N. Korea to block entry of S. Korean newspapers, magazines

SEOUL, Nov. 30 (Yonhap) -- North Korea will block all South Korean publications from entering the country starting this week, a government source said Sunday.

In the past, the North permitted 20 newspapers from nine publishers to be brought
over the demarcation line on a regular basis to be read by South Korean employees
working at the Kaesong Industrial District Management Committee (KIDMAC).
Ordinary visitors and workers coming to Kaesong were barred from bringing South
Korean publications. If caught, the books, magazines and newspapers were
confiscated, but the person was allowed through.
"The decision can be seen as extending the ban that had been in place for
ordinary people to KIDMAC employees," he said. The action goes into effect on
Monday.
The source, who declined to be identified, said the North announced its plans via
an inter-Korean telephone line earlier in the day and stressed that anyone in
possession of such materials will be sent back.
The North also said that cars carrying South Korean publications will not be
allowed to cross the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
In addition, Pyongyang notified Seoul that individuals who "disrupt" border
inspections will be turned back, according to the official. It also made clear
that no rescheduling of border crossings will be allowed unless the person is
gravely ill or there is a family emergency.
Pyongyang said that starting on Monday it will limit overland traffic between
South Korea and the Kaesong Industrial Complex just north of the DMZ. A total of
88 companies operate at the complex, employing nearly 35,000 North Korean
workers.
In late October, North Korean authorities began censoring all newspapers by
clipping individual stories which they believed were inappropriate.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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