“Our attitude towards North Korean defectors needs to be more open and positive”

Minister Kwon Youngse attends a press conference at Hanawon to mark the 24th anniversary of the center’s opening (July 10)

On July 10, Unification Minister Kwon Youngse attended and spoke at a press conference at Hanawon (Settlement Support Center for North Korean Refugees) on the occasion of the center’s 24th anniversary.

Minister Kwon said, “We should fill and improve the lacking areas in accordance with defectors at their level and the changing social environment.”

The Korean government will design the resettlement program centered on the needs of North Korean defectors, and provide more support for vulnerable people. In the meantime, we will concentrate our capacity on creating a social environment that can embrace North Korean defectors,” he added.

The minister mentioned that “in particular, I believe that our attitude towards North Korean defectors needs to be more open and positive.”