Is Dong-A Ilbo Reliable? Full Review of Bias, Ownership, and Credibility
Dong-A Ilbo Overview and Political Bias
Often categorized as part of the conservative 'Big Three,' Dong-A Ilbo is frequently described by critics as having a strong pro-business bias and a critical stance toward progressive administrations. While supporters view it as a defender of traditional values, detractors often claim it prioritizes elite interests over social reform.
| Standpoint | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Overall political leaning | Center Right |
| Estimated number of readers | 1,200,000 |
| Israel support | Generally Pro-Israel / Status Quo |
| Use of loaded / emotional language | Medium |
| Target Audience | Conservative, Elite, and Mass Market |
Dong-A Ilbo History
Established in 1920 during the Japanese colonial period, Dong-A Ilbo is one of South Korea's oldest newspapers. It gained historical significance for its resistance to colonial censorship, notably the 1936 marathon photo incident. It survived various military regimes to become a leading pillar of the South Korean mainstream media.
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Who owns Dong-A Ilbo?
The newspaper is owned by the Dong-A Ilbo Company, a private entity historically controlled by the family of founder Kim Seong-su. Its operations are funded through advertising, subscriptions, and its broader media group, which includes the cable channel Channel A and various specialized magazine and digital publishing subsidiaries.