Date: Friday, October 13, 2023
Time: 10:30-10:33 A.M.

1. Regarding the repatriation of North Korean defectors in China

It appears that a number of North Koreans have been repatriated to North Korea from the three Northeastern Provinces of China, but the details on the number and information of those repatriated, whether they were defectors, patients, or criminals cannot be confirmed.

The ROK Government’s position is that under no circumstances should North Korean defectors staying abroad be forcibly repatriated against their free will.

Forced repatriation to North Korea against one’s will is contrary to the international norm
of non-refoulement, which forbids forced repatriation. The Government expresses regret over this situation, and strictly raised the issue to the Chinese side and emphasized our stance.

2. Q&A

Q) In addition to the repatriated 600 North Koreans from the news report, more than 2,600 defectors are known to be detained in China. Is the government aware of the Chinese authorities' plans to repatriate North Koreans, and what measures is the government taking in case the forced repatriation continues, other than protesting to the Chinese side?

A) There is no information that can specifically confirm the exact number of North Korean defectors currently being held in China. Regarding the possibility of further repatriation, the Unification Ministry will continue to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant ministries to protect North Korean defectors abroad.

Q) Could you explain in detail how the government raised concerns to the Chinese side?
Are there any additional steps that the government is going to take in relation to this issue?

A) We have been urging the Chinese side to continue to cooperate with us on this through diplomatic channels. It is difficult to go into more specifics as it is a diplomatic matter.

In addition, I would like to reiterate that we will exert our utmost efforts to protect North Korean defectors staying abroad with the relevant ministries.