North Korean defectors with unknown whereabouts have increased to 70, including 11 individuals missing for over 10 years, exposing flaws in the protection and management system. Despite efforts from various agencies to locate them, precise confirmation remains challenging.
The data released by the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee reveals that the number of North Korean defectors with unconfirmed residency reached 70, a rise of 8 from the previous year. The figure includes 14 unidentified deceased individuals, double the number from 2019.
President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration has vowed to support North Korean defectors, declaring July 14 as North Korean Defectors’ Day. However, the growing number of defectors with unknown locations has raised concerns about the adequacy of their safety and welfare support.
Legislator Hong Ki-won emphasized the need to establish a robust safety net for the defectors to ensure their stability and prevent future cases of unknown whereabouts. It is imperative for the government to create a comprehensive protection system to avoid leaving defectors vulnerable.
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