How South Korea seeks to lure the next high-level North Korean defector | NK News
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December 03, 2024
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Analysis

How South Korea seeks to lure the next high-level North Korean defector

Evidence suggests Seoul is dangling jobs and rewards, but so far it’s getting more small fries than big fish

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.

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