Stories written both before and after evidence of North Korean terrorist involvement in the incident was examined. Contrary to popular belief, the findings indicate that neither press sensationalized reports of terrorism. Despite early rumors of North Korean involvement, both the U.S. and South Korean press did not stress the terrorist issue nor North Korean angles until substantive evidence of terrorism had been uncovered. However, South Korean public officials did exercise some measure of "agenda control" in directing media coverage to emphasize North Korean involvement in the crash. 1 table, 3 references. (Author abstract modified)