Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
South Korea willing to accept North Korean prisoners of war from Ukraine
Foreign ministry stated ROK is willing to provide protection and support after DPRK soldier expressed hope to defect
February 19, 2025
South Korean officials avoid jail for forced repatriation of DPRK fishermen
Prosecutors had sought 3-5 years prison time for four Moon administration officials’ involvement in 2019 repatriation
February 19, 2025
Cyberattack surge on unification ministry raises fears over DPRK-related data
However, despite threefold increase of attempted cyberattacks in 2024, South Korean ministry says no damage reported
February 19, 2025
South Korea revises support program for North Korean defectors to expand aid
Revisions remove age limit for higher education subsidies and residency limit for defectors to join savings program
February 12, 2025
Ask A North Korean: How do North Koreans manage their time?
Rose writes about how ‘unimportant’ the concept of time is to citizens and why punctuality is not a thing in North Korea
UN office urges NGOs to improve North Korean human rights record keeping
OHCHR report criticizes separate databases but civic groups raise issue of victims’ consent and confidentiality
February 6, 2025
55 North Koreans arrive in South in late 2024, bringing annual total to 236
While defector numbers have somewhat recovered from all-time low in 2021, they remain far below pre-pandemic figures
February 4, 2025
North Korea in January 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from January 1 to January 31, 2025
February 3, 2025
Kim Jong Un’s message to troops, Yoon’s arrest and Kim Yo Jong’s statement
NK News’ Alannah Hill discusses the latest evidence of DPRK participation in Ukraine war and related ethical issues
January 21, 2025
Why Ukraine’s footage of North Korean POWs puts them and their families at risk
Human rights experts warn DPRK could retaliate against soldiers if their identities become known
January 20, 2025
