Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
US court blocks extradition of former Marine who stormed North Korean Embassy
Sending Christopher Ahn to Spain over 2019 raid will place him at risk of DPRK retribution, judge says
April 13, 2026
Seoul must defend against North Korea ‘by our strength,’ Lee tells US senators
President says Seoul seeks to increase defense spending and ‘regain’ wartime operational control from Washington
April 3, 2026
Ask a North Korean: Why North Koreans don’t trust state weather forecasts
A defector writes about the costs of inaccurate info and how the country’s citizens respond to yellow dust storms
North Korean workers deployed to Russia face labor exploitation: Report
Researchers cite testimony of defectors who say they worked long hours and had to surrender wages to the state
March 26, 2026
North Koreans who lived near nuke test site show signs of radiation exposure
Researchers caution they have not established a direct link to nuclear tests, noting other causes cannot be ruled out
March 23, 2026
Lawmakers urge Seoul to stop China from repatriating North Korean detainee
South Korean foreign minister pledges ‘best’ efforts after defector requests info on his mother held in China
March 17, 2026
North Korea continues prison expansion as satellite imagery reveals 3 more sites
NK Pro finds evidence of major redevelopment at 13 prisons since 2023, alongside efforts to grow incarceration capacity
March 11, 2026
China’s repatriation of North Koreans may be crimes against humanity: Report
Human rights group says it has also documented forced abortions and beatings by Chinese and DPRK officials
March 5, 2026
Russia asked for North Korean POWs in prisoner exchange, lawmaker says
ROK lawmaker warns two soldiers captured by Ukraine at risk of forced repatriation despite wish to defect to South
March 3, 2026
North Korea in February 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from February 1 to February 28, 2026
March 3, 2026
