South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) has unveiled a network of 38 Korean-language news websites, branding them as 'fake' and linked to Chinese companies.

The NIS alleges that two Chinese public relations firms misrepresented themselves as Korea's Digital News Association members while posting articles from local news outlets without consent. An additional organisation is accused of disseminating pro-China and anti-US content through these deceptive websites and a Seoul-based press release agency.

The NIS has announced plans to collaborate with other government agencies to shut down these sites and closely monitor China's cyber-influence efforts in South Korea.

Why does it matter?

The US State Department recently revealed China's significant investment in disinformation, surveillance, and censorship strategies to sway global narratives. The NIS emphasises a shift from targeting Western nations to a growing focus on Koreans, underscoring an escalating effort to influence perceptions in Asia.