Hanawon City Tour of Seoul for North Korean Refugees

It is a scene that I will remember for a long time. As new refugees in South Korea – all women – and the volunteers of the event parted in tears as the bus took the refugees back to Hanawon. It was as if they were together for a whole week, but in reality it was only a few hours. 

North Korean refugees board a bus headed back to Hanawon after their city tour.

I have had the privilege of meeting North Korean refugees on many stages of their journey to freedom. Many stand out in my mind, but in March, I got to witness something special. It was the first day that North Koreans arriving in South Korea were allowed out of their cocoon at Hanawon. The event was hosted by a church in Seoul. Each refugee was assigned a “buddy,” or older South Korean woman from the host church.

The Resettlement Process

In their first months in South Korea, North Koreans are not afforded the freedom to explore their new country. They must pass a strict interview process conducted by South Korean intelligence to ensure they are not spies. Then they go to Hanawon, which is a facility where they learn the basics of South Korean life. They learn about democracy, receive job training, and are given comprehensive medical care in this 12-week program. During this crash course on how to live in the free world, they are gradually immersed into “regular” life on days like the one I witnessed. 

As we waited for the groups to return from their day out learning how to use public transportation, going to a grocery store, and venturing into other shops, our team from Crossing Borders went to a nearby cafe. After spending a few minutes at this cafe, we saw some women from this refugee group enter the same cafe. The business specialized in dessert waffles and the women seemed intrigued at the menu. 

After their time out, we all gathered at the host church. I was given the opportunity to speak to this group to introduce them to Crossing Borders and the services we provide in South Korea. But before I got into the details, I told them a story about how, just that morning, my colleague and I got on the wrong bus and were confused about paying for our ride. I assured them that it is okay to not know everything in their new country and that, eventually, they’ll be pros.

Returning to Hanawon

The church group was kind enough to give each woman gifts for their new lives in South Korea: pots and pans they can use in their new apartments. As officials and pastors stood and gave brief remarks, refugees listened intently. Many held hands with their South Korean guides. It had the feel of parents teaching their children how to live on their own.

When it was time for them to go back to Hanawon, last goodbyes were said, accompanied by warm embraces and tears. It is against Hanawon policy for any of the volunteers to exchange contact information with the women they met. So for many, that would be the last time they would see their new friends. It made me think about the hard journey ahead for the refugee women. They were all filled with hopes, fears, and dreams, and these emotions were palpable to all who were there.

I prayed that they would remember this church, its volunteers and Crossing Borders if and when they faced hardship. It is simply not possible for those present at the event or even for the South Korean government to cover all of the needs of North Korean refugees resettling in South Korea. But God calls us to care for the vulnerable and love the lost. Whether that is a few days, a few months or many years in their new home, we hope to share the hope of Jesus to all North Korean refugees.

Top Headlines from North Korea - April 2025

FORMER NORTH KOREAN COMMANDO WHO TRIED TO KILL SK PRESIDENT DIES AS PASTOR

• Kim Shin-jo, one of only two survivors from a 31-member North Korean commando team sent to assassinate South Korea's president in 1968, died in early April 2025.

• After being captured following the failed raid, Kim eventually became a South Korean citizen and later a Protestant pastor in the Seoul area.

• His life represented a dramatic transformation, moving from being a trained agent of the North Korean regime to a religious figure in the South.

• His story often resurfaced during periods of inter-Korean tension, highlighting the human consequences of the division and conflict.

Source:  US News, AP News

INFLATION CRISIS IN NORTH KOREA

Outdoor market in South Korea selling dried seafood.

• Like the rest of the world, North Korea is grappling with soaring inflation, with prices of essential goods like rice, corn and cooking oil increasing by over 20 percent.

• Informal markets, known as jangmadang, play a crucial role in the economy, but they are also affected by the price hikes. Many citizens rely on these markets for daily necessities, and the rising costs have made basic goods increasingly unaffordable.

• Since people's state-determined wages have remained stagnant, many families are to cut back on expenses, with some resorting to cheaper alternatives like corn porridge to survive.

• Although the authorities have launched aggressive measures to control price increases, targeting merchants who arbitrarily raise prices, citizens are frustrated with the government’s approach, which focuses on punishment rather than addressing the root causes of inflation.

• The scarcity of essential goods has led to panic buying among residents, further driving up prices.

Source: RFA.org, DailyNK

SHADOWS OF SHAME AMONG NORTH KOREAN OFFICIALS ABROAD

• North Korean officials stationed overseas often face a deep sense of shame and embarrassment about their identity, stemming from the stark contrast between their country's propaganda and the realities they observe in foreign nations. 

• This dissonance is exacerbated by the need to wear badges featuring the images of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il to symbolize loyalty and allegiance, which draws unwanted attention and ridicule.

• It is reported that some officials in China have been seen taking off their badges when entering restaurants or leaving official events.

• In certain situations, these officials have even pretended to be South Korean to avoid uncomfortable interactions. This behavior is also partly driven by the perception that South Koreans in China are treated as wealthy, whereas North Korea is “one of the poorest countries in the world.”

Source: RFA.org, Keia.org

NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS CROSS THE DMZ SPARKING STANDOFF

• Around 10 North Korean soldiers crossed the Military Demarcation Line (“MDL”) into South Korean territory within the Demilitarized Zone (“DMZ”) on April 8, 2025. The soldiers returned to North Korea after South Korea issued warning broadcasts and fired warning shots.

• The reason for the border crossing remains uncertain, though South Korean officials assessed that the intrusion might not have been deliberate, as the area is densely wooded and MDL signs are not always clearly visible.

• The heavily fortified DMZ has been a site of occasional confrontations and bloodshed. This latest incident adds to the ongoing tensions between the two Koreas, which have been heightened by North Korea's missile tests and its alignment with Russia.

• The South Korean military closely monitored the situation and took necessary measures in accordance with operational procedures, but the incident underscores the fragile security dynamics along the border and the potential for accidental escalations.

Source: SCMP.com, Sky News

Pyongyang Marathon Returns: Foreigners Get Rare Glimpse Inside

The Pyongyang International Marathon, held on April 6, 2025, marked a significant moment for North Korea as it hosted its first international marathon in six years. This historic event welcomed around 200 runners from across the globe, including participants from countries such as Russia, China, the UK, Singapore, France, Portugal, Germany, Australia, Spain, Slovakia and Poland, making it one of the most diverse editions in the marathon’s history. 

EXPLORING PYONGYANG

Set against the backdrop of Pyongyang’s iconic landmarks, the marathon provided a rare opportunity for foreigners to explore the capital’s streets, cheered on by thousands of locals. Starting and ending at the legendary Kim Il-sung Stadium, the event was a symbol of North Korea's cautious steps towards reopening after years of isolation.

Koryo Tours played a crucial role in organizing the participation of western tourists at this year's marathon, taking on the responsibility as the exclusive partner due to the short notice in preparing for this international event. In addition to western groups, two Chinese travel companies brought runners to the event — the first time since the pandemic that tour groups from China have entered the DPRK. Hong Kong’s tour group, DeWonder, also brought 22 participants to Pyongyang for the occasion. These tours came with a premium price tag.  The fee for the seven-day marathon tour was around $2,750 USD per person, with the cost of participating in the race charged separately (full marathon participation was priced at around $155 USD, the half marathon at around $104 USD and the 5 or 10km races at around $72 USD).

VOICES FROM THE RACE

For North Korean runners like Pak Kum-dong and Jon Su-gyong, who secured victories in the elite men’s and women’s full marathon categories respectively, the event was a proud moment of achievement widely celebrated on state media. Pak described the enthusiastic cheers from his fellow citizens as his greatest motivation to push through the challenges of the race. Meanwhile, Polish runner Wojciech Kopec, who swept all three medals in the men’s amateur marathon, made headlines with his claim for victory in the race despite North Korean state media reporting a local athlete as the winner.

