South Korea is one of the most digitally connected societies in the world, with a staggering 97% internet penetration. Despite this, South Koreans exhibit one of the lowest levels of media trust globally. According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, only 23% of South Koreans trust the news—a figure even lower than that of the United States, where media bias and misinformation have been long-standing concerns.
Why Do South Koreans Distrust the Media?
The deep-seated skepticism towards Korean media is not a recent issue. The erosion of trust stems from a combination of political manipulation, sensationalism, and a rapidly changing digital landscape. To understand whether trust can be restored, it is essential to examine the root causes.
The Cutthroat News Industry: Sensation Over Facts
South Korea’s media industry is highly competitive, with both public and private broadcasters vying for audience attention. The rise of digital news platforms like Naver and Daum has reshaped how South Koreans consume news. Many people read articles without knowing or caring about the original publisher, creating an environment where sensationalism often overshadows accuracy.
The Rush to Break News First
Newsrooms are under immense pressure to report first, often at the expense of thorough fact-checking. This became especially evident during national tragedies, such as the Sewol ferry disaster, where inaccurate reports spread rapidly, leaving the public frustrated and misled. The prioritization of speed over accuracy has significantly eroded trust in the media.
Political Influence and Media Control Under Yoon Suk-yeol
One of the biggest contributors to South Korea’s media distrust is political interference. Under President Yoon Suk-yeol, polarization and skepticism have intensified due to several key issues:
- Favoritism towards far-right YouTube channels that promote conspiracy theories, particularly about election fraud.
- Threats to press freedom, with the administration publicly stating that media outlets should be bankrupted if they spread “false” reports.
- Restricting access to critical journalists, leading many to believe that the free press is under attack.
These actions have raised serious concerns about the independence of journalism, further damaging public confidence in mainstream media.
Sensationalized Reporting: The Pursuit of Clicks Over Ethics
South Korean media is frequently criticized for sensationalizing news, especially when covering celebrity scandals and crime stories. The tragic suicide of a well-known actor in 2023, following intense media scrutiny over drug allegations, reignited debates about journalistic ethics.
Public Backlash Against Unethical Journalism
Thousands of artists and cultural figures openly criticized “giregi” (a derogatory term for unethical journalists), condemning the media’s focus on clickbait rather than truth. Even in political reporting, fear-mongering and exaggerated narratives are commonly used to attract viewers, further diminishing credibility.
The Rise of YouTube and Alternative News Source
Traditional media is losing its influence as more South Koreans turn to alternative news sources, particularly YouTube. Older generations—those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s—increasingly rely on YouTube for political news, often consuming content that reinforces their existing beliefs.
How YouTube’s Algorithm Fuels Misinformation
YouTube’s recommendation system suggests videos based on previous watch history, reinforcing confirmation bias. This has led to the proliferation of far-right and far-left political content, contributing to public division and misinformation.
Key Media Consumption Trends:
- Online news consumption dropped from 95.4% to 81.9% among people in their 20s and from 94.7% to 88% among people in their 30s (2021–2023).
- 51% of South Koreans now rely on YouTube for weekly news updates, surpassing traditional TV news.
This shift has created a fragmented news landscape, where different generations consume vastly different narratives, further deepening societal polarization.
Economic Pressures Threaten Journalism Integrity
South Korea’s economic downturn has placed severe financial strain on media companies. Major corporations like Samsung and LG have slashed advertising budgets by over 30%, forcing many media outlets to struggle for survival.
How Economic Struggles Impact News Quality
To cut costs:
- Broadcasters like KBS and JTBC have reduced staff and production budgets.
- Newspapers have relied on low-cost classified ads to make up for lost revenue.
- Digital news startups struggle to secure venture capital funding, limiting their ability to innovate.
As financial pressures grow, the risk of compromised journalism—where advertisers and sponsors exert greater control over editorial content—continues to rise.
Artificial Intelligence in Journalism: A Solution or a Threat?
In an effort to combat declining readership, Korean media outlets are increasingly turning to AI-powered journalism.
- Chosun Ilbo has introduced an AI news-writing assistant.
- Dong-a Ilbo has launched ‘AskBiz’, an AI chatbot for business news.
However, this shift raises serious concerns about ethics, misinformation, and copyright violations. In response, the Korea Press Foundation has launched the ‘News Copyright Forum in the AI Era’ to ensure that journalists are fairly compensated, as tech companies continue to use news content to train AI models.
Can Trust in Korean Media Be Restored?
Given the current media landscape, can public trust be rebuilt? Experts suggest several key solutions:
1. Strengthening Media Literacy Education
More South Koreans need to be taught how to critically analyze news sources to differentiate between fact and misinformation.
2. Enforcing Stricter Journalism Ethics
Regulatory bodies must hold media outlets accountable for sensationalism and false reporting.
3. Reducing Political Influence Over the Media
For true press independence, news organizations must be free from government and corporate interference.
4. Reforming Digital News Platforms
Platforms like Naver, Daum, and YouTube must take responsibility for the spread of misinformation. Transparent algorithms and better fact-checking mechanisms are crucial for restoring credibility.
Final Thoughts: The Future of South Korean Media
The distrust in South Korean media is not a recent development—it stems from years of political interference, sensationalized reporting, and economic strain. However, despite these challenges, there is hope for change.
By promoting media literacy, enforcing journalistic integrity, and adapting to digital transformation responsibly, South Korea’s media can rebuild the trust it has lost.
After all, in a democratic society, a free and reliable press is not just desirable—it is essential.
Related Interesting Post
Samsung Electronics Faces Mounting Memory Chip Crisis: Can It Survive?
FAQs
What is South Korea’s press freedom ranking?
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024, South Korea ranks 62nd out of 180 countries in press freedom.
How low is media trust in South Korea?
According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report, only 31% of South Koreans trust the news in 2024, placing the country 38th out of 47 markets surveyed.
Why do South Koreans distrust the media?
South Koreans distrust the media due to political interference, sensationalism, misinformation, and the growing influence of digital news platforms that prioritize speed over accuracy.
Which types of media do South Koreans trust the most?
South Koreans tend to trust broadcast media (e.g., KBS, MBC, YTN, JTBC, SBS) more than newspapers (e.g., Chosun Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, Dong-a Ilbo, Hankyoreh).
How does YouTube contribute to misinformation?
YouTube’s algorithm recommends videos based on watch history, reinforcing confirmation bias. This has fueled political polarization and the spread of misinformation.
Are South Koreans still relying on traditional news sources?
Online news consumption has dropped, but 51% of South Koreans rely on YouTube for weekly news updates, surpassing traditional TV news.
How are financial struggles impacting South Korean journalism?
Broadcasters like KBS and JTBC have cut budgets, newspapers rely on classified ads, and digital startups face funding challenges, increasing the risk of compromised journalism.
What can be done to restore trust in South Korean media?
Experts suggest strengthening media literacy, enforcing stricter ethics, reducing political influence, and reforming digital platforms to curb misinformation and restore credibility.