Press Merger and Abolition Policy of 1980 South Korea
The Press Merger and Abolition Policy (Korean: 언론통폐합) was a strategic government initiative implemented in November 1980 by President Chun Doo-hwan. Designed to severely limit the freedom of the press, this policy fundamentally restructured the South Korean media landscape to ensure state control over the flow of information.
Key Facts
- Implemented: November 1980 under President Chun Doo-hwan.
- Primary Goal: To suppress press freedom and stifle potential protests following the lift of martial law.
- Key Agencies Involved: The Defense Security Command and the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
- Broadcasting Impact: The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) absorbed multiple private stations.
- News Agency Impact: The creation of Yonhap News Agency through the merger of Hapdong and Tongyang News Agencies.
The Path to Media Control
The groundwork for the policy began in 1979 after Chun Doo-hwan rose to power via the December 12th coup. Under the authority of martial law—the temporary substitution of military authority for civilian government—all press releases were subjected to strict censorship.
By February 1980, a specialized press unit was established within the Defense Security Command. This unit attempted to manipulate journalists through the "K-press work plan," an effort to coerce the media into publishing editorials that portrayed democracy activism in a negative light. Throughout August 1980, the Defense Security Command and the Korean Central Intelligence Agency gathered intelligence on journalists and media outlets, framing their upcoming restrictive policies as a necessary move to recover "public values" and "impartiality."
Implementation of the Merger and Abolition
On November 11, 1980, the military government determined that drastic measures were required to prevent protests expected after the lifting of martial law. Heo Moon-do and other officials drafted a "plan for the betterment of press," which President Chun approved. On November 12, the Defense Security Command summoned the owners of various broadcasting companies, forcing them to sign memorandums stating they had no objections to the government's plan.
To provide a veneer of legitimacy, the Korean Broadcasting Association and the newspaper association formed a committee. They issued a statement claiming the reforms were intended to create a "healthy press." In reality, this resulted in a sharp reduction of independent voices.
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Impact on Print Media
The consolidation significantly reduced the number of active publications. In the capital, the number of newspapers was reduced from seven to six, while regional newspapers were cut from 14 down to 10. Additionally, the Hapdong News Agency and Tongyang News Agency (also known as Orient Press) were merged to form the Yonhap News Agency.
Impact on Broadcasting
The restructuring of broadcasting was even more aggressive. The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) merged with and acquired several privately owned stations, including:
- Tongyang Broadcasting Company (predecessor of JTBC)
- Dong-A Broadcasting System (predecessor of Channel A)
- Jeonil Broadcasting Corporation
- Seohae Broadcasting Corporation
- Hanguk-FM
Furthermore, KBS was forced to purchase 65% of the shares of the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC), making KBS the largest press outlet in the country and legally transforming MBC into a public company. The Christian Broadcasting System, identified as a supporter of democracy activism, was stripped of its status as a news agency and relegated to a religious radio network. Ultimately, only 26 broadcasting stations remained, including the Asea Broadcasting Agency.
Summary of Media Consolidation
| Media Sector | Before Policy | After Policy | Key Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capital Newspapers | 7 | 6 | Reduction in diversity |
| Regional Newspapers | 14 | 10 | Consolidation of local press |
| News Agencies | Hapdong & Tongyang | Yonhap | Creation of a single dominant agency |
| Broadcasting | Various Private Stations | 26 Stations | KBS became the dominant outlet |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was responsible for the Press Merger and Abolition Policy?
The policy was implemented by President Chun Doo-hwan and executed by the Defense Security Command and the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
What was the stated reason for the policy versus the actual goal?
The government publicly justified the policy as a way to recover impartiality and create a "healthy press," but the actual goal was to suppress press freedom and prevent protests following the lift of martial law.
How did this policy affect the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS)?
KBS became the largest press outlet in South Korea by absorbing several private stations and acquiring a 65% controlling stake in the Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC).
What happened to the Christian Broadcasting System?
Because it was viewed as contributing to democracy activism, it was forced to stop operating as a news agency and was converted into a religious radio network.
Which news agency was created as a result of this policy?
The Yonhap News Agency was formed through the forced merger of the Hapdong News Agency and the Tongyang News Agency (Orient Press).