Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
ROK demands apology from Ukraine over North Korean POW transfer disclosure
Seoul expresses ‘strong regret’ as Kyiv denies agreeing to keep prisoners’ transfer to South Korea confidential
September 28, 2026
Lee accuses Ukraine of violating pact by revealing North Korean POW transfer
A ROK official reportedly said the Ukrainian side informed them Zelensky would mention the POWs, but without details
September 25, 2026
Settling in Seoul: How university helped me find my place in South Korea
A North Korean escapee reflects on struggles, friendships and how higher education changed the way she saw society.
Joseph Kim on why North Korea is changing beyond Kim Jong Un
Defector and policy expert discusses markets, outside information and the social forces reshaping the country from below
September 23, 2026
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
