This study examines the status and roles of Korea Defense Daily (Kookbang Ilbo) by analyzing its national security news coverage. For the purpose of this analysis, the present study compared the news coverage of North Korea’s 4th nuclear test in Korea Defense Daily and Joongang Ilbo. We also conducted self-reported surveys and interviews to better understand the way in which Korea Defense Daily news coverage is made. The analysis showed that Korea Defense Daily had lower level of objectivity than Joongang Ilbo. In addition, Korea Defense Daily have published more straight news stories as compared to Joongang Ilbo. This is partly because journalists who work for Korea Defense Daily should follow public affairs guidance(PAG). This paper concludes with a discussion of how to improve Korea Defense Daily.