Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
North Korean escapee takes lead of defector aid group in South Korea
Kim Young-hui is the first North Korean defector to lead the Korea Hana Foundation based in South Korea
October 13, 2026
Seoul’s envoy recall over North Korean POW spat draws backlash in Ukraine, ROK
Kyiv says it remains open to dialogue, while South Korean opposition slams recall as counter to national interest
October 9, 2026
Defector who facilitated remittances to North Korea acquitted in landmark case
South Korea’s Supreme Court rules defendant did not violate law because DPRK is not a foreign country under constitution
October 6, 2026
North Korea slams UN report on human rights abuses as ‘propaganda’
Report by UN chief calls for prosecuting perpetrators, dismantling political prison camps and ending forced labor.
October 5, 2026
North Korea in September 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from Sept. 1 to Sept. 30, 2026
October 2, 2026
Ask a North Korean: What was it like to secretly watch South Korean dramas?
A defector recalls trading banned videos, bribing his way out of crackdowns and questioning life in the DPRK
North Korean embassy in China imprisoning suspected defectors: report
North Korea’s ‘transnational repression’ is violating basic rights in China, a human rights group alleged.
September 29, 2026
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.
