KROwnership & classification
Founded: 1988
Ownership
The Hankyoreh was founded on 15 May 1988 by journalists who had been purged from The Dong-A Ilbo and The Chosun Ilbo under South Korea's authoritarian governments. It is owned through a distinctive citizen-shareholder model: initial capital of about 5 billion won was raised from over 27,000 small donor-shareholders, and the company now has roughly 60,000-62,000 individual shareholders, none holding more than about 1% of the stock. The company is deliberately kept unlisted to prevent any single owner or hostile takeover.
Funding
It is financed by reader subscriptions and newspaper sales, advertising, and its broad base of citizen shareholders; it takes no state or single-owner subsidy and is intentionally not stock-listed.
Affiliation & stance
The Hankyoreh is a progressive/liberal-left paper, founded as an explicitly independent alternative to outlets seen as government-influenced, and it is editorially sympathetic to the South Korean progressive camp. Because no party, state body or oligarch controls it, ownership being dispersed among tens of thousands of citizens, it is INDEPENDENT (with a LEFT lean, matching the site's guess).
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Progressivebased on 77
68/100
Factual
63/100
Objective
86
Articles
86
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Trump orders Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce S. Korea-US military exercises
US President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to 'substantially' reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, describing them as costly and sending a 'hostile' message to North Korea. This decision comes as Seoul and Washington began their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drill, which North Korea has previously criticized as war preparations. Trump stated that based on his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, he believes the exercises are unnecessary and have been costly for the US. He instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to scale back the drills, marking the first such directive in Trump's second term. Analysts suggest this move could indicate a renewed interest in direct diplomacy with North Korea, though uncertainty remains regarding Kim's willingness to engage in talks, especially with North Korea strengthening ties with Russia and China. Some observers believe the reduction in military exercises might serve to shift focus away from ongoing tensions with Iran.
US approves potential sale to S. Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles
The U.S. government has approved a potential sale of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea, valued at approximately $125 million. This Foreign Military Sale aims to strengthen South Korea's air defense capabilities and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The deal includes 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, 10 guidance units, along with training materials and spare parts. The transaction requires approval from Congress and is expected to bolster South Korea's ability to deter regional aggression. The principal contractor for this sale is RTX Corporation based in Virginia.
The bill for America’s superpower status is coming due
The article discusses the growing financial and geopolitical costs associated with maintaining the United States' position as a global superpower. It suggests that the burden of this status, ranging from military expenditures to international commitments, is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain. The piece highlights concerns over economic strain, potential shifts in global power dynamics, and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. While the article does not provide specific data or direct quotes, it frames the issue as a critical challenge facing the nation.
Lee vows ‘pacemaker’ role as potential US-N.Korea talks offer hope for inter-Korean breakthrough
The article discusses South Korean President Lee's commitment to playing a 'pacemaker' role in facilitating dialogue between North Korea and the United States. It highlights the potential for U.S.-North Korea talks to lead to a significant breakthrough in inter-Korean relations. The piece suggests that these discussions could pave the way for improved diplomatic ties and cooperation between the two Koreas.
Over 8,000 Koreans have reached 100 — they share secrets to longevity
The article reports that over 8,000 Koreans have lived past the age of 100, highlighting their lifestyles and practices believed to contribute to longevity. It explores traditional Korean dietary habits, social structures, and cultural values that may support extended life expectancy. The piece emphasizes community ties, balanced nutrition, and mental well-being as factors associated with centenarians. While the focus is on health and aging, the article does not delve into political or controversial topics.
Trump says he’ll meet Kim Jong-un before year’s end, says Pyongyang has 57 nukes
The article reports that U.S. President Donald Trump stated he plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un before the end of the year. It also mentions that Pyongyang is said to possess 57 nuclear weapons. The piece appears to focus on the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the United States and North Korea, particularly regarding nuclear disarmament efforts.
Will BTS reconsider Grammy boycott as entry deadline looms?
As the submission deadline for the 2027 Grammy Awards approaches, there is uncertainty about whether BTS will reconsider its decision to boycott the event. The Recording Academy, which introduced a new 'Best Asian Pop Music Performance' category earlier this year, has announced it will reevaluate the category after discussions with representatives from various music communities, including K-pop, J-pop, C-pop, and Indian music. However, with the submission period set to close soon, experts believe it is unlikely that any major changes will be made that would prompt BTS to withdraw its boycott. BTS had previously stated that they wanted their music to be recognized beyond regional or linguistic boundaries, and their agency has not indicated any shift in stance. The Recording Academy aims to ensure the category honors Asian pop music appropriately while considering future improvements.
[News analysis] Truncated military drills: Bad for OPCON transfer, good for peace?
The article analyzes the impact of truncated military drills on South Korea's operational control (OPCON) transfer to the United States. It suggests that reducing these drills could hinder the OPCON transfer process, which is a key component of the U.S.-South Korea defense alliance. However, the piece also argues that limiting military exercises might contribute to improved inter-Korean relations and regional stability. The analysis presents both potential risks and benefits, emphasizing the complex trade-offs involved in this strategic decision.
Last time they met, Kim Jong-un needed Trump. Have the tables turned?
The article speculates whether the balance of power has shifted between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and former U.S. President Donald Trump since their previous meetings. It references past interactions where Kim was perceived as needing Trump's attention or support, suggesting that current dynamics might be different. The piece appears to analyze geopolitical relations and leadership strategies between North Korea and the United States.
South Korea’s household borrowing tops $1.4 trillion amid investment surge
The article reports that South Korean households have taken on total borrowing exceeding $1.4 trillion, driven by increased investment activity. This level of debt reflects broader economic trends and financial behavior patterns among consumers. The focus is on the scale of household indebtedness and its implications for economic stability. The report highlights the growing reliance on credit for investment purposes, which could pose risks if not managed responsibly.
South Korea’s security chief voices hope for ‘meaningful dialogue’ between US, North Korea
The article reports that South Korea’s security chief expressed optimism about the potential for 'meaningful dialogue' between the United States and North Korea. This follows recent diplomatic efforts aimed at easing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The security chief emphasized the importance of sustained communication and cooperation between the two nations to address shared security concerns. While the article highlights the positive outlook, it does not provide specific details on the nature of the proposed dialogue or any immediate steps being taken to initiate discussions.
Korea latest casualty of Trump’s misplaced frustration over mess in Iran, says US media outlet
The article reports that a U.S. media outlet, Hankyoreh, claims South Korea has become a casualty of President Trump's frustration with the situation in Iran. The piece suggests that Trump's actions or policies toward Iran have inadvertently affected South Korea, though specific details about the nature of this impact are not elaborated.
One post from Trump cuts major military drills with Korea in half
The article reports that a single tweet by former U.S. President Donald Trump led to a significant reduction in major military exercises between the United States and South Korea. The tweet was interpreted as criticism of South Korea's participation in these drills, which are a key component of U.S.-South Korean defense cooperation. The reduction in drills has raised concerns among military analysts about the impact on regional security and interoperability between the two allies. The article highlights the potential implications of such unilateral actions by U.S. leaders on international defense agreements.