American runner Cameron Mofid, who participated in the 10km event, described the marathon as “the craziest experience” of his life. Mofid, who completed his mission to visit every country in the world with this trip to North Korea, shared the adrenaline rush of entering Kim Il-sung Stadium filled with 50,000 spectators and noted that the atmosphere was unlike anything he had experienced before.

Claus Randrup, a marathon participant from Denmark, said that while he believed there were no actors filling the streets and stores, he thought certain aspects of the trip were choreographed — such as metro passengers moving to the car where foreigners were located, or the last-minute approval for a visit to a shopping center. Randrup felt these elements were staged, “like part of a movie or play,” yet surprisingly, the short notice allowed more blending with locals. He remarked how much they were able to explore the city, even witnessing state-controlled social media where locals used a YouTube-style platform to watch 60-second highlights of Champions League games.

British YouTuber Harry Jaggard also documented his journey, shedding light on the contrasting interactions with North Korean guides. “When we’re off camera, they’re very open and they’ll say what they really think,” Jaggard shared, noting the candid nature of their discussions in informal settings. However, he observed a distinct shift when cameras were involved — guides and staffers appeared to have rehearsed responses, often citing music and books associated with the regime. “It’s like a script that they’ve learned.” Despite this, Jaggard highlighted moments of humor and curiosity, such as a guide jokingly pointing out a beer bottle-shaped pillar at the Taedonggang Brewery, calling it the best beer. 

The marathon was more than just an athletic event — it provided a rare window into the lives of North Koreans in 2025. This opportunity was especially unique given that North Korea briefly reopened tourism to Western visitors last month for the first time in over five years, only to suspend it again after just three weeks. The marathon-linked tours appear to have been a fleeting event, leaving uncertainty about future opportunities to engage with the reclusive nation.

“Kim Jong-un-ism” and Kim Il-sung's Birthday Celebration

On April 15, 2025, North Korea commemorates the 113th birth anniversary of its founding leader Kim Il-sung. To adventure enthusiasts uninterested in political affairs, this national holiday has morphed into a clever marketing tool for Pyongyang to attract tourists. Tour operators like Young Pioneer Tours and KTG offer exclusive packages to immerse travelers in the grand celebrations of Kim Il-sung's birthday. These tours provide a rare opportunity to witness the nation's meticulously orchestrated military parades, vibrant mass dances held at iconic landmarks across the country and dazzling display of fireworks over the Taedong River, satisfying foreign guests’ curiosity about one of the world's most secretive nations.

At the same time, this event, officially known as the "Day of the Sun," has in the eyes of many, evolved beyond a simple remembrance to serve as a form of political theater orchestrated by Kim Jong-un's regime.

DIMINISHING THE FOUNDER’S SIGNIFICANCE

Building on the subdued tone of last year’s events, this year’s celebration is anticipated to subtly diminish the emphasis on Kim Il-sung's personality cult. Since 2024, North Korean state media has ceased using the traditional term “Sun Festival,” opting instead for the more ambiguous title "April Spring People’s Art Festival." This change was not incidental but rather part of a deliberate strategy. The late leaders, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, were once deified as "eternal suns" in North Korea’s political discourse. However, after Kim Jong-un ascended to power, he gradually redirected the narrative toward themes of "self-reliance" and "nuclear power," moving away from the absolute deification of his predecessors in an intentional effort to break ties with the legacy of his forebears and construct a political identity that is uniquely his own. 

In parallel, Pyongyang's propaganda has increasingly emphasized the ideology known as "Kim Jong-un-ism" to reduce the significance of anything associated with Kim Il-sung. Even North Korea's annual marathon, originally introduced in 1981 to commemorate the April birthday of  Kim Il-sung, has undergone a name change this year. Previously called the Mangyongdae Prize International Marathon — after Mangyongdae, a Pyongyang neighborhood promoted as Kim Il-sung's birthplace in state propaganda — it is now known as the Pyongyang International Marathon.

CAMBODIA IS FIRST TO CELEBRATE KIM IL-SUNG

With Kim Il-sung's birth anniversary approaching tomorrow, the North Korean embassy in Cambodia was among the first to hold commemorative events this year. This reflects Cambodia's enduring respect for the founder, stemming from his unique friendship with the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk. Forged during the Cold War over shared visions of national sovereignty amidst superpower rivalries, this bond was deeply personal. King Sihanouk, in his 2005 memoir, even described Kim as “my surest and most sincere friend... even more than a friend: a true brother and my only ‘true relative’ after the death of my mother.”

While this historical connection still shapes Cambodia's diplomatic gestures and its close ties with Pyongyang, these overseas commemorations increasingly spotlight the current leader, Kim Jong-un. The focus has clearly shifted from Kim Il-sung's era in recent years. For instance, this year's celebration in Cambodia drew senior government officials and representatives from both the ruling Cambodian People’s Party and the royalist Funcinpec party, according to the Khmer Times. They listened as the DPRK ambassador highlighted Kim Jong-un's dedication to developing a prosperous socialist state. By centering on the current leader’s achievements, such events subtly position Kim Il-sung's legacy more as a symbolic backdrop. This aligns with North Korea's broader narrative, which prioritizes Kim Jong-un's vision for modernization over dwelling solely on reverence for the nation's founder.

As North Korea continues to redefine its political agenda, the April Festival of 2025 underscores the evolving nature of these national celebrations that are interwoven with shifting power dynamics and strategic military maneuvers. As for those eager to travel to the isolated nation to partake in the festivities, they may well find themselves captivated by the elaborate staged performances throughout the holidays. Yet, their presence ultimately serves a deeper purpose – helping the regime reinforce to its citizens the narrative that even foreigners acknowledge and respect Kim Jong-un's leadership.

The Closing Door: Sharp Drop in North Korean Defectors Signals Tighter Control

North Korea's movement restrictions have reached new heights, resulting in a dramatic reduction in the number of defectors escaping the country. In 2019, over 1,000 North Koreans successfully fled to South Korea. By 2021, that number had plummeted to a mere 63.

More recently, only 181 defectors — 159 women and 22 men — arrived in South Korea between January and September of last year, according to a United Nations human rights report. These current numbers represent a small fraction of past levels, highlighting the tightening grip of the regime on its citizens.

Why the Dramatic Drop?

This sharp decline is largely due to extremely strict controls: severe restrictions on movement internally, increased use of surveillance technology along an already heavily fortified border, and even "shoot-on-sight" orders for anyone approaching the border with China, making escape far more perilous than before.

A Shift in Who Escapes: From Trafficked Women...

Historically, trafficked women often escaped through China, where they were subjected to exploitation such as forced marriages and sex trafficking, driven by the severe gender imbalance that fostered a black market for brides. Defector tales once echoed stories like Chae-ran's, who recounted how she was transported to northwestern China after finishing high school and was forced to choose between working in a bar entertaining customers or marrying a Chinese farmer eight years her senior, recalling that “I wanted to cry, but I knew nothing would change even if I did.”

...To Handpicked Workers

The recent UN report highlights a demographic shift. Now, many arrivals in South Korea are laborers officially sent abroad – primarily to China and Russia – specifically to earn foreign currency for the Kim regime. Despite the partial reopening of borders after COVID-19 closures, only these few, often selected for their perceived loyalty, seem able to find opportunities to flee.

Escape from Forced Labor Abroad

Selection criteria for overseas work often require demonstrating unwavering loyalty and being married. This allows Pyongyang to use potential repercussions against families left behind as a powerful tool to ensure compliance. Laborers work under strict surveillance by government minders, making escape difficult.

However, the harsh conditions—akin to modern-day slavery with forced multi-year contracts, confiscated passports, and most wages siphoned off by the government—combined with the prospect of eventual return to North Korea, compel some to defect. They seize rare moments when supervision might be less intense, such as during travel between job sites.

Families Left Behind: Stuck in an Invisible Prison

For the families of defectors who remain in North Korea, the consequences are severe and immediate. Even if they avoid execution or labor camps, they endure "intensified surveillance and suspicion," confining them to what observers call an "invisible prison."

