Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda



Opinion Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda Controversy over Kim Il Sung’s memoirs is a reminder that fundamental rights have become politicized in South Korea John Lee May 26, 2021 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Eric Lafforgue \| Kim Il Sung badge on a Pierre Cardin shirt, Mt. Keumgang, May 1, 2010 The following article is an opinion piece by South Korea-based writer John Lee. Views expressed in opinion articles are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News. In the not-too-distant past, the name Kim Il Sung sent chills down people’s spines in South Korea. After all, North Korea’s founding father was the man responsible for the invasion of the South by the North Korean army in 1950, thus launching the Korean War. Aside from leading an invasion that would lead to the deaths of millions of Koreans, Kim was also responsible for assassination attempts, © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Opinion

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Controversy over Kim Il Sung’s memoirs is a reminder that fundamental rights have become politicized in South Korea

John Lee May 26, 2021

Thae Yong-ho’s free speech double-standard: Balloons vs propaganda

Eric Lafforgue | Kim Il Sung badge on a Pierre Cardin shirt, Mt. Keumgang, May 1, 2010

The following article is an opinion piece by South Korea-based writer John Lee. Views expressed in opinion articles are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News.

In the not-too-distant past, the name Kim Il Sung sent chills down people’s spines in South Korea. After all, North Korea’s founding father was the man responsible for the invasion of the South by the North Korean army in 1950, thus launching the Korean War.

Aside from leading an invasion that would lead to the deaths of millions of Koreans, Kim was also responsible for assassination attempts,

About the Author

John Lee

John Lee is the Managing Editor of Korea Pro, based in Seoul, where he leads daily executive briefings, in-depth analyses and high-level events for business leaders, diplomats and policy professionals. Since joining Korea Pro in 2022, he has expanded the platform’s coverage of South Korea’s economy, trade and foreign policy and moderates its flagship Korea Business Forum and Seoul Circuit series. Before taking the helm at Korea Pro, John contributed to NK News and Korea Pro as a writer focused on South Korean foreign policy and U.S.-ROK relations. His work blends on-the-ground reporting with data-driven analysis of South Korea’s political economy, economic security and its evolving role in global affairs.

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