Seoul to limit outside aid to its news organizations

The South Korean news media will not be allowed to receive financial contributions from foreign governments, organizations, or individuals under a law to be enacted this month.But the culture and information minister will be empowered to lift the ban on foreign contributions if they are made by educational, athletic, religious, charitable, and other organizations for the purpose of promoting international goodwill.

The projected press law also empowers the state to confiscate periodicals and broadcasting programs. The minister may revoke the permission for foreign periodicals that carry articles harming South Korea's constitutional order, as well as the order of the domestic press, or damaging national prestige.