NIS Halts North Korea Broadcasts, Says Move Reflects Improved Inter-Korean Relations

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) has reportedly halted all North Korea-targeted broadcasts that it has operated for the past 50 years. The presidential office stated that this move "reflects a situation that is much improved compared to the previously deteriorated inter-Korean relations."

According to multiple sources, including private organizations involved in broadcasting to North Korea, the NIS-operated North Korea-targeted TV and radio broadcasts were sequentially suspended between July 5 and 14. Outlets known to have been run by the NIS include "Echo of Hope," "Voice of the People," "K News," and "Free Korea Broadcasting."

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However, the NIS told this newspaper, "There is nothing we can confirm regarding this matter."

The suspension of the NIS's North Korea-targeted TV and radio broadcasts is seen as an effort to create an atmosphere conducive to dialogue and to ease tensions on the Korean Peninsula. Previously, on June 12, shortly after the launch of the Lee Jaemyung administration, the South Korean military preemptively halted its loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea. Although North Korea did not issue an official response, it also stopped its own noise broadcasts in the border area.

In a briefing on July 23, presidential spokesperson Kang Yujeong responded to related questions by saying, "According to reliable sources, it is true, and the broadcasts have been stopped for quite some time." She added, "I believe that the cessation of meaningless (North Korea-targeted or South Korea-targeted) broadcasts or (North Korea-targeted leaflet or waste) balloons reflects the improved state of inter-Korean relations, which had previously been deteriorating."

Meanwhile, some have expressed concerns that this suspension of North Korea-targeted broadcasts could weaken psychological operations against the North. This comes as Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Free Asia (RFA) broadcasts to North Korea were suspended due to budget cuts under the second Donald Trump administration, and now the NIS has also halted its broadcasts.

On July 21 (local time), 38 North, a U.S.-based media outlet specializing in North Korea, commented on the NIS's suspension, stating that "since May, the airtime of external radio programs entering North Korea has decreased by almost 80%," and assessed that "North Korea has achieved a significant victory in the battle against information."