“Adapting to a Challenging South Korea: Strengthening Support for North Korean Defectors”

• ACRC held discussions with North Korean defectors and relevant organizations at the Government Complex in Seoul on August 8.
• Discussions included challenges and suggestions for improvement in housing, settlement subsidies, education, welfare, and more.

(August 8, 2024, ACRC)

To address the various hardships faced by North Korean defectors as they settle in South Korean society, government agencies met to discuss the issue and find solutions.

On August 8, the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC, Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan) convened a meeting at the Government Complex in Seoul. Attendees included around 20 representatives from related organizations such as the Ministry of Unification, the Ministry of Employment and Labor, and the Korea Hana Foundation.

ACRC has been running an “Onsite Outreach Program” to address the grievances of marginalized social groups. This meeting, held on the occasion of establishing “North Korean Defector Day,” was designed to listen to and address the various difficulties faced by the 35,000 North Korean defectors, focusing on issues such as housing, resettlement subsidies, education, welfare, and societal prejudice. The meeting provided a platform for discussions with relevant agencies and organizations to resolve these challenges.

* “Increasing Cases of Solitary Death: Reports highlight rising instances of solitary death among North Korean defectors, with many facing a lack of societal connections (Seoul Economic Daily, January 7)

* “Low Homeownership: Only 5.6% of North Korean defectors in Seoul own homes” (Yonhap News Agency, July 18)

During the meeting, one participant pointed out the lack of legal knowledge among North Korean defectors and suggested that systematic education starting from their arrival would greatly assist their adaptation to South Korean society.

Representatives from the Ministry of Unification and other relevant agencies expressed their commitment to strengthening support policies for North Korean defectors and expanding communication channels.

ACRC plans to review the concerns raised during the meeting and conduct further investigation or collaborate with relevant agencies where necessary. In addition, potential improvements to related systems will be considered.

ACRC Chairperson Ryu Chul Whan stated, “We will make every effort to ensure North Korean defectors can settle stably in our society,” and added, “The ACRC will continue to serve as a warm ombudsman for marginalized social groups.”