The number of North Korean defectors residing in South Korea has surpassed 30,000, according to recent data.
Representative Han Jung-ae of the Democratic Party revealed data submitted by the Ministry of Unification on September 23 showing that 65% of North Korean defectors reside in the Seoul and Gyeonggi metropolitan area.
Of the 31,377 North Korean defectors currently living in South Korea, 7,950 are men and 23,427 are women, with women outnumbering men by about three times.
By region, Gyeonggi Province had the largest population of defectors with 11,080, followed by Seoul with 6,391, Incheon with 2,988, South Chungcheong and Sejong with 1,819, North Chungcheong with 1,429, North Gyeongsang with 1,114, and Jeju with 358.
Han explained that the issue lies in improving living conditions and providing support for North Korean defectors. While local governments are required to assign protection officers to assist with housing, basic welfare, and medical support, these responsibilities are often treated as secondary tasks.
Rep. Han commented, “Rather than identifying new initiatives or prioritizing the support of North Korean defectors, local governments are mainly focused on routine tasks such as issuing certificates or managing the North Korean Defector Support Council. The Ministry of Unification must directly provide job training for these protection officers and strengthen the capabilities of local governments.”
BY YOUNGNAM KIM [kim.youngnam@koreadaily.com]
