Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
State Department seeks $3 million projects to counter North Korean propaganda
The funding comes despite President Trump's push to revive diplomacy with Pyongyang
August 21, 2026
South Korea considers mandatory military service for North Korean defectors
The push for reform reflects the shrinking pool of South Korean troops and changing attitudes toward multiculturalism
August 18, 2026
Ask a North Korean: Why I smuggle media content into North Korea
David explains why outside media matters for North Koreans, reflecting on how a propaganda leaflet changed his life
‘Hana Korea,’ film about life after escaping North Korea, lends fact to fiction
The film largely captures the ups and downs of escapees’ new lives after fleeing to South Korea, defectors say
August 7, 2026
63 North Korean defectors enter South in first half of 2026: Seoul
All arrived through third countries, while DPRK soldier who crossed border in June was excluded from tally
August 6, 2026
Ask a North Korean: Why was stealing so prolific in North Korea?
A North Korean defector recalls being a victim of theft on the train and at home, where her family's cauldron was stolen
North Korean defectors near nuclear test site show chromosome abnormalities
South Korean researchers note that other factors, like medical imaging and smoking, could explain the study results
August 4, 2026
North Korea in July 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from July 1 to July 31, 2026
August 3, 2026
Radio broadcasts to North Korea important for would-be defectors: US official
'These defectors risked torture and risked death, fleeing toward a freedom they only heard existed here,' she said
July 31, 2026
North Korean defector aid group hit by slew of cyberattacks, lawmaker says
Web hacking attempts were the most common type of cyberattack against the Hana Foundation
July 28, 2026
