Defector Issues
Information related to North Korean defector issues
South Korea boosts defense and engagement spending, changing tack on North Korea
Record military funding, revived inter-Korean cooperation budgets highlight dual-track approach under Lee Jae-myung
The first Lee-Trump summit, and North Korea’s commemoration of war dead
NK News’ Alannah Hill talks Trump’s hope to meet Kim Jong Un this year and lessons from Kursk combat footage
96 North Korean defectors resettle in South in first half, down from last year
Seoul says most arrived after spending significant time in China, as DPRK border controls make escape more difficult
North Korean defector children face higher risk of psychiatric disorders: Study
Researchers find PTSD, depression and ADHD more common among young defectors, pointing to resettlement challenges
Ask a North Korean: What was your first experience of democratic elections like?
A defector writes about the right to criticize leaders, voting for the first time and what he’s learned about democracy
Lee government says it won’t release North Korean human rights report this year
Unification ministry cites alleged failure of criticism to improve DPRK situation, a sharp departure from Yoon policy
An ex-North Korean soldier’s bid for repatriation, and controversial remittances
NK News’ Jooheon Kim discusses why a 95-year-old man wants to cross border and a crackdown on sending money to the DPRK
Activists call for end to police probes into North Korean defector remittances
Escapees say they have faced scrutiny for sending money to family in DPRK, defending these as humanitarian transfers
A North Korean defection, postponed US-ROK drills and dismantling loudspeakers
NK News’ Jeongmin Kim discusses a daring escape over the maritime border and the criminal investigation of a defector
Maeng Hyo-shim: A North Korean family’s escape against all odds
Young escapee details how she fled after an assault against her mother and now advocates for the rights of the disabled













