Lee Jae-myung’s victory in the snap election to replace impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol has ushered in a new era in South Korean politics, potentially setting up major changes in Seoul’s policy toward North Korea.

But as Lee pledges to pursue “dialogue, communication and coexistence” with Pyongyang, some defectors fear that the new administration will push escapees aside in service of its diplomatic goals, expressing hope that the president will retain a firm stance toward the Kim Jong Un regime and safeguard defectors’ rights.

Ahead of Lee’s anticipated victory, NK News spoke to four defectors now living in the South