Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
Over 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data
Total crossed into six figures following 292 deaths in December, as time runs out for inter-Korean reunions
January 15, 2026
Why Kim Yo Jong’s threat of North Korean drone retaliation isn’t a bluff
Past criticism of leafleting shows DPRK has repeatedly followed through on warnings when Seoul doesn’t do what it wants
January 12, 2026
UN experts request info from North Korea on reported pardon of state criminals
Pyongyang has not replied to recent letter seeking details about scope of October amnesty, updates on abductees
January 8, 2026
Police accuse North Korean defector of killing brother for insurance money
Woman in her 50s to be referred to prosecutors over alleged murder in Busan, reportedly driven by financial hardship
January 7, 2026
Activists fear North Korean human rights policy is eroding under Lee Jae Myung
Crackdown on leafleting, budget cuts and more have raised concern that Seoul is sidelining human rights for engagement
December 31, 2025
South Korea to allow citizens to read North Korean newspaper at select locations
Unification ministry also confirms plans to stop using term ‘defectors,’ despite opposition from some escapees
December 30, 2025
North Korean escapee group objects to Seoul’s proposal to ditch term ‘defector’
Association slams unification minister for considering change to ‘people from the north,’ exposing divide over labels
December 29, 2025
Year-end special: A look back at the most compelling North Korea stories of 2025
NK News journalists share the stories that meant the most to them and offer insights into how they reported on the DPRK
December 25, 2025
High-level North Korean defector reports top official was executed by burning
New memoir by ex-diplomat Ryu Hyun-woo also reveals existence of secret organization managing Kim Jong Un’s slush fund
December 25, 2025
North Korean defectors report record-high life satisfaction, but concerns linger
Data also showing improved employment rate comes after ROK official warned escapee suicides have reached serious level
December 23, 2025
