8 months ago
South Korea Eases Access to North Korea's Newspaper
South Korea is changing a rule to let people read a newspaper from North Korea called Rodong Sinmun.
This newspaper has been banned for a long time because it's seen as propaganda.
The new rule will make it easier for people to read it.
The South Korean president, Lee Jae Myung, thinks people are smart enough to read it and decide for themselves.
Some people think the ban is unnecessary because South Korea is a free and educated country.
The government will make this change happen early next week.
President Lee also thinks South Korea should apologize to North Korea for sending drones and leaflets over the border in the past.
North Korea hasn't responded to this yet.
South Korea will reclassify North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper as general information, easing public access.
The move is part of President Lee Jae Myung's efforts to improve relations with North Korea.
Critics argue the ban is unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy.
The government will implement the change early next week through administrative procedures.
President Lee believes the public can judge the propaganda for themselves and understand North Korea better.
- Who
- South Korea's government and President Lee Jae Myung
- What
- Reclassification of North Korea's Rodong Sinmun newspaper as general information
- Where
- South Korea
- When
- Implementation early next week
- Why
- To ease public access and foster understanding of North Korea
Key facts
- Newspaper
- Rodong Sinmun
- Country
- South Korea
- President
- Lee Jae Myung
- Status
- Reclassified as general information
- Implementation
- Early next week
- Critics' Argument
- Unnecessary censorship in a vibrant democracy
- President's View
- Public can judge propaganda for themselves
Quotes
Lee Jae Myung
President of South Korea
“Rather, (granting access to such materials) will be an opportunity to understand the reality of North Korea accurately and think, 'That shouldn't be happening.'”
NDTV
