The Ministry of Unification has removed the Rodong Sinmun from "special materials," making it accessible to the public starting from the 31st. [Photo: Yonhap News]

South Korean citizens can now freely view the Rodong Sinmun at public institutions such as the National Library and the Ministry of Unification's North Korea Research Center, starting today and before the end of 2025.

The Ministry of Unification (Minister Jeong Dong-young) reclassified the Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the North Korean Workers' Party, from "special materials" to "general materials" starting from the 31st. This allows any citizen to access it without separate application or approval procedures.

Historically, the Rodong Sinmun was subject to strict management as it was a medium that conveyed the North Korean regime's system propaganda and its hostile stance towards South Korea and the United States. This measure has sparked considerable controversy as it represents the government dismantling its own existing management principles.

Security Reality Sacrificed for "Freedom of Expression" Pretext

The government cited "expansion of information accessibility" and "guarantee of freedom of expression" as the justifications for this measure.

However, the Rodong Sinmun is not an ordinary foreign newspaper but an official propaganda tool of the North Korean regime.

There is ongoing discussion on social media about whether unconditionally opening media that consistently carries the Kim Jong-un regime's justifications for △ nuclear and missile programs and △ anti-American and anti-liberal democracy stances to the public sphere can solely be dismissed as an issue of freedom of expression.

Notably, North Korea still designates South Korea as its "principal enemy" and continues to pose military threats in a state of armistice. In such circumstances, it is difficult to avoid criticism of a lack of security awareness for openly presenting the propaganda media of an adversary nation without any safeguards.

Laws Remain, But Management Responsibility Disappears

The current National Security Act defines North Korea as an anti-state organization and sets certain management principles for its propaganda and agitation materials. While the government explains that "only viewing is permitted, but other activities are prohibited," the responsibility and standards of the managing entity remain ambiguous.

In a situation where anyone can view the newspaper in public libraries and archives, the policy consistency for why it was restricted until now is not explained. This is why there are criticisms that the regulations have been effectively nullified by merely changing administrative interpretations while the laws themselves remain unchanged.

Full Opening Instead of Phased Approach Sparks Controversy of Haste

Overseas media outlets also widely reported this decision as "Seoul eases access to North Korean materials," but commonly pointed out the lack of phased review or social consensus. Basic safety measures, such as for research purposes, age restrictions, or limited viewing areas, were not even put in place.

Issues of security and ideology are difficult to reverse once a line is crossed. The government's decision cannot avoid criticism for blurring even the minimal boundary that has protected the liberal democratic system.

Openness and tolerance are virtues of liberal democracy, but they cannot be a reason to abandon self-defense. The public release of the Rodong Sinmun is not simply a matter of material classification; it is a symbolic decision that shows how South Korea views the North Korean regime, and it is highly likely to remain a subject of controversy going forward.

One citizen expressed their opinion: "What is needed now is not indiscriminate openness, but a cautious approach based on clear principles and security awareness."

By Jeong Woo-seok