Regarding the availability of the Rodong Sinmun, 93.8% of the People Power Party supporters responded that it was 'unnecessary,' while 100% of the Progressive Party supporters answered 'necessary,' revealing a clear difference in perception by political party. [Photo=KBS News Capture]

Recently, a controversy over the waste of taxpayer money arose as the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun was made available in public libraries nationwide. Consequently, Pen & Microphone conducted its own public opinion poll.

The survey results showed that 66.4% of respondents perceived this as 'unnecessary budget expenditure.' The argument is that it is not right to spend public funds to make Rodong Sinmun available when North Korean news can already be accessed through existing media outlets.

While proponents of making Rodong Sinmun available argue that it helps to increase understanding of North Korea, this argument has not overcome the opposing view that "due to the dry content of Rodong Sinmun itself, there will be no interest outside of researchers."

In this regard, 93.8% of the People Power Party supporters overwhelmingly responded 'unnecessary,' while 49.0% of the Democratic Party supporters expressed the opinion that it was 'absolutely necessary.' Meanwhile, 100% of the Progressive Party supporters answered 'necessary,' indicating a clear difference in perception by political party.

Ultimately, the result of 66.4% was starkly divided by party affiliation, suggesting that the average value holds little significance.

The government reclassified the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun from special materials to general materials starting December 30, 2025, allowing it to be freely read in approximately 180 public libraries nationwide without the previous complex procedures. The government is also considering lifting the block on about 60 North Korean websites in addition to Rodong Sinmun in the future.

Reporter Lim Yo-hee