Chinese journalists have returned to North Korea after five years, following their withdrawal during the COVID-19 pandemic. The South Korean Ministry of Unification reported their entry on February 27, while the situation regarding other foreign journalists remains unclear. The reopening of media bureaus in Pyongyang is subject to strict government controls, raising concerns about journalistic independence.
Journalists from China’s state-run media outlets, including CCTV and the People’s Daily, have returned to North Korea after a five-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the South Korean Ministry of Unification. North Korea has begun to selectively allow certain foreign media outlets to establish bureaus in Pyongyang, with limited access granted to Chinese, Russian, Japanese, and a few Western agencies like AP and AFP under strict oversight.
On February 27, Chinese journalists entered North Korea, although it remains uncertain if Russian journalists have made a similar return. Notably, the Japan-based pro-Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo announced the reopening of its North Korean bureau, stating that operations have resumed after a five-year hiatus caused by the pandemic.
The development arrives as North Korea displays mixed signals regarding the reopening of its borders. Recently, the country closed its only entry point for foreign tourists, having just opened it weeks prior, suggesting internal concerns about an unregulated influx of information. Prior to this, only limited group tours for Russian visitors were permitted since September 2023.
The Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee manage the establishment and residency status of foreign media bureaus, requiring approval from multiple agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Foreign media in North Korea often face criticism for their inability to report independently due to heavy restrictions, including constant surveillance and the presence of government minders.
Critics assert that foreign media bureaus could inadvertently propagate state propaganda instead of delivering unbiased news. In 2021, South Korean public broadcaster KBS showed interest in opening a bureau in Pyongyang to foster inter-Korean media cooperation; however, this proposal received backlash over concerns of journalistic integrity and the potential misuse of foreign funds. These discussions were particularly contentious among members of the South Korean opposition, who feared that such initiatives could result in resources being funneled to the North Korean government at taxpayer expense.
The return of Chinese journalists to North Korea marks a significant development in the country’s selective re-engagement with foreign media amidst ongoing internal and external criticisms regarding the integrity and independence of the press. While some media outlets express interest in establishing a presence, the prevailing restrictions and oversight by the North Korean regime pose challenges to genuine reporting.
Original Source: rfa.org
