Choosing which news outlets to read can be tricky if you’re unsure about their perspectives.
Here are the major Korean news outlets to help you identify political bias in Korean news!
Quick Summary
- Conservative Newspapers: Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, Dong-A Ilbo (collectively, Cho-Joong-Dong)
- Neutral Newspapers: Seoul Shinmun, Hankook Ilbo, Newsis
- Liberal Newspapers: Hankyoreh, OhmyNews, Kyunghyang Shinmun
1. Chosun Ilbo: Korean Fox News
Chosun Ilbo is one of the most widely read and influential daily newspapers in South Korea.
Founded in 1920, it has a strong conservative stance and is known for its pro-business, pro-American, and pro-conservative government perspectives.
[*FYI: Ironically, Korean conservatives are pro-American and pro-Japanese, while liberals are pro-Chinese and pro-North Korea.]
Similar to Fox News in the U.S., Chosun Ilbo features strong right-wing perspectives.
The paper has been criticized for sensationalism and controversial editorial lines, especially during politically charged times.
Like Fox News, it has a loyal conservative audience and gives bold opinions on national issues.
Chosun Ilbo’s editorial policies often stir public debate, and its coverage of issues like U.S.-Korea relations, military policy, and economic reforms can influence political discourse in South Korea.
While some praise its unapologetic stance, others argue that its content often lacks balanced perspectives, especially in sensitive times.
2. The Hankyoreh: MSNBC Equivalent
The Hankyoreh is another major newspaper in South Korea.
It was founded in 1988 as an alternative to the conservative newspapers with journalists dismissed from Chosun Ilbo and Dong-A Ilbo.
It takes a progressive, liberal stance on political matters, similar to MSNBC in the U.S.
The Hankyoreh focuses on human rights, social issues, and the need for a more progressive society, often challenging the established political and economic powers.
The Hankyoreh is the direct opposite of Chosun Ilbo.
Known for its investigative journalism, it often takes on issues that are overlooked by more conservative outlets, such as environmental justice and labor rights.
The newspaper has earned a loyal following among South Korea’s liberal population, especially those who advocate for a more democratic, inclusive government.
Its critiques of the government and corporate powers can lead to tense relationships with the political elite, but it remains a strong voice for change in South Korean media.
What About Sports News?
Korean sports news mainly covers sports and celebrity-related stories.
The main topics include the KBO League, K League 1, Korean professional basketball, the Olympics, and the World Cup.
In the entertainment sector, they share a lot of interviews and gossip related to K-dramas and movies.
The main newspapers are Sports Donga, Sports Chosun, Sports Kyunghyang, Sports Seoul, and Ilgan Sports.
3. The Korea Herald: Similar to the Wall Street Journal
The Korea Herald is a leading English-language newspaper in South Korea, offering a broad mix of news stories.
It was founded in 1953 by the government to introduce stories from Korea to the world in English and to strengthen global cooperation.
It’s a sister publication company of the Herald Economy, which is conservative and represents the interests of conglomerates and large corporations.
Similar to The Wall Street Journal, it skews conservative and a bit right-wing.
The Korea Herald covers everything from Korean politics to cultural events. It’s a popular choice among expats in South Korea or Koreans who want to study English.
It often highlights the latest economic trends, international relations, and the dynamics between Korea and other countries like the U.S., China, and Japan.
While it aims to cater to a global audience, its business-oriented approach and corporate-backed viewpoint often resonate with South Korea’s economic elite and multinational corporations.
4. YTN: Korean Version of CNN
YTN (Yonhap Television News) is a 24-hour news channel in South Korea, much like CNN in the U.S.
YTN is known for its rolling news coverage, breaking news updates, and live coverage of political events.
It provides constant news updates on both domestic and international stories.
It’s usually a go-to source for Koreans looking to stay informed in real time.
While its political stance fluctuates a bit, YTN has a reputation for reliable and timely news, similar to CNN.
It’s especially popular during times of national crisis or major events like the recent martial law case.
Let me know your favorite news network in the comments!
