North Korean Defections Surge in 2023
Number Tripled Compared to Previous Years
Seoul, South Korea (CNN)
By Yoonjung Seo and Julia Hollingsworth Published 7:06 PM EST, Fri February 18, 2022
The number of North Korean defectors entering South Korea nearly tripled in 2023 compared to the previous two years, according to South Korean government data.
In 2023, a total of 863 North Koreans defected to the South, compared to 318 in 2021 and 343 in 2020. This marks the highest number of defections since 2019, when 1,047 North Koreans fled to the South.
The reasons for the surge in defections are unclear, but experts say it could be due to a combination of factors, including the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship, and political repression in North Korea.
"The pandemic has made it even more difficult for North Koreans to make a living," said Choi Ji-hoon, a researcher at the Institute for National Security Strategy in Seoul. "Many people are struggling to find food and other basic necessities, and they are increasingly desperate to find a way out."
The South Korean government has welcomed the increase in defections, saying it is a sign that the North Korean people are losing faith in their government.
"We will continue to provide support to North Korean defectors and help them to adjust to life in South Korea," said Unification Minister Lee In-young.
Conclusion
The surge in North Korean defections is a reminder that the North Korean people are suffering under a repressive and authoritarian regime. As the pandemic and economic hardships continue to take their toll, it is likely that more North Koreans will risk their lives to escape to freedom.
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