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'Dark continent' no longer: Naver updates online encyclopedia to correct biased information about Africa

Published: 16 Apr. 2026, 17:53

Naver headquarters in Bundang District, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, on Nov. 27, 2025 [NEWS1]

Naver, Korea's largest internet portal operator, has corrected biased information about Africa in its online encyclopedia at the request of a nongovernmental organization, the agency said Thursday.

The Voluntary Agency Network of Korea (VANK) said it requested corrections for 84 cases, of which 70 cases have been revised.

They include revisions to discriminatory terms such as "bushmen," "dark continent," "Third World" and "negro." The term "dark continent" was replaced with "sub-Saharan Africa," while "negro" was replaced with "African-descended groups."

The remaining 14 cases are currently under review.

In descriptions of the legacy of slavery, expressions that objectified humans as commodities were changed, with terms such as "imported" and "cargo" revised to "forcibly brought in" and "forcibly transferred" to highlight the coercive historical context, the group said.

VANK said the changes are significant as they go beyond simple wording adjustments and represent a shift toward narratives that reflect historical facts and contemporary perspectives.

Revisions were also made to sections inside the encyclopedia for elementary students. Images that previously focused on hunger and disease were revised to reflect the region's diverse aspects, including its rich culture, art, music and vibrant cities.

VANK and Yonhap News Agency, Korea's key newswire, signed an agreement last year to promote a better understanding of Africa and expand exchanges between Korea and Africa.

Yonhap