North Korea Switches TV Broadcast to Russian Satellite from Chinese

In a significant and somewhat unexpected move, North Korea has switched its state-run television broadcasts from a Chinese to a Russian satellite. 

This development has resulted in a notable setback for South Korea's access to North Korean broadcasts, as confirmed by Seoul's unification ministry on Tuesday.

Since June 20, North Korea’s Korean Central Television (KCTV) has been utilizing Russia’s Express 103 satellite for transmitting its broadcasts. 

This change was first reported by LyngSat, a reputable provider of global satellite TV and radio data. 

Prior to this shift, North Korea relied on ChinaSat 12, a Chinese communication satellite, for its broadcast transmissions. 

However, as of last Monday, it has become impossible to receive North Korea’s TV signals via ChinaSat 12 in South Korea, complicating efforts by South Korean media outlets and government agencies to monitor North Korean broadcasts.

The ministry in Seoul has acknowledged the challenges posed by this transition, stating, “North Korea stopped using an existing Chinese satellite and started transmitting broadcasts via a Russian satellite. 

This caused the reception of satellite broadcasting to remain restricted in some areas in South Korea.” 

The ministry has been actively monitoring North Korean broadcasts and is collaborating with related agencies to address these technical restrictions.

The reasons behind North Korea’s switch to the Russian satellite remain unclear. 

However, the timing of the switch is notable, occurring shortly after a summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Pyongyang on June 19. 

During this summit, the two leaders signed a new partnership treaty, focusing on stronger military and other forms of cooperation. 

This agreement could potentially explain the shift in satellite usage, reflecting the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia.

ChinaSat 12, the satellite previously used by North Korea, has been operational since 2012 and is set to complete its 15-year mission in 2027. 

The sudden transition to the Russian Express 103 satellite could be a strategic move aligned with the recent North Korea-Russia partnership, or it could be due to technical or operational reasons related to ChinaSat 12. 

For South Korean media outlets, the change has created significant hurdles in accessing North Korea’s state-controlled broadcasts. 

Although these media outlets typically rely on satellite TVs to monitor North Korean content, the new restrictions have limited their capabilities. 

It is important to note that while South Korean media can access these broadcasts, ordinary South Koreans are generally prohibited from viewing North Korean media and TV channels.

This development marks another chapter in the complex relationship between North and South Korea, as well as North Korea’s evolving international alliances. 

As South Korean authorities work to overcome the technical barriers imposed by this satellite switch, the broader implications of North Korea’s growing ties with Russia will continue to unfold. 

The world watches closely as these geopolitical shifts shape the dynamics on the Korean Peninsula and beyond.