[imText1]The Japanese government has decided to support Shiokaze (also known, Radio Sea-Breeze), a NGO broadcast to North Korea. The NGO will be funded by the government to gain new frequencies from International Telecommunication Union. Through these frequencies, Shiokaze launched its first North Korea broadcast on the 26th.
This is the first time that an NGO broadcasting to North Korea was able to send frequencies with the support of the Japanese government. In particular, Shiokaze is especially different as the broadcast targets the abductees issue. The NGO aims to exchange letters and information between abductees in North Korea and their families in Japan.
An NGO in South Korea which also broadcasts to North Korea, “Open Radio for North Korea” (representative, Ha Tae Kyung) said, “We are very grateful to the Japanese government’s policy for funding and permitting frequencies to be sent to North Korea through NGO broadcasts” and further commented, “The governments participation, which extends beyond nation and territory will play a vital role in propelling freedom of information in North Korea.”
Established in 2005 Open Radio for North Korea was able to expand itself with public support exclusive of political aid. Presently, the NGO is gaining much interest with its active participation.
On the same day, Open Radio for North Korea made a declaration, “The South Korean government should also provide stable frequencies for North Korea broadcasting NGO’s in South Korea.”
The declaration stated, “Until now, Open Radio for North Korea has changed frequencies 3 times in order to continue broadcasting to North Korea. The costs for this was covered all by the NGO” and urged, “Amidst these circumstances, the situation in Japan sets precedence against us.”
The broadcast asserted, “The South Korean government should provide funding for North Korea broadcasts, as many people and organizations sincerely desire to exchange information between the North and South.”
