South Korea has announced that it will make it easier for people to access North Korea’s state-run newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, which has been restricted for decades. The decision was confirmed on Friday and is seen as a sign of a softer approach by President Lee Jae Myung’s government towards North Korea.

Even today, the two Koreas are technically still at war, as the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice, not a peace treaty. Because of security concerns, South Korea has long banned most North Korean propaganda, including official newspapers, broadcasts, and other materials. These restrictions were meant to prevent the spread of pro–North Korea ideology and protect national security.

However, President Lee and his supporters believe that South Korean society has changed. They argue that people in South Korea are well educated, politically aware, and capable of thinking critically. According to them, citizens can read North Korean material without being influenced by it.

On Friday, the South Korean government held a meeting involving several ministries and agencies. After discussions, they agreed to reclassify Rodong Sinmun from “special material” to “general material.” This change means that the newspaper will no longer be treated as dangerous propaganda under strict security rules. The government said the new classification will officially take effect early next week, once the required administrative steps are completed.

President Lee has strongly criticised the long-standing ban, calling it unnecessary censorship. He believes that limiting access to information goes against the values of a democratic society. South Korea is one of the world’s most digitally connected and educated countries, and Lee says its people are capable of deciding for themselves what to believe.

Last week, the Unification Ministry also informed President Lee that it plans to ease access to other North Korean propaganda materials in the future. Responding to concerns from critics, Lee said fears that people would “fall for propaganda and become communists” are exaggerated. Instead, he argued that reading such material could help South Koreans better understand how North Korea really functions and recognise the problems within its system.

Earlier this month, President Lee also suggested that South Korea may owe North Korea an apology. This was related to allegations that the previous government sent drones and propaganda leaflets across the border, actions that could have increased tensions.

So far, North Korea has not responded to these gestures. Still, President Lee continues to push for dialogue and improved relations, hoping to reduce hostility and open the door to better understanding between the two divided nations.