Chinese state media journalists have returned to North Korea after five years due to COVID-19 restrictions. Their re-entry comes as North Korea selectively permits foreign media while maintaining stringent oversight. Concerns regarding independent reporting and state propaganda continue, highlighting the complexities of North Korea’s relationship with foreign journalists and the implications for inter-Korean media interactions.
Journalists from state-operated Chinese media outlets, including CCTV and the People’s Daily, have resumed operations in North Korea, returning for the first time in five years since their exit due to COVID-19 restrictions, as reported by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. North Korea has recently started to selectively permit foreign media, allowing a few outlets like Russian, Japanese, and certain Western agencies such as AP and AFP to establish bureaus in Pyongyang under rigorous oversight by the government.
The Ministry of Unification revealed that the Chinese journalists entered North Korea on February 27. Meanwhile, the return of journalists from AP and AFP has yet to occur. Information regarding the return of Russian journalists remains unclear. Additionally, the Japan-based pro-Pyongyang publication, Choson Sinbo, announced the reopening of its North Korean bureau, marking an end to a five-year suspension linked to the pandemic.
This development comes as North Korea exhibits contradictory signals about reopening its borders to foreign visitors. Recently, the country halted access for foreign tourists, despite having previously welcomed them. Observers speculate that this decision may stem from a fear of uncontrolled dissemination of information following the recent allowance of visitors for the first time since 2020’s COVID-19 restrictions. Until last month, only Russian tourists had been permitted limited group tours.
The establishment and residency of foreign media bureaus in North Korea are regulated by the Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee, which must navigate a complex approval process from various ministries within the North Korean government.
Foreign media working in North Korea face significant scrutiny and are often criticized for their lack of independent reporting owing to demanding restrictions imposed by the regime. Journalists are under continuous surveillance, and their movements are tightly controlled, often accompanied by government-assigned minders, hindering their reporting capabilities.
Critics argue that foreign media bureaus in Pyongyang tend to amplify state propaganda instead of delivering fair and objective news, given the pressure to conform to the regime’s narratives. For example, in 2021, KBS, a South Korean public broadcaster, expressed interest in establishing a bureau in Pyongyang to promote inter-Korean media cooperation. However, this initiative faced backlash concerning journalistic integrity and potential risks of funding North Korea with South Korean taxpayer money.
In summary, the return of Chinese journalists to North Korea marks a significant step in the selective reopening of the nation’s borders to foreign media. Although this may signal an increased willingness to engage with the outside world, the stringent oversight and limitations on journalism raise concerns about independence and authenticity in reporting. The reaction from South Korean media and public also underscores the complexities involved in inter-Korean media relations, particularly regarding issues of transparency and potential financial implications.
Original Source: rfa.org
