북한 관련 가짜뉴스: 유형, 유통과 대응 방안

Abstract

This study analyzes the type and distribution process of fake news related to North Korea, its damage to the nation, and further seeks countermeasures to eliminate fake news. Methodologically, the study analyzes the literature including press reports spanning the era of the Kim Jong Un regime since 2012. Fake news is categorized into four types: news about 1) health or personal danger of the supreme leader, 2) personal danger to the Kim family, 3) purging of the leader’s close aides, and 4) other types. The distribution process of fake news is identified as being carried out in four stages: production, distribution, reproduction, and verification. The production and consumption of fake news relate to human psychology. Such news also attempts to embed itself into people’s minds. If fake news is related to national security, economy, or social safety, the damage can be indiscriminate. For example, when CNN reported that Kim Jong Un’s condition was “critical,” stock prices fell to 2.99 percent at one point and the won-dollar exchange rate soared 9.2 won. The media plays a big role in responding to fake news. Hence, the introduction of a ‘strikeout system’ for perpetrators of fake news and monitoring by civic groups, media, and academia should be considered. Politicians and experts should not be the producers of fake news but those who verify and prevent its spread, and South Korea should consider enacting legislation in its 21st National Assembly as a means to eliminate fake news.