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October 03, 2026Oct 03, 2026

Defector Issues

Information related to North Korean defector issues

China’s repatriation of North Koreans may be crimes against humanity: Report

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

China’s repatriation of North Koreans may be crimes against humanity: Report
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim March 5, 2026
Russia asked for North Korean POWs in prisoner exchange, lawmaker says

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

Russia asked for North Korean POWs in prisoner exchange, lawmaker says
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim March 3, 2026
North Korea in February 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
NK PRO

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

North Korea in February 2026: A month in review and what’s ahead
A voice from beyond: How radio inspired a North Korean soldier to escape

A voice from beyond: How radio inspired a North Korean soldier to escape

Kang Min-kook says ROK broadcasts opened his eyes to life in the DPRK. Now he worries what happens when they stop.

A voice from beyond: How radio inspired a North Korean soldier to escape
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim February 24, 2026
Ukraine has legal obligation not to repatriate North Korean POWs: UN envoy

Ukraine has legal obligation not to repatriate North Korean POWs: UN envoy

Elizabeth Salmón also says human rights should at the center of negotiations with Pyongyang, visiting Seoul for talks

Ukraine has legal obligation not to repatriate North Korean POWs: UN envoy
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim February 6, 2026
Poor North Koreans face harsher penalties for watching K-dramas: Report

Poor North Koreans face harsher penalties for watching K-dramas: Report

Amnesty International highlights how culture of bribery shapes legal enforcement, citing new defector testimony

Poor North Koreans face harsher penalties for watching K-dramas: Report
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim February 5, 2026
Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?

Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?

While a lucky few get the honor of attending, everyone else faces the unenviable task of memorizing new policies

Ask a North Korean: How did you learn about major events like Party Congresses?
David February 4, 2026
Kids of North Korean origin drop out of high school at double ROK average

Kids of North Korean origin drop out of high school at double ROK average

Government data highlights challenges students born in third countries face due to language and cultural barriers

Kids of North Korean origin drop out of high school at double ROK average
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim February 2, 2026
Ruling party launches new committee to support North Korean defectors

Ruling party launches new committee to support North Korean defectors

The Special Committee on North Korean Defectors held its first meeting to produce legislation for escapees in ROK

Ruling party launches new committee to support North Korean defectors
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim January 28, 2026
Japanese court orders North Korea to pay damages for deceiving migrants

Japanese court orders North Korea to pay damages for deceiving migrants

Ruling finds DPRK liable for $570K for luring people from Japan on false promises under ‘Paradise on Earth’ scheme

Japanese court orders North Korea to pay damages for deceiving migrants
Ifang Bremer
Ifang Bremer January 27, 2026
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