Media chiefs' visit to Pyongyang fixed

The list of 50 heads of South Korean media outlets who will visit Pyongyang Aug. 5-12 at the invitation of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il has been confirmed.

The Korean Broadcasters Association (KBA) and Korean Newspapers Association (KNA) selected the 50 delegates, who include 30 newspaper representatives, 19 presidents of broadcasting corporations and 1 news agency president, and notified the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the list.

The president of the conservative Chosun Ilbo, whose visit to North Korea has reportedly been regarded unfavorably by Pyongyang, was included on the list.

Culture and Tourism Minister Park Jie-Won will accompany the media delegates with four record keepers and five administrative aides, but no reporters will join them for the journey.

The Ministry will deliver the list to the North through the liaison office in Panmunjom as early as July 25.

The delegation will arrive in Pyongyang Aug. 5 via Beijing. During their eight-day trip, the media heads will discuss press exchanges and expanded cooperation with their North Korean counterparts and visit Mt. Paekdu.