Fact Check: Is North Korea Censoring and Shortening Premier League Matches? Here’s the Truth

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A viral claim has been circulating on social media that North Korea has agreed to broadcast Premier League (EPL) matches under strict censorship rules.

The claim alleges that games are not aired live, are cut down to 60 minutes, have all English text covered, LGBTQ+ symbols removed, and all South Korean players edited out.

After reviewing multiple credible international reports, it was confirmed that the claim is largely true.

According to investigations by The Guardian, Radio Free Asia (RFA), and the U.S.-based research platform 38 North, North Korea’s state TV has been airing delayed and heavily edited EPL matches. These broadcasts often arrive weeks after the original airing and are significantly shortened—usually to around one hour—after removing segments considered politically or culturally unsuitable.

Consistent patterns observed in these edited broadcasts include the digital removal or covering of English-language stadium text and advertising boards.

LGBTQ+ imagery, such as rainbow armbands or pride banners, is also routinely edited out before airing. North Korea further removes any appearance of South Korean players, including well-known footballers like Hwang Hee-chan and Kim Ji-soo, aligning with its longstanding policy of excluding South Korean representation from domestic media.

What remains unverified is the existence of an official licensing agreement between the Premier League and North Korea.

While edited EPL footage is clearly being aired, there is no public evidence that Pyongyang has secured broadcasting rights through any formal channel. Analysts believe the broadcasts may rely on delayed foreign feeds that are then re-edited to fit North Korea’s ideological requirements.

In summary, the viral claim is mostly accurate. North Korea is indeed broadcasting EPL matches, but only after censoring politically sensitive material, shortening the duration, and removing South Korean players and LGBTQ+ content.

However, there is no proof of a formal partnership or broadcast deal with the Premier League.