Treated as "dangerous elements" and enemies of the state, one defector’s relative described how “they must live their entire lives feeling like criminals... They gradually began avoiding people because having every breath, meal, and word monitored and reported became unbearable.”

Security agencies heavily restrict the lives of these families. They are frequently denied travel permits, particularly to border regions, out of fear they might also attempt to defect or contact the outside world for information or money. One family reportedly abandoned travel to a relative's wedding after realizing security agents were following them, wishing to avoid causing problems for their hosts.

These inhumane restrictions not only isolate families within North Korea but also amplify the immense burden of guilt and worry carried by defectors living in freedom.

China’s 2025 Two Sessions: Impact to Foreign Aid for North Korean Defectors

Operating as a foreign NGO, Crossing Borders continually navigates the complex terrain where our mission intersects with China’s evolving priorities. The environment for our work has presented growing complexities, requiring us to adapt in a discreet manner. We have, with careful consideration, continued to pursue our objectives within these shifting circumstances. However, the future of our operations there remains uncertain, particularly in light of recent policy adjustments. By God’s grace we have been able to proceed thus far, but the signals suggest an increasingly challenging path ahead.

China's annual "Two Sessions" – a key political event where the country's leaders lay out their plans for the year – just wrapped up. While the focus is often on the economy and big national strategies, these meetings can also have a significant impact on the smaller organizations working on the ground, especially foreign non-profits. For those of us involved in helping North Korean defectors in China, the signals coming out of Beijing this year suggest an increasingly challenging environment.

For years, foreign NGOs have played a vital, albeit often quiet, role in providing aid and support to vulnerable populations in China. Among these are the brave individuals and groups who work to assist North Koreans who have crossed the border seeking safety and a better life. However, this work has always been fraught with difficulties due to China's complex relationship with North Korea and its strict regulations on foreign organizations.

What the 2025 Meetings Might Signal

This year's Two Sessions seem to be reinforcing the government's focus on national security and social stability. This could translate to even closer monitoring of foreign NGOs, especially those working in areas deemed politically sensitive, like assistance to North Korean defectors. In the West, national security often denotes mitigating foreign military threats, or internal threats to security like domestic terrorism. Given the delicate geopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula, any perceived interference in how China manages its border with North Korea is likely to be viewed with suspicion, and is thus seen as a national security threat. 

We might also see increased emphasis on border control and stricter enforcement of immigration laws in China. While these measures might not specifically target North Korean defectors or the NGOs that help them, they could create a more restrictive and risky environment for any cross-border humanitarian work.  

The economic priorities discussed at the Two Sessions could also have indirect effects. The government's focus on maintaining economic stability might lead to a further tightening of social controls to prevent any perceived disruptions. In such a climate, the activities of NGOs, particularly those dealing with sensitive issues, could face increased scrutiny.  

Potential Risks on the Horizon

So, what specific challenges might NGOs assisting North Korean defectors face in the coming year? Here are a few possibilities:

• Increased Surveillance: Expect more intense monitoring of NGO activities, staff, and local partners, both online and offline.  

• Funding Challenges: Restrictions on receiving and managing funds for defector assistance programs are likely to continue, with increased scrutiny of funding sources.  

• Accusations of Undermining National Interests: The risk of being accused of endangering China's unity, security, or social stability is likely to rise due to the sensitivity of the North Korean issue.  

• Limited Access: Reaching and providing direct aid to North Korean defectors within China will likely remain extremely challenging due to heightened surveillance and border controls.  

Navigating the Uncertainty

For NGOs dedicated to this crucial humanitarian work, the path ahead requires careful navigation. It means staying up-to-date on all regulations, prioritizing the safety and security of everyone involved, and exploring ways to operate discreetly within the allowed parameters. This is where doing this work becomes more of an art than science. These rules are often regional and can significantly change based on the political climate. 

It is important for Crossing Borders to continue this work and we will do it as long as God permits us to. We operate completely underground so much of these changes do not directly affect our work. However, these policy shifts do reflect China’s attitude toward foreign influence, which includes Crossing Borders. We know that it is only by God’s grace that we are able to operate. In this way, we are driven all the more to depend upon God and not circumstances. Please join us as we continue to do this work.

Top Headlines from North Korea - March 2025

TOURISM WELCOMED AFTER FIVE YEARS, ONLY TO SHUT DOWN WEEKS LATER

• North Korea’s Rason welcomed its first tourists in five years with a "bizarre" experience featuring choreographed schoolchildren performances and "animations of missiles being launched," creating an atmosphere more like a staged spectacle than a genuine invitation to explore.

• Tourists described being heavily monitored, with one calling it "the most watched I've ever felt," as they were unable to explore freely and even needed approval for bathroom breaks, making the trip feel meticulously designed to "show you exactly what they want you to see."

• Pyongyang may find itself in a challenging position as it seeks the financial benefits of tourism while grappling with the risk of foreign influence, with one observer describing the situation as "Kim Jong Un is walking a tightrope," delicately balancing the nation’s economic aspirations and the regime’s need to maintain strict control over its people.

• Despite ambitious projects like the Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort and the Pyongyang International Marathon, the country struggles with outdated infrastructure and limited resources. One expert noted, "They want to show off, but they’re not ready to handle the reality of tourism."

• Read: “Is it ethical to travel to North Korea?”

Source:
https://nypost.com/2025/03/02/world-news/first-north-korean-tourists-in-5-years-greeted-by-shocking-display/
https://www.nknews.org/2025/03/why-north-korea-cant-afford-to-reopen-for-tourism-even-if-it-wants-to/ 

THREE DEFECTORS CAUGHT AND BRUTALLY SHOT 180 TIMES IN PUBLIC EXECUTION

• Three North Korean men in their 30s who were caught in January while attempting to escape to the South by boat were each shot with 90 machine gun bullets before the authorities burned their corpses in front of terrified locals, including children, in the village of Songjong-ri.

• The trio included two brothers and their friend who had used their scarce savings to purchase a small boat to set sail toward South Korea, but their cries for help to what they thought was a friendly vessel led to their arrest by a North Korean patrol boat.

• An eyewitness from North Pyongan who witnessed the execution recalled, “We witnessed the young men being dragged out with black cloths over their eyes and gagged, being shot dozens of times and their bodies being torn to pieces ... Usually those who are to be executed are tied to the stake in three places: the neck, the torso, and the legs ... But this time, they were so weakened by severe torture that they had to be bound in six sections because they could not support their own bodies.”

• The incident highlights a shift toward harsher penalties for escapees, who previously faced up to 15 years in reeducation camps but are now executed by firing squad in front of local residents compelled to witness.

Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14494513/Three-North-Koreans-tied-stakes-riddled-NINETY-bullets-public-execution-bodies-torched-horrified-onlookers-failed-bid-flee-country.html
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/03/10/north-korea-attempted-escape-public-execution/ 

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORK EXPOSED

• North Korea has launched a major crackdown on human trafficking within its border security forces, triggered by testimony from a returning defector who exposed a trafficking network involving soldiers from the 27th Brigade.

• The female re-defector in her 30s returned to North Korea after seven years in China, providing detailed accounts of a human trafficking network involving border guards, including names, ranks, and roles.

• The investigation, led by the Korean People’s Army state security bureau, aims to eliminate corruption and trafficking, with accused soldiers and even discharged personnel being questioned, while border patrol units across multiple provinces are encouraged to self-report past trafficking activities.

• This is not the first time a North Korean defector has re-defected. In 2022, a 29-year-old male defector who had fled to South Korea less than 14 months earlier returned to the North after struggling with a difficult life, working a low-paying cleaning job and frequently expressing to his colleagues his desire to leave and go back.

• Read: “North Korean Defector’s Decomposed Body Found in Home"

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-launches-major-crackdown-border-guard-human-trafficking-ring/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/15/north-korea-defector-identity/ 

NORTH KOREA’S CRYPTO HEIST GROUP STRIKES AGAIN

• North Korea’s Lazarus Group executed a massive $1.5 billion USD crypto heist from ByBit, with $300 million USD already converted into unrecoverable funds, while working to confuse the money trail and potentially fund the regime's military development.

