(EDITORIAL from Korea Times on Oct. 27)

The recent rumors of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's death following a surprise trip to China's Dandong, a city close to the border with North Korea, highlight the dangers of fake news. Unlike in 2020, when similar claims caused international outrage, mainstream South Korean media remained skeptical this time, learning from their past mistakes. The 2020 saga, where a high-profile defector claimed near certainty of Kim's demise and the subsequent media frenzy, severely undermined public trust.

The consequences of such misinformation are grave, especially when it pertains to national security. In this case, the spread of unverified reports about Kim's death diverted public attention away from the strategic implications of his China visit. While Kim's surprise visit to China, where he met with Wang Huning, China's fourth-ranking official, and crossed the New Amnok River Bridge by car, had the potential to signal a shift in Sino-North Korean relations and boost bilateral trade, the rumor mill overshadowed these critical developments.

The bridge, originally completed in 2014 but delayed due to strained relations, could serve as a vital conduit for trade, bolstering China's economic influence over North Korea. However, the persistent rumors about Kim's health have diverted South Korean attention from these important security matters. The South Korean government should consider if greater, carefully calibrated disclosure about North Korea could help curb the spread of misinformation.

Timely confirmation of Kim's condition by the intelligence authorities might have prevented the rumors from gaining traction. The truth is vital to prevent misunderstanding and curb the spread of fake news.