South Koreans can now access North Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, for the first time in decades, marking a symbolic step in President Lee Jae Myung’s efforts to improve relations with Pyongyang.
The publication, whose name translates to “Workers’ Newspaper,” has long been regarded as highly incendiary. Packed with propaganda praising the ruling elite, missile tests, and tirades against the United States, it was banned in South Korea for decades, with citizens previously required to seek special permission and submit justification to view it.
Under the new policy, readers no longer need to provide identification or explain their purpose. Copies are available at select public libraries, allowing South Koreans to read the newspaper without government approval.
President Lee, a dovish leader pursuing warmer ties with the North, downplayed fears of ideological influence, joking that citizens would not “become commies” by reading the publication.
Public Reaction Mixed
Reactions in Seoul were divided. Some expressed concern over allowing free access to a foreign propaganda outlet. “It’s like giving people access to ISIS propaganda,” said 22-year-old university student Park Si-won, likening the move to spreading extremist content.
Others were skeptical that the public would engage with the newspaper. “Many people these days don’t even read physical newspapers. I doubt they’ll make the effort to read Rodong Sinmun,” said 27-year-old graduate student Son Yu-jin.
A Symbolic Step
The move is largely symbolic, as significant restrictions on North Korean media remain in place. North Korean websites are still blocked for South Korean users, and the measure does not allow reciprocal access; North Koreans remain barred from South Korean content, with heavy penalties for violations.
At Seoul’s national library, AFP journalists observed only a few visitors browsing copies of the newspaper, which features bold images of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Experts say the policy is more about academic and informational access than widespread public consumption.
“Practically speaking, this is really a symbolic change,” said Chad O’Carroll of NK News. He noted that broader access to North Korean media online would benefit researchers but would require politically sensitive amendments to South Korea’s security laws.
President Lee described the relaxation of Cold War-era censorship as an “opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately,” a view echoed by some citizens. Businesswoman Bae Jee-woo said, “Even if South Korean citizens access Rodong Sinmun, they can interpret it based on their own standards and philosophies. It’s unlikely they would be significantly influenced by the propaganda.”
As Seoul continues to explore measures to ease information barriers, the step represents a cautious but notable shift in the decades-long approach to North Korean media.
