The deep ideological divide in South Korean politics since the country’s democratization has led to marked shifts in support for activism critical of North Korea depending on the government in office.

This shift has been particularly pronounced since former human rights lawyer Moon Jae-in became president in 2017, with civil society organizations that focus on human rights violations in North Korea struggling under his government. 

Most notably, the current pro-engagement administration has been the first to pressure nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) to bring their activism in line with government objectives or face deregistration.

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