Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
Activists fear North Korean human rights policy is eroding under Lee Jae Myung
Crackdown on leafleting, budget cuts and more have raised concern that Seoul is sidelining human rights for engagement
December 31, 2025
South Korea to allow citizens to read North Korean newspaper at select locations
Unification ministry also confirms plans to stop using term ‘defectors,’ despite opposition from some escapees
December 30, 2025
North Korean escapee group objects to Seoul’s proposal to ditch term ‘defector’
Association slams unification minister for considering change to ‘people from the north,’ exposing divide over labels
December 29, 2025
Year-end special: A look back at the most compelling North Korea stories of 2025
NK News journalists share the stories that meant the most to them and offer insights into how they reported on the DPRK
December 25, 2025
High-level North Korean defector reports top official was executed by burning
New memoir by ex-diplomat Ryu Hyun-woo also reveals existence of secret organization managing Kim Jong Un’s slush fund
December 25, 2025
North Korean defectors report record-high life satisfaction, but concerns linger
Data also showing improved employment rate comes after ROK official warned escapee suicides have reached serious level
December 23, 2025
Ask a North Korean: What is it like to work on a construction site in the DPRK?
A former construction worker shares a day in the life, from long commutes and abusive bosses to workplace hazards
UN General Assembly adopts resolution slamming North Korean human rights abuses
US, South Korea among 61 nations to back measure criticizing DPRK’s use of resources on military rather than people
December 19, 2025
South Korea calls for dialogue to secure return of detainees held by North Korea
Seoul says suspension of inter-Korean talks remains an obstacle to freeing six ROK nationals held on espionage charges
December 4, 2025
North Korea in November 2025: A month in review and what’s ahead
An analytical look at the main developments from November 1 to November 30, 2025
December 3, 2025
