Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?
While a lucky few get the honor of attending, everyone else faces the unenviable task of memorizing new policies
Kids of North Korean origin drop out of high school at double ROK average
Government data highlights challenges students born in third countries face due to language and cultural barriers
February 2, 2026
Ruling party launches new committee to support North Korean defectors
The Special Committee on North Korean Defectors held its first meeting to produce legislation for escapees in ROK
January 28, 2026
Japanese court orders North Korea to pay damages for deceiving migrants
Ruling finds DPRK liable for $570K for luring people from Japan on false promises under ‘Paradise on Earth’ scheme
January 27, 2026
Only 223 North Korean defectors arrived in the South last year, down from 2024
Seoul says most new arrivals lived overseas before resettling in ROK, as tight border controls limit escapes
January 23, 2026
RFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North
Broadcaster’s planned return comes amid expectations for new US funding, after Trump cuts forced half-year suspension
January 19, 2026
What a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea
Defectors say ‘Choir of God’ misrepresents life in the DPRK but draws attention to the reality of religious persecution
January 15, 2026
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