• Recognized as experts in crypto laundering, Lazarus operates nearly 24/7 with automated tools and experienced techniques, making recovery efforts challenging, as 20 percent of the stolen funds have already "gone dark."

• To combat the theft, ByBit launched the Lazarus Bounty program, encouraging individuals to trace stolen funds and freeze them when possible, distributing over $4 million USD in rewards for identifying $40 million USD of the hacked crypto.

• Despite public blockchain transparency, gaps in cooperation from certain crypto exchanges like eXch, accused of enabling cashouts, hinder recovery, further highlighting the industry's vulnerability to skilled attackers like Lazarus.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kgndwwd7lo
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/technology/bybit-crypto-hack-north-korea.html

Andrea

Andrea (right) celebrating a birthday at Elim House.

One day in China where Andrea lived as a North Korean in hiding for seven years, Andrea dropped off her six-year-old daughter at school. She then got in touch with a broker she knew, without any intention of leaving the country, but she somehow found herself in Laos soon thereafter, from where she eventually made her way to South Korea. That was nine years ago.

This is how Andrea recounted her journey from China to South Korea to us when she entered Elim House in December of 2024. The sparse details, seemingly random actions and the surprising results of her actions were very much indicative of how she lived every day before her arrival at Elim House. 

While initially she was able to make good money as a golf caddie in South Korea, her health deteriorated and she was not able to maintain a steady job. Bouncing from one odd job to the next, she sank further and further into debt as she could not keep up with her monthly bills. The dire situation only contributed to her high levels of anxiety and she was ultimately referred to our shelter for rest and for a chance to reset herself.

Andrea says that staying at Elim House has given her time to breathe and a peace of mind that she was not able to feel before. She experienced a lot of anxiety every month as she worried about paying her rent and having food and shelter, but since staying with us, she has not had to worry about these things. At Elim House, she can eat without worrying and sleep to her heart’s content.

When asked what the one thing was that she wanted to work on during her time with us, she stated that she wanted to work on not being so anxious. She also openly admitted that the hardest part about living in Elim House was trying to get along with and match the preferences of the other residents in our shelter.

With the encouragement of our social workers, Andrea underwent a series of psychiatric tests recently which revealed a shocking array of underlying issues: At age 36, Andrea was diagnosed with severe depression, high levels of anxiety and fear, early-stage dementia, symptoms of forgetfulness and memory loss, adult ADHD and high levels of victimization. She revealed that she has attempted suicide two times since coming to South Korea.

We are grateful for each day we have with Andrea and that God has allowed our lives to intersect at this moment in time. Andrea willingly opens the Bible daily with our social workers and for the first time in her life, she has the time and space to introspectively think. Examining the book of Proverbs these days, Andrea has made amazingly inward-looking comments about herself and others. After reading Proverbs 16:27 (“A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire”), Andrea said that she is starting to see her problem of blaming others for issues that take root in her own faults. While reading Proverbs 13:1 (“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke”), she said that up until now, she always made decisions on her own without asking anyone for advice or help, but she is starting to see the importance of listening to what others might have to say to her.

Andrea has also started to regularly attend our Elim Community line dancing classes, where she has the opportunity to find community with other North Korean refugees, which contributes to the overall process of dealing with her trauma.. Most recently, she agreed to receive regularly occurring counseling sessions from therapists in our network.

The daughter she left behind in China is now a 15-year-old teenager who no longer answers her phone calls. Andrea often wonders what life would have been like had she stayed in China.

Two Young North Korean Soldiers Captured in Ukraine

In a groundbreaking interview with The Chosun Daily, two North Korean prisoners of war shared their painful experiences after being captured by Ukrainian forces last month. This marks the first time that North Korean soldiers deployed to fight in Russia have spoken to the media, which is extremely rare considering previous reports suggesting that soldiers have opted to “blow themselves up with grenades rather than risk capture.”

STRUGGLES AND SACRIFICE

Captured on January 9 this year, both soldiers have since been kept in solitary confinement. Mr. Ri, a 26-year-old reconnaissance sniper, and Mr. Baek, a 21-year-old rifleman, were both sent to Kursk, Russia, in late 2024. Initially, it was reported that North Korean troops in Russia belonged to the elite Storm Corps, but Ri and Baek revealed their affiliation with the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea’s intelligence agency. This new information sheds light on the true extent of Pyongyang’s involvement in supporting Russia’s war effort, highlighting the development of specialized intelligence personnel rather than just elite combat troops.

In North Korea, most families only have one or two children, meaning nearly all of the killed soldiers were only sons. The two POW boys are no exception. Baek, who lost his father the year he enlisted, left behind his 50-year-old widowed mother for war. While Ri, from a relatively privileged area in Pyongyang, shared the difficult circumstances of his upbringing before being promised overseas training as a student, just prior to his deployment in October 2024. Fighting back tears, he reflected on the countless times he had faced death since being sent to war and expressed concern for his parents’ poor health and well-being, fearing that they might be forced to leave Pyongyang if the North Korean government learned of his capture, as “being captured is seen as betrayal.”

BRUTALITY OF WAR AND DEATHS

The interview revealed the emotional and physical toll on the young soldiers. Ri, injured in his right arm and jaw during a battle in Kursk, recounted how a bullet shattered his jaw and left him unconscious. By the time he was interviewed, he had made a remarkable recovery, though his speech remained slow and somewhat slurred. Ri described the challenges faced during combat, including inadequate training for drone warfare. He recalled, “Our training emphasized speed – running, hiding, or shooting drones from the ground. We never learned how to take them down effectively.” He noted the significant lack of Russian artillery support and the severe casualties suffered during the first wave of the assault. Ri also expressed his curiosity about the current situation in Kursk and whether it had been liberated, highlighting the significance of their mission to protect uranium and nuclear sites in Kursk.

Ri further revealed that North Korean security agents in Kursk spread misinformation, claiming "all Ukrainian military drone operators were actually South Korean soldiers." He remembered Ministry of State Security officers embedding in their units to enforce control, and how the false idea of fighting their long-term enemy, South Korea, fueled their desperation in combat. He shared additional details about encounters with reconnaissance drones, suicide drones and “devil drones,” which are large drones carrying bombs equipped with infrared sensors that could detect targets and drop grenades with devastating precision. 

In particular, Ri recalled an incident at 3 a.m. where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack with armored vehicles and machine guns, forcing their retreat. As they did, a drone attacked, killing five of Ri's comrades, leaving him the only survivor. After the attack, Ri found himself lost in the pitch dark, unfamiliar terrain. He thought he was heading back to his area but went the wrong way. While trying to find his way back, Ri was captured due to his inability to use his arms and lack of weapons. Reflecting on his ordeal, Ri shared, "I couldn't carry anything heavy because of my injuries... Even if I had tried to resist, it was obvious I would have been captured. If I had a grenade, maybe I would have tried to take my own life."

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Ri expressed his deep concern for his future and his parents, whom he missed dearly. Despite being stationed near Pyongyang, he had not been home in 10 years and only spoke to his parents over the phone. Despite the grim circumstances, he clung to dreams of attending university after his military service. Ri revealed his plan to apply for asylum and go to South Korea, hoping they would accept him, “having barely survived, I’m a prisoner. (Sighs) I just want to live up to my parents’ expectations and fulfill my dream. I want to see it blossom. (Sighs) I’m still young.”

The psychological and emotional burden of battling abroad inevitably weighed heavily on these young North Korean soldiers. Adding to this immense hardship is the fact that all who died succumbed either in combat or to suicide – often by self-detonation. This frequently resulted in bodies so ravaged they were described as "nothing but headless or half-torn," a devastating reality for families unable to even bring home their children’s bodies for burial. As Ri and Baek’s stories unfold, the harrowing experiences they faced, coupled with the pain endured by North Korean families from losing their only child, underscore the catastrophic consequences of this ongoing war.

