Middle class N.Koreans fleeing for non-economic reasons: MoU | NK News
NK News Logo
November 06, 2024
News

Middle class N.Koreans fleeing for non-economic reasons: MoU

A desire for personal freedom ranked top in the reasons for defection after 2014

North Korean defectors are increasingly fleeing to the South for non-economic reasons, such as a discontent with the regime, a desire for personal freedom and increasing censorship, the South Korean Ministry of Unification (MoU) has said.

The MoU report, which was provided to local media in late August, studied trends in recent defections based on a survey of 859 defectors at Hanawon centers, responsible for handling defector arrivals after screening by the National Intelligence Service (NIS), from 2015 to the first half of 2016.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.