🇰🇷 Chosun Ilbo

About Chosun Ilbo

Chosun Ilbo is owned by the Chosun Media Group. It was founded on March 5, 1920, by Sin Sogu. The current chairman is Bang Sang-hoon, who also serves as the operating entity's chairman, with Bang Juno appointed president in March 2024. The outlet has faced accusations of being a 'nepotistic media' run by its owner, and its chairman was previously indicted on charges of tax evasion and embezzlement.

Chosun Ilbo is a long-standing South Korean newspaper of record, known for its strong conservative and nationalist editorial stance, including a hardline position against North Korea. Media Bias/Fact Check rates its news reporting as right-center biased and its factual reporting as 'Mixed' due to poor sourcing, lack of transparency, and failed fact checks. The outlet has been criticized for publishing dubious or politically motivated reports, such as an incorrect report of a North Korean diplomat's execution and inventing expert quotes. It has also apologized for publishing a fake photo. Historically, Chosun Ilbo has been accused of pro-Japanese activities during colonial rule and favorable reporting on military dictatorships. While South Korea generally has a free press, there are concerns about defamation laws and government pressure on journalists, with Reporters Without Borders ranking the country 62nd in press freedom in 2024.