Exclusive: RFA Cuts North Korea Broadcasts Amid U.S. Pressure

The Radio Free Asia (RFA) office located on M Street in Washington, D.C., visited on the 10th, was almost quiet aside from an employee sitti...

The Radio Free Asia (RFA) office located on M Street in Washington, D.C., visited on the 10th, was almost quiet aside from an employee sitting at the reception desk. As soon as they entered, the employee inquired, “Are you here to return equipment?” Previously occupying three floors of the building, the office had employed more than 400 staff members who broadcasted in nine languages across six countries, including North Korea and China, acting as a pioneer in promoting democracy. At its height, it had a weekly audience of 58 million people. However, the office was now close to shutting down. The Korean-language broadcasting studio, which transmitted external news to North Koreans and vice versa, had been dark since last July.

After the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Global Media Agency (USAGM), which supervises RFA, instructed a reduction in staff and operations, affecting RFA along with Voice of America (VOA). Ongoing financial constraints resulted in 90% of employees being placed on unpaid leave in May, and more recently, news services were entirely halted. Bay Fang, president and CEO of RFA, met on that day and said, “I believe we acted as a small flashlight shining light into the darkness in North Korea. Although we are now temporarily stepping back, I hope to reconnect with the North Korean people soon.” Below is the Q&A with Fang.

- What is the present condition of RFA?

Due to the uncertainty surrounding next year's budget, we placed 90% of our staff on furlough in early May. As conditions deteriorated, we opted to terminate several employees. Just a few are still with us. Although I'm pleased that some former coworkers have secured new positions, it is also distressing. Nevertheless, since a significant number of people in Congress continue to back our cause, we need to go into a temporary hibernation to get ready for what lies ahead.

- The administration of Trump asserts that RFA has a liberal orientation.

Kari Lake, the USAGM director, stated in front of Congress that 'no country in Asia needs free media,' indicating she lacks understanding of our efforts. We tried to reach out but never had a meeting to talk about it. We are still unclear about the reasoning behind effectively shutting down RFA.

- RFA encountered criticism for covering authoritarian governments such as China and North Korea.

Pressure has always been present, particularly in recent years, both in digital and physical spaces. Some well-known defectors mentioned, 'We chose to defect following RFA's broadcasts,' which led North Korea to warn their families with potential jail time. Nevertheless, we kept up our long-term effort to provide information that North Koreans seldom encounter. It is ironic that it was the U.S. government, rather than North Korea or China, that shut us down.

- A number of defectors served as journalists for RFA.

They were instrumental in achieving significant recognition, securing many accolades. They established a broad network focused on North Korea, which allowed for efficient reporting in the world's most tightly controlled country. Their loss goes beyond just losing reporters—it wipes out years of developed connections. The Seoul office now has only one employee, barely keeping things running. I strongly hope our journalists can return to the field.

- Why is the flow of information into North Korea important?

Since freedom of the press and expression are essential human rights, RFA was founded in 1996 based on the American principle that 'people in areas without democracy should also have basic rights.' Although the current government may not acknowledge this significance, it is still vital. Controlling information flow was RFA's strength. For example, BBC also covers North Korea but is cautious because of its diplomatic relations there. We were different.

- What message do you have for listeners from North Korea?

Individuals across the globe should be aware of events occurring in their communities and nations, as well as the actions taken by their governments. RFA functioned as a tiny light illuminating concealed realities in areas such as North Korea. We recognize the challenges resulting from a lack of information and seclusion. We sincerely wish to return and reestablish contact with the North Korean population.