Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling



Features Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling As Yoon’s impeachment looms, escapees grapple with differing views on future of ROK’s democracy and their role in it Ifang Bremer April 3, 2025 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON An anti-impeachment activist protests near South Korea's Constitutional Court \| Image: NK News As South Korea awaits a crucial ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment set for Friday, North Korean defectors find themselves at odds over his leadership. Some see him as a defender of human rights and freedom, while others worry his recent actions — like declaring martial law — threaten South Korea’s democratic values. As the political crisis unfolds, the defector community, now numbering around 34,000, is divided on what democracy in South Korea should truly look like and how inclusive its political system is for those who escaped North Korea. As South Korea awaits a crucial ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment set for Friday, North Korean defectors find themselves at odds over his leadership. Some see him as a defender of human rights and freedom, while others worry his recent actions — like declaring martial law — threaten South Korea’s democratic values. As the political crisis unfolds, the defector community, now numbering around 34,000, is divided on what democracy in South Korea should truly look like and how inclusive its political system is for those who escaped North Korea. 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. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Features

Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling

As Yoon’s impeachment looms, escapees grapple with differing views on future of ROK’s democracy and their role in it

Ifang Bremer April 3, 2025

Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling

An anti-impeachment activist protests near South Korea's Constitutional Court | Image: NK News

As South Korea awaits a crucial ruling on President Yoon Suk Yeol's impeachment set for Friday, North Korean defectors find themselves at odds over his leadership. Some see him as a defender of human rights and freedom, while others worry his recent actions — like declaring martial law — threaten South Korea’s democratic values.

As the political crisis unfolds, the defector community, now numbering around 34,000, is divided on what democracy in South Korea should truly look like and how inclusive its political system is for those who escaped North Korea.