URGENT UPDATE: South Korea has just expanded public access to North Korea’s state newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, now available at 181 designated outlets across the country. This significant move, announced by the Unification Ministry on December 30, allows citizens to read the newspaper without the need for prior identity checks or special applications.
Vice Unification Minister Kim Nam-joong confirmed during a briefing that visitors can access Rodong Sinmun at authorized institutions “like any other general publication.” This change aims to enhance public access to North Korean information, enabling citizens to independently evaluate and contrast it with local media.
Currently, around 20 institutions regularly purchase copies of Rodong Sinmun, and visitors to these outlets can view the materials with simplified procedures. However, the ministry clarified that customs regulations regarding the importation of the newspaper remain unchanged. Institutions not authorized to handle sensitive materials still cannot import Rodong Sinmun.
The Unification Ministry plans to engage in discussions with other agencies to ease restrictions related to accessing North Korean materials. Furthermore, they are seeking legal changes to expand access to Rodong Sinmun and other North Korea-related sites online. Presently, approximately 60 websites linked to North Korea, including the Korean Central News Agency, remain blocked in South Korea.
Previously, Unification Minister Chung Dong-young stated that the government is committed to establishing a legal framework to facilitate greater access to North Korean broadcasts and publications. The ministry’s recent interagency meeting on December 26 reclassified Rodong Sinmun as general material, paving the way for broader public access.
This urgent development is expected to significantly impact how South Koreans engage with North Korean media, fostering a more informed public discourse. As South Korea continues to navigate its relationship with the North, this move could be a pivotal step toward transparency and understanding.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops, and consider sharing this important news with others to raise awareness!
