Hankyoreh

Hankyoreh
Name	Hankyoreh
Native name	한겨레
Type	Daily newspaper
Format	Broadsheet
Founded	1988
Headquarters	Seoul, South Korea
Language	Korean
Political	Progressive

Hankyoreh is a South Korean daily newspaper founded in 1988 by a group of journalists who resigned from Dong-A Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo following disputes over press freedom during the late 1980s political struggles. It positions itself as a progressive, independent outlet emphasizing civil rights, democratization, and human rights in coverage of domestic and international affairs. The paper has played a prominent role in reporting on events such as the June Democratic Struggle, the Sunshine Policy, and relations with North Korea, while engaging debates involving institutions like the National Intelligence Service (South Korea) and the Constitutional Court of Korea.

History

Founded in 1988 by journalists from newspapers including Dong-A Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo, the paper emerged amid the aftermath of the June Democratic Struggle and the transition from the Fifth Republic of Korea under Chun Doo-hwan to the Sixth Republic of Korea. Early editors had clashed with proprietors over coverage of events such as the Gwangju Uprising and censorship practices tied to figures like Roh Tae-woo. The paper established an independent cooperative ownership model involving journalists and readers, positioning itself opposite media conglomerates such as Maeil Business Newspaper and JoongAng Ilbo. During the 1990s its reporting on the Asian financial crisis and the IMF-led restructuring highlighted labor disputes involving unions like the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions and companies such as Hyundai and Samsung. The 2000s saw coverage of inter-Korean initiatives tied to the Sunshine Policy under Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun, as well as scrutiny of allegations connected to administrations of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye.

Editorial stance and political alignment

The newspaper is widely regarded as progressive and liberal, aligning editorially with movements associated with figures such as Kim Dae-jung, Roh Moo-hyun, and civil society organizations like Citizens' Coalition for Economic Justice and People’s Solidarity for Participatory Democracy. Its editorial line frequently critiques policies advocated by conservative leaders including Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, while supporting reconciliation efforts involving Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un where framed through engagement policies. The paper emphasizes human rights issues involving institutions like the National Human Rights Commission of Korea, environmental disputes such as protests against Saemangeum reclamation and Four Major Rivers Project, and labor rights cases around corporations like POSCO and Korea Electric Power Corporation.

Organization and circulation

Structured as a reader-member cooperative, its ownership model contrasts with chaebol-linked outlets such as JoongAng Ilbo and Chosun Ilbo. Headquarters are in Seoul with regional bureaus covering provinces including Gyeonggi Province, Busan, Daegu, and Jeju Province. Circulation peaked in the 1990s and has since adjusted amid industry trends seen at The Korea Herald and Korea JoongAng Daily, influenced by competition from broadcasters like KBS, MBC, and SBS and digital platforms such as Naver and Daum. The newsroom includes desks for politics, economy, society, foreign affairs with correspondents posted in cities like Washington, D.C., Tokyo, Beijing, Brussels, and Moscow.

Notable coverage and controversies

The paper broke stories and editorialized on scandals involving entities such as the National Intelligence Service (South Korea), the BBK scandal, and corporate malfeasance at groups including Samsung and Lotte. It faced defamation suits and government pushback during administrations including those of Lee Myung-bak and Park Geun-hye, and was active in investigative reporting around the Sewol ferry disaster and subsequent legal proceedings involving the Sejong Port inquiry and prosecutors in Incheon. Controversies also arose over reportage on historical issues tied to Comfort women debates and disputes involving scholars linked to Yoshida Shigeru-era historiography, prompting responses from conservative civic groups and political parties such as the Liberty Korea Party.

Digital presence and multimedia

The outlet expanded into online news platforms paralleling developments at portals like Naver and Daum, launching web editions and mobile apps to compete with digital arms of Yonhap News Agency, Reuters, and BBC World Service. It produces video journalism and podcast series, collaborates with non-profit investigative organizations such as Here & Now-style outlets and academic institutions like Seoul National University and Yonsei University for data journalism projects, and maintains social media channels on platforms including Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. The digital strategy emphasizes reader engagement, crowdfunding, and platforms for citizen journalism similar to initiatives by ProPublica and The Intercept.

Awards and recognition

Journalists and editors have received awards from press associations like the Korean Journalists Association and international bodies including the Committee to Protect Journalists and the World Press Institute. Investigations have been recognized with prizes such as the Human Rights Award of Korea and reporting awards from institutions like Reporters Without Borders and academic journalism competitions at Korea University. The paper's design and multimedia projects have earned accolades in contests run by organizations such as the Society for News Design.

Category:Newspapers published in South Korea Category:Mass media in Seoul