Despite an encouraging jump in the second quarter, the number of North Korean escapees arriving in South Korea remains minuscule compared to before the pandemic. The DPRK’s strict lockdown measures — including orders to open fire at anyone approaching the borders — means that it is still incredibly difficult to escape.
But many North Koreans remain stranded outside the country, including high-level personnel like diplomats and businesspeople, and available evidence suggests that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is ramping up efforts to convince these elites to jump ship.
Despite an encouraging jump in the second quarter, the number of North Korean escapees arriving in South Korea remains minuscule compared to before the pandemic. The DPRK’s strict lockdown measures — including orders to open fire at anyone approaching the borders — means that it is still incredibly difficult to escape.
But many North Koreans remain stranded outside the country, including high-level personnel like diplomats and businesspeople, and available evidence suggests that the Yoon Suk-yeol administration is ramping up efforts to convince these elites to jump ship.
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.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
