Unification Ministry to boost North Koreans' exposure to outside world through radio broadcasts

By Park Sae-jin Posted : August 30, 2024, 15:06 Updated : August 30, 2024, 15:06
South Korean militarys propaganda speaker trucks line up for a drill at a frontline base on June 9 Yonhap Photo
South Korean military trucks equipped with propaganda speakers line up for a drill at a frontline base on June 9, 2024. Yonhap
SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - The Unification Ministry here said Friday that it plans to support civic groups' efforts to increase North Koreans' access to outside information, particularly through radio broadcasts. 

The move follows President Yoon Suk Yeol's vision for reunification between the two Koreas, which he outlined during his Liberation Day speech earlier this month.

Yoon’s vision emphasizes expanding North Koreans' exposure to international information to raise their awareness of the outside world and inspire their rights to free speech.

Currently, South Korea uses loudspeakers in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) to broadcast messages into North Korea, reaching military bases and nearby villages in the border areas.

"The right to access information is a fundamental human right, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1948, which guarantees the freedom to seek information and ideas through various media regardless of borders," said the ministry's spokesperson Kim In-ae.

The ministry explained that while specific support measures are still in the works, the government is committed to promoting freedom and human rights in North Korea by helping its residents access diverse external information.

"The government is dedicated to promoting the universal values of freedom and human rights by helping North Korean residents access more diverse information from the outside world," Kim added.

But the ministry adamantly said that it does not support civic groups that send propaganda balloons with dollar bills and other materials to North Korea.
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