Top Headlines from North Korea - February 2025

FATHER’S LIFELONG QUEST FOR HIS DAUGHTER ABDUCTED BY NORTH KOREA ENDS IN HEARTBREAK

• Akihiro Arimoto, whose daughter, Keiko Arimoto, was abducted by North Korea at the age of 23, recently died at 96.

• North Korea’s late leader, Kim Jong-il, admitted that the abduction of Japanese citizens was part of a program to train North Korean spies to learn Japanese and infiltrate South Korea during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and himself in 2002.

• Keiko was attending Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and studying in London when she was abducted in July 1983. In 1988, a letter from Toru Ishioka, another abductee, confirmed that Keiko was alive in North Korea.

• Akihiro and his wife, Kayoko, have over the years campaigned for Keiko’s return, with the Japanese government officially recognizing Keiko’s abduction in 2002. Even though North Korea claimed that Keiko had died of gas poisoning, Akihiro believed she was still alive.

• Despite deteriorating health and the loss of his wife in 2020, Akihiro never stopped advocating for his daughter’s rescue, attending conferences and seeking international support to resolve the abduction issue.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299205/japanese-father-who-spent-decades-searching-daughter-abducted-north-korea-dies-96
https://japantoday.com/category/national/father-of-woman-abducted-by-n.-korea-dies-at-96-without-reunion
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250217-239154/ 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and other officials pay their respects on the birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il. (KCNA)

KIM JONG-UN COMMEMORATES LATE FATHER’S BIRTHDAY

• North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, made a rare visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark his father, Kim Jong-il's, birth anniversary.

• This was the first time in four years that Kim visited the mausoleum, accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo-jong, and other aides.

• During the visit, Kim expressed his commitment to the country’s prosperity, security and well-being.

• Kim emphasized the ongoing importance of Kim Jong-il's legacy in North Korea’s current and future endeavors.

Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-kim-makes-rare-visit-fathers-tomb-2025-02-17/
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/02/103_392361.html 

TENSION RISE AS COUNTRIES PUSH FOR NORTH KOREA’S DENUCLEARIZATION

• The U.S., South Korea and Japan recently reaffirmed their pledge to seek the complete denuclearization of North Korea during a meeting at the Munich Security Conference. The three nations emphasized their commitment to maintaining and strengthening international sanctions against Pyongyang.

• The countries agreed to enhance their military cooperation, including expanding three-way military exercises and strengthening Japan and South Korea’s military capabilities.

• North Korea’s Foreign Ministry denounced the pledge as an “outdated, absurd” plan and vowed to continue bolstering its nuclear force under the direction of Kim Jong-un.

• Pyongyang stated it would take “overwhelming and decisive counteraction” against its rivals if it perceives its security is under threat.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3298858/us-south-korea-and-japan-reaffirm-pledge-seek-north-korea-denuclearisation
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/6/227928/North-Korea-slams-US-and-Asian-rivals-for-pursuing-%27absurd%27-plans-to-denuclearize-North 

NORTH KOREA CRACKS DOWN ON RUMORS OF SOLDIER DEATHS IN RUSSIA

• The authorities have been quietly issuing death certificates to family members of those killed fighting in Russia, telling them their loved ones died during “sacred combat training in honor of the motherland.” 

• Despite tight control over information, some North Koreans have begun privately raising questions about the fighting in Russia as the number of fatalities increased.

• North Korea threatened to charge citizens with treason for spreading rumors about soldiers killed while fighting in Russia. The regime also ordered citizens to report anyone spreading such rumors, with warnings of punishment for those who fail to do so.

• Offenders could face up to 10 years in a labor camp or even the death penalty if the offense is considered anti-state propaganda.

• Meanwhile, South Korea’s military authorities have used loudspeakers along the demilitarized zone to broadcast news of the capture of North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces, amid Pyongyang’s continued official silence regarding its deployment of troops to Russia.

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/n-korea-threatens-treason-charges-to-silence-rumors-of-captured-soldiers/
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/02/07/north-korea-hiding-soldier-death-russia-ukraine/

Hope Fades as North Korea Dismantles Reunion Center

Mount Kumgang Reunion Center (Republic of Korea Ministry of Unification)

North Korea has begun dismantling the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center, a venue that for decades hosted tearful reunions of families separated by the Korean War (1950-1953). This move has sparked widespread condemnation, as it is seen as a significant blow to the hopes of many Koreans longing to reunite with their loved ones across the heavily fortified border.

The Korean War tragically split families in Korea. The peninsula was already divided after World War II, and the war intensified this separation as people fled in different directions, became refugees, were taken as prisoners of war, or were simply trapped on different sides. After the war ended in a stalemate, the border between North and South Korea became virtually impenetrable, cutting off all communication. This resulted in millions of families being permanently separated, with no way to know the fate of their loved ones or to ever see them again, a heartbreaking legacy that continues to this day.

HISTORY OF THE REUNION CENTER

Imagine a symbol of hope, nestled in North Korea's beautiful Diamond Mountain resort: the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center. This sprawling complex, a testament to inter-Korean cooperation, covered 50,000 square meters—a gift from South Korea, costing roughly $37.9 million. The heart of the center was a 12-story main building (with one underground level), flanked by two smaller three-story office buildings and a security post.  Inside the main building, a large hall and meeting rooms could hold 600 people—images of these gatherings were often seen in the media.  The first two floors offered convenience shops and services, while the third and fourth floors housed 78 hotel-style rooms.  Above, from the fifth to the twelfth floors, were 128 condo-style units, bringing the total room count to 206 and allowing for up to 1,000 guests.  Though initial talks about building the center began back in 2002, it wasn't until 2008, after years of shifting relations, that this symbol of reunification was finally completed.

Since 1988, around 130,000 South Koreans have registered as “separated families,” with approximately 36,000 still alive as of 2025. Of those living individuals, 75 percent say they do not know if their relatives in the north are alive or dead. The reunions, though infrequent, provided a rare yet crucial opportunity for families torn apart by the Korean peninsula’s division to meet.

IMPACT OF THE DEMOLITION

The demolition of the reunion center is being described as an “inhumane act” that tramples on the earnest wishes of separated families. South Korea’s Unification Ministry has urged North Korea to halt the demolition and has expressed strong regret over the move. The ministry also condemned the demolition as a violation of South Korea’s property rights, as the center was built with huge investment from South Korea.

Meanwhile, for many separated families, the demolition of the buildings means much more than tearing down a valuable structure. It marks the end of any hope for reuniting with their relatives from the other side of the border. Since the last reunion in 2018, relations between the two Koreas have deteriorated, with North Korea designating South Korea as a “hostile state” and escalating its rhetoric against its southern neighbor. The reality for most separated families is that they are unlikely to ever see each other again due to their advanced age. Many family members are now in their 80s and 90s, making the physical and emotional toll of travel daunting. For instance, Mr. Kim Sang-ho who left North Korea at 18 for military training is now 92 years old and has not seen his family since. Although he had later settled down in Hwacheon – a city just a few kilometers south of the North Korean border – with a wife and two sons, he expressed that, “I do want to go back home. I have travelled to different places, but not home. ...But even if I did now, I don’t think there will be anyone for me to meet. All those close to me are probably dead by now.”

The dismantling of the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center is a stark reminder of the ongoing human cost of the Korean peninsula’s division. As tensions between North and South Korea continue to rise, the hopes of separated families hang in the balance.

2024 Year in Review Infographic

What a year 2024 was! We are deeply grateful for your partnership and we praise God for allowing us to serve Him and make a difference with North Korean refugees.

Please enjoy this look back at all that was accomplished in 2024!

Thank You for Your Generous Support in 2024.

On behalf of everyone at Crossing Borders, we extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible support throughout the year. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in the lives of North Korean refugees and their families in China and South Korea.

Please see above highlights of how your contributions were put to use. We were able to forge strong relationships with the refugees in our care thanks to your support. This continued work is only made possible by your partnership. We thank God for the lives we are able to touch through community classes, our women’s shelter, retreats, and through acts of love and service to North Korean refugees in need.

