Overseas North Koreans face lengthy reeducation when borders open, defectors say | NK News
NK News Logo
December 22, 2024

NK News is hiring

Features

Overseas North Koreans face lengthy reeducation when borders open, defectors say

Pyongyang will be extremely suspicious of those who have lived abroad for years during pandemic, escapees tell NK News

Months of “reeducation” sessions, or even forced labor, await thousands of overseas North Koreans when they return home for the first time in over three and a half years, two defectors told NK News.

A tourism company claimed last week that the DPRK is preparing to ease COVID-19 border restrictions to allow its own citizens back into the country, and South Korean media have reported that as many as 400 students studying overseas could return this week.

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.