Radio Free Asia's Korean Revival: New Waves of Content

Radio Free Asia plans to revive its Korean content to provide uncensored news to North Koreans. Financed through congressional funds, it faced previous shutdowns under the Trump administration. The relaunch aims to address the lack of trusted news sources while aligning with U.S. strategic interests.

Radio Free Asia (RFA), a U.S.-funded broadcaster, is set to revive its Korean content to reach isolated North Korea, a spokesperson announced. The initiative, slated to begin next week, aims to offer uncensored news in a region with limited trusted sources, according to Rohit Mahajan, RFA's chief communications officer.

Mahajan emphasized that RFA's leadership, capitalizing on available resources, is determined to restart this service, highlighting the critical need for reliable news in North Korea. The move comes after RFA operations were largely halted last year due to budget cuts initiated by the Trump administration.

Despite previous staffing reductions under USAGM head Kari Lake, who had criticized the outlet, the Korean Service will join RFA's renewed Mandarin and Burmese services. Congressional funding will cover the initial financial needs, enabling broadcasts and potential expansion of programming.

(With inputs from agencies.)