By Kim Hwaya

Korea ranks first among Asian countries in press freedom, according to the 2019 World Press Freedom Index released on April 18 by the Paris-based organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

Korea's ranking had dropped to 70th in 2016 under the Park Geun-hye administration, a record low for the country. Since President Moon Jae-in took office in 2017, the figure has risen for three consecutive years to 63rd in 2017, 43rd last year and 41st this year.

Korea's rank this year is also the highest since the country was 31st in 2006. RSF annually evaluates press freedom in 180 countries.

RSF said, "The administration of President Moon Jae-in, a former human rights activist, has turned the tide. The past decade during which freedom press index declined by more than 30 ranks is now history."

Norway topped the list for the third consecutive year, followed by Finland and Sweden. Among Asian countries, Japan was 67th and China 177th.

fayastory@korea.kr