🇰🇷 Hankyoreh

About Hankyoreh

Hankyoreh was established in 1988 by over 200 ex-journalists who were purged by authoritarian governments, with funding from approximately 62,000 individual shareholders. This unique ownership structure, which relies on sales, private donations, and stock sales rather than major corporate advertising, aims to ensure independence from political power and large conglomerates.

Hankyoreh is widely recognized as a progressive, center-left liberal newspaper, founded to provide an independent alternative to mainstream outlets. It has been noted for its commitment to journalistic freedom, democracy, and national reconciliation, often taking stances critical of big business and supportive of organized labor. While it was voted the most trusted news organization by Korean journalists as of 2016, it has faced criticism for pro-Democratic Party bias and, in some instances, for alleged distortion of facts and an exaggerated tone. A recent controversy involved a senior reporter borrowing money from a figure implicated in a development scandal, leading to the editor-in-chief's resignation, which raised questions about journalistic ethics. The headline sample reflects its engagement with diverse topics, including social issues, economic news, and political commentary, often with a critical perspective on the current administration.