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From Korea Times' latest edition:

Chomsky Hits Defense Ministry for Banning

'Seditious' Books

Renowned American scholar Noam Chomsky has strongly criticized the Ministry of National Defense for its blacklist of what it calls seditious books and its banning of soldiers from reading them.

"The popular struggle to overthrow the Korean dictatorships and establish democracy was an inspiration to the world. There are, of course, always those who fear freedom, and want to restore controls over thought and expression,'' Chomsky said in an email interview with the Seditious Books Club, an Internet based community. "It is unfortunate that the Defense Ministry joins them. Perhaps, for the sake of honesty, it should be renamed: 'Ministry of Defense against Freedom and Democracy,'' he told the Seditious Books Club.

The criticism came as the ministry announced 23 books last July that soldiers should not read. Those books were categorized into three categories ― pro-North Korea, anti-government and anti-U.S. or anti-capitalism, which it claimed could have a "bad influence'' on soldiers.

The "seditious'' books include two books by Chomsky ― "Year 501: The Conquest Continues'' and "What Uncle Sam Really Wants.''

Chomsky said he believes the blacklisting of his books can be rather an honor.

"My books were also banned in the Soviet Union, pre-Gorbachev, even technical work on linguistics. I regarded that as an honor, and the same is true when books of mine are banned by others who take Stalin as their guide,'' he said.

Many of the blacklisted books have ironically drawn public interest and made the best seller lists at large bookstores in recent months.

Chomsky encouraged the members of Seditious Books Club, saying "I am very pleased and encouraged to learn of your forthright and courageous stand against efforts to reverse the great achievements of the Korean people, and I wish you the greatest success in your very important work.''

http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2008/10/113_33320.html

For more informations please read:
☞ Chomsky's interview with Seditious Books Club

☞ Military expands book blacklist (Hankyoreh, 07.31)

☞ Threatening Books and Their Popularity (GlobalVoices, 08.07)