Journalists from China’s CCTV and the People’s Daily have returned to North Korea after five years due to COVID-19 restrictions. North Korea selectively permits foreign media access under strict regulations, with concerns over propaganda and journalistic independence still prevalent. The reopening of foreign media bureaus raises questions about the ethical implications of foreign reporting in the country.
Chinese journalists from state-run outlets, including CCTV and the People’s Daily, have returned to North Korea after a five-year hiatus prompted by COVID-19. According to South Korea’s Ministry of Unification, the re-entry indicates a selective reopening by North Korea for foreign media, now allowing limited outlets to establish bureaus in Pyongyang under stringent government regulations.
Access has been granted to media agencies from China, Russia, Japan, and a few Western outlets such as the Associated Press (AP) and Agence France-Presse (AFP) with strict oversight. These measures had previously forced foreign journalists to leave during the pandemic as North Korea implemented stringent border controls to combat COVID-19.
The Ministry noted that Chinese journalists re-entered North Korea on February 27. Notably, while Chinese journalists have resumed operations, journalists from AP and AFP have yet to return. It remains uncertain whether Russian journalists have also re-entered the country.
In addition, the Japan-based pro-Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo announced the reopening of its North Korean bureau, marking the end of a five-year suspension caused by the pandemic. The paper proclaimed, “Our Pyongyang bureau has resumed operations after five years, ending the unfortunate period of temporary suspension caused by an unexpected malignant epidemic.”
The reopening of media bureaus coincides with North Korea’s ambiguous stance on foreign tourism. Recently, it closed its sole entry point for tourists just weeks after permitting visitor access, leading some South Korean media to speculate that this decision stemmed from concerns regarding the unregulated spread of information.
Since September 2023, only Russian visitors have been allowed for limited group tours, highlighting the restrictions imposed by the North Korean government. Foreign media presence is closely monitored, with journalists facing significant constraints on their freedom to report. They are subject to constant regulation and often accompanied by government minders, severely limiting their autonomy.
International criticism often surrounds the operations of foreign media in North Korea, as such outlets are thought to perpetuate state propaganda rather than provide unbiased reports. For instance, South Korean broadcaster KBS previously expressed a desire to establish a bureau in Pyongyang to improve inter-Korean relations but faced public scrutiny over potential compromises to journalistic integrity.
Concerns were voiced by the opposition People’s Power Party regarding the prospect of such a bureau being used to siphon foreign funds into the North Korean regime, accusing the South Korean government of misappropriating taxpayer money. Hence, while the re-entry of foreign journalists marks a significant development, the implications for journalism and reporting within North Korea remain contentious.
The return of Chinese journalists to North Korea represents a cautious reopening of state-controlled media access after five years of strict border policies due to COVID-19. Despite this, severe restrictions continue to limit journalistic independence, raising concerns about the potential for government propaganda. Observations from South Korean media and political bodies reflect ongoing debates regarding the ethical implications of foreign media presence in North Korea, highlighting the challenges of reporting in such a constrained environment.
Original Source: rfa.org
