로동신문을 통해 본 북한의 고구려ㆍ발해 인식 -2000~2020년 기사를 중심으로-

Abstract

This paper investigates North Korea’s perspective on Koguryo and Balhae, as well as trends in archaeological research, through articles published in Rodong Sinmun . The data for analysis comprises 69 articles with ‘Koguryo’ and ‘Balhae’ in the title, collected from 2000 to 2020. The analysis involves both quantitative and keyword analyses, focusing on article characteristics, awareness of Koguryo and Balhae, and articles related to archaeology. The findings confirm that articles on Koguryo and Balhae in Rodong Sinmun predominantly consist of educational and promotional content, utilizing these historical entities for ‘regime propaganda’ purposes. Such articles outweigh those conveying newsworthy information or research results. Additionally, both Rodong Sinmun and related academic journals commonly express a positive perception of Koguryo and Balhae. Concerning archaeology-related articles, the study not only conducts the aforementioned analysis but also examines whether excavation results published in Rodong Sinmun are reflected in Joseon Archaeological Research. Furthermore, archaeological achievements from 1946 to 1989 are reviewed for comparison. The research reveals that the archaeological achievements featured in Rodong Sinmun do not necessarily represent all archaeological advancements in North Korea. Instead, they selectively focus on articles that contribute to public education, support the political system, or showcase the results of excavations of ancient tombs or accessories. Despite limitations in accessing solely academic content, particularly when compared to journals like Joseon Archaeological Research, this study explores how international or political situations have influenced articles on Koguryo and Balhae since the 2000s. The examination of articles in Rodong Sinmun provides valuable insights into the perception and research trends of Koguryo and Balhae in North Korea.