Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
Cathi Choi: How inter-Korean conflict harms women’s rights
Co-director of Women Cross DMZ discusses who benefits from division of peninsula and the role of women in peace process
April 18, 2025
38 North Korean refugees enter South in first quarter, most of them young adults
Seoul says new arrivals largely left DPRK before pandemic, as North’s border controls continue to limit defections
April 17, 2025
From defector to defender: One lawyer’s fight for North Korean human rights
In interview, Lee Young-hyeon shares how he became the first DPRK escapee to pass the bar exam in the South
April 17, 2025
Ask a North Korean: What is one item you wished you could have brought with you?
A defector writes about her memories of loved ones and what she regrets leaving behind that still impacts her today
Culinary dreams: North Korean defectors seek a fresh start in South’s kitchens
Seoul is trying to help escapees to break into food industry, as discrimination and cultural differences pose challenges
April 15, 2025
Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling
As Yoon’s impeachment looms, escapees grapple with differing views on future of ROK’s democracy and their role in it
April 3, 2025
Dae-hyeon Park: Empowering North Korean defectors by bridging information gap
CEO of Woorion discusses the work his NGO does to help escapees adapt to their new lives in South Korea
April 3, 2025
Seoul backs UN concerns over North Korea’s treatment of soldiers, defectors
South Korea urges DPRK’s compliance with international law following special envoy’s report on human rights violations
March 20, 2025
The existential crisis facing the North Korean human rights movement
Three activists discuss how NGOs are struggling to stay alive after devastating US funding cuts
March 20, 2025
North Korean defectors sent money to family. An ROK court called it a crime.
Conviction of an escapee for wiring remittances to the DPRK has raised concern about impacts on long-tolerated practice
March 19, 2025
