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September 25, 2026Sep 25, 2026

Defector Issues

Information related to North Korean defector issues

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
Only 223 North Korean defectors arrived in the South last year, down from 2024

Only 223 North Korean defectors arrived in the South last year, down from 2024

Seoul says most new arrivals lived overseas before resettling in ROK, as tight border controls limit escapes

Only 223 North Korean defectors arrived in the South last year, down from 2024
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim January 23, 2026
RFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North

RFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North

Broadcaster’s planned return comes amid expectations for new US funding, after Trump cuts forced half-year suspension

RFA to resume operations in South Korea, paving way for broadcasts to North
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy January 19, 2026
What a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea

What a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea

Defectors say ‘Choir of God’ misrepresents life in the DPRK but draws attention to the reality of religious persecution

What a hit ROK film gets right — and wrong — about Christianity in North Korea
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim January 15, 2026
Over 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data

Over 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data

Total crossed into six figures following 292 deaths in December, as time runs out for inter-Korean reunions

Over 100K South Koreans separated from family in North Korea have died: Data
Shreyas Reddy
Shreyas Reddy January 15, 2026
Why Kim Yo Jong’s threat of North Korean drone retaliation isn’t a bluff
NK PRO

Why Kim Yo Jong’s threat of North Korean drone retaliation isn’t a bluff

Past criticism of leafleting shows DPRK has repeatedly followed through on warnings when Seoul doesn’t do what it wants

Why Kim Yo Jong’s threat of North Korean drone retaliation isn’t a bluff
Jeongmin Kim
Jeongmin Kim January 12, 2026
UN experts request info from North Korea on reported pardon of state criminals

UN experts request info from North Korea on reported pardon of state criminals

Pyongyang has not replied to recent letter seeking details about scope of October amnesty, updates on abductees

UN experts request info from North Korea on reported pardon of state criminals
Jooheon Kim
Jooheon Kim January 8, 2026
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