We are truly grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to this work. Your support empowers us to continue our work in sharing the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children. We’re excited for what the Lord has for us in 2025 and look forward to continuing this important work with you.

Top Headlines from North Korea - January 2025

STARBUCKS OPENS BRANCH WITH VIEWS OF NORTH KOREA

• Starbucks opened a new branch at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea, offering customers a unique view of North Korea’s Kaephung county from the observatory.

• The location is situated less than a mile from the North Korea border and requires visitors to pass through a military checkpoint. The cafe has become a popular tourist destination for those keen to see North Korea from a safe distance.

• The site, originally known as Hill 154, was a significant battleground during the Korean War. 

• The opening of the Starbucks branch is part of broader efforts by Gimpo and other border cities to develop tourism industries and promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/01/16/north-korea-border-platform-starbucks/
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/starbucks-gimpo-north-korea-intl-hnk/index.html 

North Korean Stamp (PC: James St. John)

NORTH KOREA’S NEW STAMPS PRIORITIZE RUSSIAN OVER CHINESE

• North Korea has included Russian in the description of its 2025 postal stamps set, marking the first time that Russian has been used in their stamp release notices.

• In the past, even during the special year of friendship between Pyongyang and Moscow in 2015, Russian was never included in its multilingual announcements.

• The recent inclusion of Russian and the issuance of stamp albums with Russian codes ahead of Chinese ones is seen as a reflection of the growing alignment between North Korea and Russia, as well as a possible shift in North Korea’s prioritization of its relationship with Russia over China.

• The Korea Stamp Corporation’s use of Moscow as a distribution hub for its stamps highlights North Korea’s intent to expand its relations with Russia through the realm of stamps.

Source:
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10387293
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/01/10/north-korea-stamps-russia-friendship/

NORTH KOREA REOPENS BORDER CITY TO FOREIGN TOURISTS

• Tour operators have announced that North Korea has reopened the northeastern city of Rason to foreign tourists, five years after closing its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Despite several flights resuming to North Korea since the lockdown, these flights have predominantly served diplomatic purposes, such as repatriating North Koreans stranded in China and welcoming selected tourists from Russia, a close ally of North Korea.

• The special economic zone bordering China and Russia is now open to both Chinese and other foreign visitors.

• While Rason is open, the rest of North Korea remains closed to travelers, and confirmed itineraries and prices for tourists are yet to be announced.

• Read: “Is it ethical to travel to North Korea?” 

Source:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250116-travel-agencies-say-north-korea-reopens-border-city-to-tourism
https://www.rte.ie/news/asia/2025/0116/1491190-north-korea-tourism/
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/north-korea-tours/ 
https://koryogroup.com/blog/north-korea-borders-to-reopen 

NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS CAPTURED IN UKRAINE

• Two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region while fighting alongside Russian troops. This marks the first time North Korean soldiers have been captured alive in the conflict.

• The captured soldiers provided “indisputable evidence” that North Koreans were actively participating in the war on Russia’s side.

• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed that the captured soldiers have not expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea. One soldier wishes to stay in Ukraine, while the other wants to return to North Korea.

• Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, offers to release the captured soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia.

• Approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to fight in the war, with about 300 killed and 2,700 injured.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3294381/ukraines-captured-north-korean-soldiers-reveal-dprks-role-russias-war
https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-soldiers-captured-ukraine-russia-war-2013812
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-soldiers-capture-ukraine-russia-defect-141433c872649d55358748b179781758

Finding Light in the Darkness: Linda's Arrival at Elim House

Linda (second from left) at Elim House.

Linda's time at Elim House has been marked by health struggles, reflections on past relationships, and efforts to establish independence. Initially admitted due to fleeing her ex-husband's impending release from prison for drug trafficking, Linda expressed a desire to secure housing and remain in a shelter until her situation stabilized. While planning to seek employment after receiving benefits, her poor health has delayed these plans.

Linda's health has been a recurring concern. She suffers from uterine fibroids causing severe bleeding and related symptoms like vomiting due to extremely low hemoglobin levels. Doctors strongly recommend a hysterectomy, which Linda resists due to concerns about her femininity and future fertility. She received blood transfusions to address her critical condition and expressed deep gratitude for Elim's support during these medical emergencies, as she had never navigated the hospital system alone.

Reflecting on her past, Linda shared details of her 14-year marriage to her ex-husband, including unsuccessful attempts to change his drug use. She described the hardship of supporting him after arriving in Korea and expressed a desire to prioritize her own well-being and stand on her own. She also recounted her time in China with a much older husband who ran an entertainment establishment that operated as a brothel at night. This period was marked by constant anxiety due to the presence of other women and ultimately ended with her being sent back to North Korea and her husband's subsequent ruin and death.

During her time in Elim House, Linda has engaged in spiritual reflection, exploring biblical texts and finding solace in the idea that love doesn't necessitate remaining in harmful relationships. She expressed relief at this realization, finding it liberating from the burden of feeling obligated to continue loving her ex-husband. Despite her challenges, Linda expresses appreciation for the support and sense of belonging she feels at Elim House, describing it as feeling like being with family.

The Unpunished Murder of a North Korean Defector in China

North Korean defectors in China find themselves caught in a relentless storm of vulnerability and helplessness. Stripped of their fundamental rights and any semblance of international protection, their isolated lives in appalling conditions are marred by a precarious dance between staying invisible and struggling to survive. 

A CASE OF MURDER

A recent case that underscores the dire situation of defectors in China involves a tragic murder of a North Korean by her husband in rural Liaoning province. The victim, who had defected from North Korea’s Ryanggang province in 2010 and was sold into a forced marriage, endured years of domestic violence by her ethnic Korean Chinese husband while performing hard agricultural labor. Although she was under constant surveillance and abuse, she reportedly endured the horrific treatment in order to send money back to her family in the North. After years of abuse and a life without hope, her recent attempt to escape to South Korea for freedom sadly led to a fatal confrontation with her husband, who beat and killed her with a knife on the spot. 

Shockingly, her husband faced no legal consequences even after confessing his crime of murder. The Chinese police released him without proper investigation and “protected him simply because he’s Chinese and she was a North Korean defector,” according to a source from DailyNK. 

LEGAL INVISIBILITY OF DEFECTORS

This tragic case sparked fear among defectors in China while highlighting the lack of legal protections for North Koreans in China and the impunity enjoyed by their abusers. According to a 2019 report by Korea Future Initiative, tens of thousands of North Korean women and girls become a part of the sex trade in China that generates roughly $105 million USD annually. Over 30 percent of defectors in China are sold into forced marriage to meet the needs of China’s “long-standing one-child policy and penchant for sons” that led to grave gender imbalance and difficulties for Chinese men to find wives. 

Unfortunately, defectors in China have no official status or state recognition, making them ineligible for any form of legal recourse. The Chinese government’s stringent policies towards defectors exacerbate this problem, often viewing them as economic migrants rather than refugees, thus stripping them of potential protections under international law. As a result, when victims of bride trafficking face domestic abuse, whether physical or psychological, they would not risk reporting to the authorities as it could lead to arrest, detention and ultimately deportation back to their home country, where they face severe punishment, including imprisonment, torture and even execution. 

WHY CAN’T INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES HELP?

In short, the classification of defectors as economic migrants prevents other countries, the United Nations and NGOs from intervening effectively. Without official recognition as refugees, defectors cannot claim asylum or benefit from the protections afforded under international conventions, leaving them in a legal limbo with no support when faced with abuse in China.

Meanwhile, the role of humanitarian organizations is becoming limited. While NGOs like Crossing Borders play a crucial role in providing aid and support to defectors, their efforts are often hindered by the need for secrecy and the risk of government crackdowns. Therefore, their ability to address sensitive cases of domestic abuse, which are private in nature, is particularly constrained. This is further exacerbated by the necessity to remain concealed, thereby making it challenging for defectors to seek assistance.

