Externally-focused North Korean state media on Tuesday criticized several South Korean outlets for spreading “rampant fake news” in recent days, warning that widespread disinformation could “lead the people towards a state of chaos.”

In an article, Arirang Meari, a state-run website, accused conservative South Korean media outlets and YouTubers of seeking to manipulate public opinion.

“Currently, South Korea’s conservative forces are… keen on spreading ‘fake news’ disadvantageous to the current administration under the guise of ‘freedom of expression’,” the article said, explicitly referring to media outlets such as Channel A.

“Conservative media such as ‘Channel A’… are broadcasting fake