Defector Issues | NK News
NK News Logo
May 30, 2025May 30, 2025

Defector Issues

Information related to North Korean defector issues

38 North Korean refugees enter South in first quarter, most of them young adults

38 North Korean refugees enter South in first quarter, most of them young adults

Seoul says new arrivals largely left DPRK before pandemic, as North’s border controls continue to limit defections

38 North Korean refugees enter South in first quarter, most of them young adults
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim April 17, 2025
From defector to defender: One lawyer’s fight for North Korean human rights

From defector to defender: One lawyer’s fight for North Korean human rights

In interview, Lee Young-hyeon shares how he became the first DPRK escapee to pass the bar exam in the South

From defector to defender: One lawyer’s fight for North Korean human rights
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim April 17, 2025
Ask a North Korean: What is one item you wished you could have brought with you?

Ask a North Korean: What is one item you wished you could have brought with you?

A defector writes about her memories of loved ones and what she regrets leaving behind that still impacts her today

Ask a North Korean: What is one item you wished you could have brought with you?
Rose April 16, 2025
Culinary dreams: North Korean defectors seek a fresh start in South’s kitchens

Culinary dreams: North Korean defectors seek a fresh start in South’s kitchens

Seoul is trying to help escapees to break into food industry, as discrimination and cultural differences pose challenges

Culinary dreams: North Korean defectors seek a fresh start in South’s kitchens
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim April 15, 2025
Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling

Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling

As Yoon’s impeachment looms, escapees grapple with differing views on future of ROK’s democracy and their role in it

Defectors divided: North Korean escapees weigh in on impeachment ruling
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer April 3, 2025
Dae-hyeon Park: Empowering North Korean defectors by bridging information gap
Podcast

Dae-hyeon Park: Empowering North Korean defectors by bridging information gap

CEO of Woorion discusses the work his NGO does to help escapees adapt to their new lives in South Korea

Dae-hyeon Park: Empowering North Korean defectors by bridging information gap
Jacco Zwetsloot
Jacco Zwetsloot | NK News April 3, 2025
Seoul backs UN concerns over North Korea’s treatment of soldiers, defectors

Seoul backs UN concerns over North Korea’s treatment of soldiers, defectors

South Korea urges DPRK’s compliance with international law following special envoy’s report on human rights violations

Seoul backs UN concerns over North Korea’s treatment of soldiers, defectors
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim March 20, 2025
The existential crisis facing the North Korean human rights movement
Podcast

The existential crisis facing the North Korean human rights movement

Three activists discuss how NGOs are struggling to stay alive after devastating US funding cuts

The existential crisis facing the North Korean human rights movement
Jacco Zwetsloot
Jacco Zwetsloot | NK News March 20, 2025
North Korean defectors sent money to family. An ROK court called it a crime.

North Korean defectors sent money to family. An ROK court called it a crime.

Conviction of an escapee for wiring remittances to the DPRK has raised concern about impacts on long-tolerated practice

North Korean defectors sent money to family. An ROK court called it a crime.
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer March 19, 2025
Joh Kyeongil: What it means to be a progressive North Korean defector
Podcast

Joh Kyeongil: What it means to be a progressive North Korean defector

Activist shares how he fled the DPRK three times and what he thinks needs to be done to advance inter-Korean peace

Joh Kyeongil: What it means to be a progressive North Korean defector
Jacco Zwetsloot
Jacco Zwetsloot | NK News March 13, 2025