Consequently, even though Chinese law criminalizes murder, and this applies to all individuals within China’s borders, including North Korean defectors, holding individuals liable for the death of North Korean defectors in China presents significant challenges due to the unrecorded and unidentifiable nature of defectors. This issue is further complicated by the potential diplomatic repercussions that such cases might provoke between Beijing and Pyongyang. The complexities and potential costs associated with addressing these incidents often lead to a reluctance to pursue justice, keeping these matters off the record, like the recent murder in Liaoning province. Moreover, the perceived indifference of the North Korean government towards the lives of its citizens exacerbates this issue, contributing to the lack of accountability and protection for defectors. As a result, it is likely that the thirst to survive, albeit in fear, would continue to force many defectors in China to endure abuse in silence.

The Chilling Reality of Surviving Harsh North Korean Winters

As the Korean Peninsula faces one of its most severe cold spells in recent years, the impact on daily lives in North Korea has been profound. Temperatures have plummeted to record lows, with Pyongyang experiencing minus 16 degrees Celsius and even colder in mountainous regions like Mount Paektu on the border with China. State media has recorded some four degrees Celsius below seasonal averages and has issued cold weather alerts across the country, urging North Koreans to properly insulate their homes and make sure objects are not blown away in the strong winds. While South Koreans have access to modern heating solutions, the situation in its northern neighbor is starkly different.

A LONG HISTORY OF FOOD SCARCITY

North Korea has long struggled with food shortages, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. The country’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on seasonal conditions as Pyongyang faces difficulties securing sufficient fertilizer to improve crop yields, thus any deviation in weather can lead to significant crop failures. As a result, the recent cold spells would only worsen the already dire food situation, leading to a rise in food prices and making basic staples like corn and rice even harder to obtain. Since the scarcity of food has historically led to devastating famines, such as the famine in the 1990s which resulted in the death of an estimated two to three million people, the current crisis is likely no exception. 

In previous years, winter seasons have led to mass disappearances of people. Not only do large numbers of homeless beggars, or kotjebi, starve to death, even the employed would desert their homes and workplaces to hunt and fish in remote areas because they could not afford to buy food, with many of them reportedly gone missing. Radio Free Asia reported that after a worker, identified only by his surname Kim, who was suffering from malnutrition, left his home in search of food, the country’s social security department labelled him, along with five other missing people, as wanted persons. Although many of these people were merely searching for food in “remote areas to avoid starving to death,” the authorities marked them as criminals trying to defect to China.

KEEPING WARM AND RISKING LIVES

Heating facilities are inadequate in North Korea during the winter months, even in the capital city of Pyongyang. In their desperate bid to stay warm, many North Koreans have resorted to makeshift heating solutions. Burning coal indoors became a common practice despite the obvious dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning – a silent killer that claims many lives each winter. It is common knowledge that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden dizziness and death, but for families seeking warmth in their enclosed homes, it is a risk that many North Koreans who cannot afford modern heating systems are forced to take.

Despite sitting atop vast coal reserves, North Korea faces a bizarre energy paradox. Even in coal-rich provinces like South Pyongan, Hamgyeong, Jagang, and Ryanggang, residents shiver through winters fueled by low-grade brown and anthracite coal. Meanwhile, for those outside these mining hubs, coal is a luxury mainly because North Korea prioritizes coal exports, leaving its own people to pay exorbitant prices—prices that often double due to the country's unreliable, electricity-starved rail system. 

For North Koreans outside the coal-mining areas, staying warm means relying on whatever they can find. Many turn to gathering firewood from nearby forests and mountains. One defector told NKNews that wood is the primary fuel for over 70% of the population, with coal being a distant second. This reliance on firewood is even acknowledged in North Korea's own laws, which state that local authorities must ensure farmers have enough wood to burn. But the reality is that such a promise is not enforced by the government. Thus, it became common to see children from rural villages dragging tree trunks or carrying firewood on their backs in the mountains. However, as more people began to illegally cut trees to resolve the fuel problem on their own, the country suffered from severe deforestation even after their leader, Kim Jong-un, came to power and pushed for reforestation. 

Unfortunately, the North Korean government’s response to the crisis has been lackluster at best. In yet another unrealistic move, the authorities encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as solar-powered heating. Nevertheless, while a few high-ranking officials and wealthy families have managed to acquire Chinese or smuggled South Korean solar panels, most common people simply cannot afford them. As a result, the most vulnerable North Koreans do not receive any support despite the record cold, leaving many to feel abandoned and hopeless.

The Real Reason Behind South Korea’s Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol [DEMA(Defense Media Agency)]

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in a late-night TV broadcast, citing “anti-state activities” and “threats posed by North Korea” as the primary reasons. This move, unprecedented in nearly 50 years, was aimed at crushing political opposition and restoring order. However, Yoon’s shocking decision was met with immediate backlash from both the public, where thousands of people gathered in protest, and the parliament, leading to its swift revocation just hours later.

WHY DID YOON MAKE THIS ORDER?

By way of background, martial law is temporary rule by military authorities when ordinary law is suspended and civilian decision-makers are deemed unable to function. According to Article 77 of South Korea’s constitution, the president may proclaim martial law when “required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilisation of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.”

Many speculate that the underlying reason for this drastic measure appears to be political desperation. Yoon, facing mounting pressure from the opposition Democratic Party and struggling to maintain his grip on power, saw martial law as a way to eliminate political adversaries and consolidate control. This can be seen by the timely decision after the opposition party pushed through a reduced budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee and filed impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor. For context, Yoon’s administration has been under immense threat from the opposition party, which controls the National Assembly, following the controversial handling of the April 2024 elections, where Yoon’s People Power Party (“PPP”) suffered a significant defeat. 

The pressure was not just external. Within his own party, Yoon faced growing dissent. The ruling PPP, initially supportive, began to fracture as some members shifted their allegiance to the opposition. Thus, this internal strife further weakened Yoon’s position, making it increasingly difficult for him to govern effectively.

AFTERMATH OF THE ORDER

Beyond Yoon’s claims of “criminal groups” hijacking state affairs that were met with great skepticism, the public reaction to the sudden martial law declaration was swift and fierce. Protests erupted across the country demanding Yoon’s resignation and arrest. Meanwhile, the opposition parties called for Yoon’s impeachment, which passed on December 14. The impeachment motion accused Yoon of overstepping his constitutional authority and threatening the democratic order. With a growing number of ruling party lawmakers now supporting the motion, Yoon’s grip on power appeared increasingly tenuous.

Moreover, the attempted suicide of former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, a key figure in the martial law decision, added to the turmoil. According to the army’s Special Warfare Commander, Kim ordered the deployment of troops to “seize control” of six locations, including the parliament, the main opposition party’s headquarters, three offices of the National Election Commission and a polling firm run by a left-wing YouTuber. Kim became the first official to be arrested over Yoon’s martial law declaration, and his attempted suicide using a shirt and underwear at a detention center in Seoul underscored the chaotic and unilateral nature of Yoon’s decision-making process.

IMPACT ON THE TWO KOREAS’ RELATIONSHIP

Though short-lived, the martial law declaration has significant implications for South Korea’s relationship with its northern neighbor. The escalation of military presence and the martial law decree could be perceived by Pyongyang as a threatening move, potentially leading to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea, which has a history of responding to perceived threats with aggressive rhetoric and actions, might even interpret South Korea’s martial law as a preparation for conflict, resulting in increased military activities along the border. This would be particularly alarming for South Korea, as the current political vacuum could mean that its government and military may be ill-prepared for any escalation in tensions with the North Korean regime.

Additionally, Pyongyang would likely interpret Seoul’s current chaos as a sign of internal conflict and seize this timing to assert its influence. North Korea’s state newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, mocked Yoon for allowing such “insane act” that is “akin to the coup d'etat of the decades-ago military dictatorship era” and described “The puppet Yoon Suk Yeol’s shocking decision to level his fascist guns and bayonets at his own people has turned the puppet South into pandemonium.” It also added that the opposition’s failed attempt to impeach Yoon after PPP boycotted the vote had turned South Korea into a “protest scene” while emphasizing how the developments in Seoul have “revealed the weakness in South Korean society.” As a result, the highlighted political instability in South Korea could weaken its position in diplomatic negotiations with North Korea and lead to a rise in propaganda efforts aimed at both domestic and international audiences to undermine the South’s stability.

