South Koreans now free to read North’s newspaper, once banned as seditious

In a quiet but symbolically significant shift, South Korea has eased long-standing restrictions on access to North Korea’s official newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, reflecting a renewed effort to reduce tensions and promote understanding between the two Koreas.
For decades, the publication known for its strong propaganda, missile coverage, and praise of North Korea’s leadership was considered so inflammatory that South Koreans were barred from reading it without special permission.
Under the current administration of President Lee Jae Myung, however, citizens can now view the newspaper at select public libraries without prior approval, marking a departure from Cold War-era controls.
President Lee has downplayed fears surrounding the move, suggesting that exposure to the paper would not sway public ideology but could instead help people better understand the realities of life and politics in the North.
While opinions in Seoul remain divided, some citizens see the change as unnecessary or unsettling, while others believe few people will actively seek out a state-controlled publication in an era where print media is already declining.