Chinese journalists from CCTV and the People’s Daily have returned to North Korea after five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The North is cautiously reopening to foreign media, allowing select outlets to operate under strict regulations. While media bureaus exist, there are concerns about their ability to report independently amid intense governmental oversight.
Chinese journalists from state-run media organizations, CCTV and the People’s Daily, have returned to North Korea after a five-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, as reported by South Korea’s Ministry of Unification. North Korea has permitted a limited number of foreign media outlets to operate in its capital, Pyongyang, particularly those from China, Russia, Japan, and select Western agencies like the Associated Press (AP) and Agence France-Presse (AFP).
During the pandemic, stringent border control measures necessitated the departure of all foreign journalists, but the recent re-entry of the Chinese media signifies a tentative reopening. The South Korean Ministry of Unification indicated that this development occurred on February 27, but AP and AFP have yet to return. The status of Russian journalists’ return remains uncertain. Additionally, the pro-Pyongyang newspaper Choson Sinbo announced the reopening of its North Korean bureau after a five-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
This news arrives amid mixed signals from North Korea regarding the reopening of its borders to foreign visitors. Recently, the country closed its singular entry point for tourists, reversing a prior decision to allow visitor access for the first time since 2020’s COVID-19 restrictions. South Korean media speculations suggest that fears surrounding the uncontrollable dissemination of information may have influenced this latest decision. Prior to these developments, only Russian tourists had been allowed into North Korea in limited tours since September 2023.
The establishment and operation of foreign media bureaus in North Korea are subject to oversight by the Korean Central News Agency and the Korean Central Broadcasting Committee. These entities must submit residency applications to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after gaining approval from the Propaganda and Agitation Department of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Foreign media in North Korea often face criticism for their perceived lack of independent reporting due to stringent governmental restrictions. Journalists can find their movements closely monitored, frequently accompanied by government minders, who significantly impede their reporting autonomy. Critics argue that the presence of foreign media bureaus in Pyongyang may enhance state propaganda rather than foster objective news reporting.
In 2021, South Korean public broadcaster KBS expressed interest in opening a bureau in Pyongyang to improve inter-Korean media cooperation and allow direct reporting from the North. However, such endeavors faced skepticism regarding journalistic independence and the potential for compromised reporting standards. The opposition, represented by the People’s Power Party, voiced concerns about the operation being a conduit for transferring foreign funds to the North Korean regime, alleging irresponsibility in utilizing taxpayer money.
The recent return of Chinese journalists to North Korea after five years reflects a cautious reopening of the country to foreign media, which had been restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. While media access has been limited to a few select agencies under strict governmental oversight, concerns remain regarding press freedom and the integrity of reported news. As North Korea navigates its reopening, the implications for foreign journalistic operations and their potential role in state propaganda continue to be subjects of critical discussion.
Original Source: rfa.org
