Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
Former ROK soldier fined $374 in bullying case of North Korean descendant
The victim alleged a noncommissioned officer yelled at him repeatedly for speaking in a soft voice, causing him to break
September 10, 2026
North Korean defectors urge media not to identify their status in crime reports
An activist alleged some news organizations identified suspects as North Korean defectors to sensationalize the incident
September 8, 2026
‘North South Man Woman’: Love, friction and freedom across the Korean divide
Beyond inter-Korean matchmaking, documentary explores survival, gender roles and escapees’ new lives in the South
September 8, 2026
Seoul court sentences man to 5 years in prison for spying on defectors, soldiers
Defendant received cryptocurrency from DPRK-linked agent and helped gather military and personal information
September 7, 2026
North Korea researchers likely to be in the dark as defections fall, study says
The number of defectors reaching South Korea has fallen sharply, leaving researchers unable to track recent changes
September 4, 2026
North Koreans are winning — Kim Jong Un isn’t
North Korea’s people are changing and becoming a force Kim Jong Un cannot resist forever.
September 3, 2026
Ethnic Koreans file motion to seize North Korean warship in Japanese court
Most of the ethnic Koreans lured by exaggerated promises have not returned from North Korea, according to experts.
September 3, 2026
Sun Kim on documenting North Korean women, matchmaking and marriage
‘North South Man Woman’ co-director reflects on intimacy, stereotypes and relationships across cultural divides
September 2, 2026
Seoul court holds North Korea liable for torture, sexual abuse of defector
Ruling awards Choi Min-kyeong 50 million won for abuses suffered while in detention in DPRK for five months
August 28, 2026
Ask a North Korean: What is it like working as a nurse in North Korea?
A defector recalls hospital shortages, patients she could not save and why she ultimately left the profession she loved
