Return of Chinese Journalists to North Korea: A Shift in Media Access After Pandemic
Chinese state media journalists return to North Korea after five years due to pandemic restrictions. The reopening signals changing access for foreign media, though it is governed by strict controls. This environment raises concerns regarding journalistic independence and the potential risk of amplifying state propaganda. South Korean media expresses interest in government relations yet faces criticism over funding concerns and journalistic freedom.
Chinese journalists from state-run media outlets, CCTV and the People’s Daily, have reportedly returned to North Korea after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. North Korea has reopened selectively to foreign media, permitting a limited number of agencies from China, Russia, Japan, and a few Western outlets like AP and AFP to operate under strict government oversight.
The Ministry of Unification confirmed that the Chinese journalists entered North Korea on February 27, while clarifying that journalists from AP and AFP have not yet returned. There is currently uncertainty regarding the return of Russian journalists as well. Additionally, the Japanese pro-Pyongyang publication Choson Sinbo announced the resumption of its North Korean bureau after a five-year hiatus, attributing its reopening to the end of restrictions imposed by the pandemic.
This development occurs amid North Korea’s mixed signals regarding the reopening of its borders to foreign visitors. Recently, the country closed its only entry point for foreign tourists just weeks after initially allowing them back, suggesting a reversal in its openness following a prohibition established in 2020. Some South Korean media outlets speculate that this decision may stem from concerns about the dissemination of information.
Since September 2023, only travelers from Russia were permitted limited group tours into North Korea. The residency status of foreign reporters and the establishment of media bureaus in the country are managed by the Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee, which must secure approvals from various levels of government, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign media operating in North Korea often face scrutiny due to severe restrictions that inhibit independent journalism. Journalists are frequently monitored, and their movements are tightly controlled by government minders who limit their reporting capabilities. Critics argue that these bureaus can inadvertently promote state propaganda rather than delivering objective reporting.
In 2021, South Korean broadcaster KBS expressed interest in establishing a bureau in Pyongyang to improve inter-Korean media relations. However, this initiative has been met with criticism over concerns regarding journalistic independence and the risk of compromising reporting integrity. The then-opposition People’s Power Party also voiced apprehensions regarding the use of potential operating funds, accusing the government of misusing taxpayer money in its dealings with North Korea.
The return of Chinese journalists to North Korea marks a significant development in foreign media operations post-pandemic. Despite this reopening, the environment for independent journalism remains fraught with challenges, as foreign reporters continue to face strict government controls and restrictions. The situation underscores ongoing concerns regarding state propaganda and the implications for journalistic integrity in North Korea’s tightly regulated media landscape.
Original Source: rfa.org
