Exclusive: U.S. Pressure Halt North Korea Radio Free Asia Broadcasts

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

The Radio Free Asia (RFA) office located on M Street in Washington, D.C., visited on the 10th, was almost quiet except for an employee sitting at the reception desk. As soon as they entered, the employee asked, "Are you here to return equipment?" This office once occupied three floors and had more than 400 employees, serving as a leading force for democracy, broadcasting in nine languages to six countries, including North Korea and China, with 58 million weekly listeners. However, it was now almost set to shut down. The Korean-language broadcast studio, which transmitted external news to North Koreans and vice versa, had reportedly been inactive since last July.

Following the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Global Media Agency (USAGM), which oversees RFA, implemented cuts to its workforce 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 news services have now been completely suspended. Bay Fang, RFA's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), remarked, "We considered ourselves a small flashlight shining light into the darkness in North Korea. Although we are currently taking a temporary break, we hope to reconnect with the North Korean people." Below is the Q&A with Fang.

- What is the present condition that RFA is encountering?

Due to the uncertainty surrounding next year's budget, we placed 90% of our staff on leave in early May. As conditions deteriorated, we opted to terminate several employees. Just a few are still with us. Although I'm happy to learn that some former coworkers have secured new positions, it also brings me sorrow. Nevertheless, since a significant number in Congress continue to back our cause, we need to temporarily pause operations to get ready for what lies ahead.

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

Kari Lake, director of USAGM, appeared before Congress stating that 'no Asian country needs free media,' indicating she lacks understanding of our efforts. We made attempts to communicate but never had a meeting to talk about it. We are still uninformed 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 both online and offline spaces in recent years. Some well-known defectors mentioned, 'We chose to defect after hearing RFA,' which led North Korea to threaten their families with jail. Nevertheless, we kept carrying out our mission to provide information that North Koreans couldn't obtain. It's ironic that it was the U.S. government, not North Korea or China, that shut us down.

- A number of defectors served as journalists for RFA.

They were instrumental in securing accolades for their journalism. They established a broad network that enabled efficient reporting in one of the world's most tightly controlled nations. Losing them equates to losing not only reporters but also the connections they developed. The Seoul office is barely functioning with just one employee. We urgently hope our journalists can resume their work in the field.

- Why does the flow of information into North Korea hold significance?

Since freedom of speech and the press are essential human rights, RFA was founded in 1996 to provide people in non-democratic areas with access to fundamental rights—an idea based on American principles. Although the current government may not acknowledge this significance, it is still crucial. Spreading information was RFA's main focus. For example, BBC also covers North Korea but was hesitant because of its diplomatic ties there. We were different.

- What would you like to tell listeners from North Korea?

Individuals across the globe have the right to be informed about events occurring in their communities and governments. RFA functioned as a small light illuminating concealed realities in regions such as North Korea. We recognize the challenges brought about by lack of information and seclusion. We sincerely wish to come back and reestablish contact with the people of North Korea.