Understanding The Hankyoreh: South Korea's Independent Voice
In the landscape of South Korean media, few institutions hold as much historical significance and distinct identity as The Hankyoreh. Established during a period of intense political transition, this daily newspaper was founded on the principle of absolute independence from both political power and large corporate capital. Today, it remains a prominent centre-left voice, known for its commitment to liberalism, nationalism, and social justice.
The name "Hankyoreh" (한겨레) translates literally to "The Korean Nation" or "One Nation." This name reflects the publication's deep-rooted connection to Korean identity and its mission to serve as an alternative to mainstream media outlets that were historically viewed as being under the influence of authoritarian government structures.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 15, 1988, as Hankyoreh Shinmun.
- Political Alignment: Centre-left, progressive, and liberal-nationalist.
- Ownership Model: Supported by over 60,000 citizen shareholders to maintain independence.
- Format: Broadsheet on weekdays and Tabloid on Saturdays.
- Reputation: Voted the most trusted news organization by Korean journalists for nine consecutive years (as of 2016).
- Language Innovation: The first Korean daily to use only Hangul (the Korean alphabet) instead of Hanja (Chinese characters).
A History of Independence
The Hankyoreh was born out of necessity. In 1988, the South Korean media landscape was heavily monitored by government censors, with the Ministry of Culture and Information exerting significant control over content. Following widespread purges that forced out dissident journalists, former staff from The Dong-A Ilbo and The Chosun Ilbo came together to create a new kind of newsroom.
To signal a break from traditional, government-aligned media, The Hankyoreh introduced several revolutionary changes. It became the first daily newspaper in Korea to print horizontally rather than vertically. Furthermore, it championed the use of Hangul, limiting the use of loanwords and the Latin alphabet to emphasize national identity and accessibility.
Editorial Stances and Political Philosophy
Nationalism and International Relations
The Hankyoreh maintains a unique position regarding international relations, often viewing foreign policy through the lens of Korean nationalism and sovereign autonomy. It is notably more critical of Japan than other major South Korean media outlets. While the paper argues that South Korea's anti-Japanese sentiments are a legitimate national emotion rather than a basis for hate crimes, it has also voiced criticism against xenophobia directed at Japanese residents living within Korea.
In the European context, the paper has been recognized as one of South Korea's most pro-European media outlets, notably criticizing the United Kingdom's decision to exit the European Union (Brexit).
Human Rights and Democracy
A core pillar of The Hankyoreh is the defense of human rights and civil liberties. The publication has consistently opposed censorship and wiretapping. It played a significant role in covering major social movements, such as the 2008 "mad cow protests," which it framed as a victory for "substantive democracy"—a form of democracy where public opinion actively shapes policy—over mere "procedural democracy."
In recent years, the paper has expanded its human rights focus to include the environment. Its investigative series, "Climate Crisis and Human Rights," earned the 11th annual Human Rights Reporting Prize from the Journalists Association of Korea and the National Human Rights Commission of Korea in 2022.
Economic Model and Labor Advocacy
Unlike many competitors that rely heavily on advertising from major corporations (chaebols), The Hankyoreh utilizes a unique economic model to safeguard its editorial integrity. It relies on:
- Direct sales to readers.
- Periodic private donation campaigns.
- The sale of stock to individual citizens.
Media Presence and Reach
While The Hankyoreh is the fourth largest newspaper in South Korea with a circulation of approximately 600,000, it remains significantly smaller than the three major conservative dailies. However, it maintains a highly engaged readership, particularly among college graduates and those in their twenties and thirties.
Beyond its daily print and digital news, the Hankyoreh Media Group has expanded into various specialized sectors, including:
- Cine 21: A film weekly publication.
- Hankyoreh Education: Focused on educational news.
- HaniBook: A book publishing division.
- RollingStory: A creative content company partnered with the comic artists union, Toonion.
Summary of Publication Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Daily Newspaper |
| Headquarters | Mapo-gu, Seoul |
| Political Alignment | Centre-left / Liberalism / Nationalism |
| Primary Language | Korean (Hangul) |
| Digital Editions | English, Chinese, and Japanese |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name "Hankyoreh" mean?
The name literally translates to "The Korean Nation" or "One Nation," symbolizing a sense of shared identity and national unity.
How does The Hankyoreh stay independent from big corporations?
The newspaper avoids heavy reliance on corporate advertising by using a model based on reader sales, private donations, and a large base of over 60,000 individual citizen shareholders.
Is The Hankyoreh a conservative or liberal newspaper?
The Hankyoreh is a centre-left, liberal, and progressive newspaper with a strong emphasis on Korean nationalism.
Why does the newspaper use Hangul instead of Hanja?
To emphasize patriotism and break away from the traditional media styles of the past, The Hankyoreh was the first daily to reject the use of Hanja (Chinese characters) in favor of Hangul (the Korean alphabet).
What is the newspaper's stance on the climate crisis?
The Hankyoreh views the climate crisis through the lens of human rights and social justice, focusing on how environmental changes impact inequality and human lives.