South Koreans support this open approach. Businesswoman Bae Jee-woo told AFP that citizens are capable of interpreting the content with their own critical judgment and are unlikely to be swayed by Pyongyang's propaganda.
The move represents a careful, incremental step by the South Korean government, balancing its desire for engagement with longstanding security considerations in one of the world's most tense geopolitical standoffs.