IMPACT ON NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS

Yoon’s impeachment might have tremendous effects on the daily lives of North Koreans living in South Korea. If the opposition party is elected and a warmer relationship with North Korea is pursued, this could mean that benefits for North Koreans could be cut, human rights violations overlooked, and an overall crackdown of defector activities. All were complaints the community had against the previous administration of president Moon Jae-In. President Moon had a warm relationship with North Korea and Kim Jong Un but this came at a cost. One of North Korea’s greatest points of contention is South Korea’s treatment of refugees from the North, which has worked to make the lives of North Koreans living in South Korea as uncomfortable as possible. The country has an active campaign of harassment towards defectors living in South Korea. The great irony of pursuing peace with North Korea is that often, the horrors experienced by defectors are often ignored.

Michelle, a Third Time

Michelle's life has been defined by hardship and resilience. Raised in North Korea by a single father after her mother's death, she began working in a coal mine after fifth grade, recalling it as a happy time in her life. Her marriage, however, was abusive. After leaving her husband and briefly finding happiness with another man, she was imprisoned for living together unmarried.

Escaping to China in 2003, she endured 16 years of abuse from an alcoholic husband while living as an illegal immigrant. In 2019, she escaped again via the Underground Railroad, one of the last to do so before the 2020 pandemic shut it down, resettling in South Korea.

In 2021, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Recovering and facing the challenges of adapting to a new country during the pandemic, she found support through Elim House. Our missionaries initially encountered Michelle in China in 2017. Michelle came under our care again through Elim House in South Korea and has been a regular at our semi-annual retreats and special events.

Recently, Michelle contacted our social worker Cindy in a deeply depressed state. Since her cancer surgery, which removed her stomach, Michelle has struggled with digestion and other health issues. The recent development of a stomach ulcer during her recovery has further diminished her hope. She said she was in deep despair and that she intended to take her own life. She said she felt too weak to come to Elim House on her own so Cindy arranged to bring Michelle to our shelter this past Monday. Her daughter, who moved from China to South Korea to live with Michelle, will go back to China while her mom finds rest and restoration at Elim House.

The name of our shelter, “Elim,” comes from the book of Exodus, where, after the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, they came to a place called Elim. By all accounts it was beautiful and full of the water they desperately needed in the parched desert.

“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water,” Exodus 15:27 (ESV).

This has been exactly how Michelle has used our services, as a place to rest and recover from the brutal enslavement she experienced in North Korea and China. We thank God for the relationship that’s been forged over many years in China and in South Korea, by which she feels comfortable to call us when she is at her lowest. Please pray for Michelle's physical and emotional recovery, and for her to find renewed faith.

Top Headlines from North Korea - December 2024

NORTH KOREA’S FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS FAVOR SPEED OVER SAFETY

• North Korea is rapidly building new housing in flood-damaged areas, such as Sinuiju’s Hadan and Kangun villages and Wiha island, despite severe supply shortages leading to substandard construction.

• Local residents have raised concerns about the poor construction quality, including minimal structural support using plywood alone, poor waterproofing and potential roof collapses.

• Meanwhile, the authorities are pushing construction teams that are made up of soldiers, as well as unskilled students, youths and women to meet deadlines set by their leader, Kim Jong-un, and even mandating completion “at the highest standard” before key party meetings.

• A source told DailyNK that, “These homes were built for show, not for living. ...People will live in constant anxiety, knowing collapse is possible despite the attractive exterior.”

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-rushes-flood-recovery-housing-despite-safety-concerns/
https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20241118A07UWM00 

FIRST REPORTED DEATHS OF NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS IN UKRAINE

• Approximately 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in recent battles against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region. At least three North Korean servicemen went missing in the area.

• According to a Ukranian drone unit commander deployed to Kursk, the North Korean soldiers appeared inexperienced. He commented that, “The North Koreans are running across the fields, and there are so many of them. They don’t understand what’s happening.”

• An estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers have moved from support roles to direct combat on behalf of Russia.

• The U.S. and Ukraine have confirmed these deaths and promised a strong sanctions response against North Korea.

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/16/first-reported-deaths-of-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-against-ukraine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/16/north-korea-casualties-ukraine-russia/ 

NORTH KOREA’S REMOTE IT WORKERS MADE MILLIONS FOR KIM’S REGIME

• The U.S. Department of Justice indicted 14 North Korean nationals for using false identities to secure remote IT jobs with U.S. companies, funneling over $88 million USD to Pyongyang.

• The suspects also stole sensitive company information and threatened to leak it unless extortion payments were made. 

• These IT workers, employed by the North Korean-controlled companies, Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, are now facing wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft and other charges.

• The U.S. State Department has announced a $5 million USD reward for information leading to the suspects, highlighting the broader effort to disrupt North Korea’s illicit cyber activities.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdnz3elwzvo
https://thehackernews.com/2024/12/doj-indicts-14-north-koreans-for-88m-it.html 

BIDEN APPROVES NATIONAL SECURITY MEMO TO HELP TRUMP ON CHINA, NORTH KOREA AND RUSSIA ISSUES

• President Joe Biden approved a new national security memorandum aimed at countering the growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. This document is intended to serve as a roadmap for the incoming Trump administration to address these challenges.

• The memorandum highlights North Korea’s involvement in providing artillery, missiles and thousands of troops to Russia. In return, North Korea has received fuel and funding from Russia to bolster its manufacturing and military capabilities.

• The document underscores the deepening military and technical cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This cooperation is part of a broader alignment among the four countries, which the Biden administration refers to as the “quartet of chaos.”

• Recommendations were made for improving U.S. government interagency cooperation, speeding up information sharing with allies, calibrating the use of sanctions and economic tools for maximum effectiveness and bolstering preparation to manage simultaneous crises involving these adversaries.

Source:
https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-national-security-memorandum-6d3462b37533a2665d1e844ee6f7f662
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-approves-national-security-memo-on-china-iran-north-korea-and-russia-ahead-of-trump-s-return/7897334.html

North Korea’s Christmas Crackdown

As Christmas draws near, North Korea's authoritarian regime is tightening its grip on its people. A new QR code payment system and a major crackdown on Chinese phones along the border are the latest tactics to enhance surveillance and control. These measures are aimed to stifle any potential dissent and reinforce the regime's dominance, even during a time of year traditionally associated with family and festivity across the border. This seems to be in line with broader trends in North Korea, as they attempt to eliminate outside influence in the country after a period of limited freedoms. 

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS CRACKDOWN

Pyongyang has recently implemented a QR code payment system as part of its “Local Development 22-20" policy, which is an initiative aimed at modernizing the economy by requiring merchants in major cities to adopt electronic payments. This new system is expected to coexist with the tightly controlled national planned economy, where the communist regime centrally plans and determines the types of goods to be produced, the amount of production and the price at which the goods are offered for sale, thereby allowing the government to maintain control while allowing market activities – once banned by the regime – to continue.

While the QR code payment system may seem like a modern convenience, it also serves as a powerful tool for government surveillance. By tracking every transaction, the regime can monitor the financial activities of its citizens, from the smallest purchase to the largest investment. This intrusive measure highlights the government's increasing control over the private lives of its people.

However, the low-level usage of smartphones in the Hermit Kingdom means a greater delay in fully implementing the new digital payment system and a stronger social impact over North Koreans’ ability to stay connected with family and friends, both domestically and internationally. For context, a study conducted by the Korea Institute for National Unification indicates that only a little over 23 percent of some 25.7 million North Koreans own smartphones as of February this year. North Korean citizens also prefer using foreign currency because it is perceived as more stable, though the country has made efforts to confiscate foreign currency. 

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION CRACKDOWN

North Korea has launched a major crackdown on the use of Chinese phones along its border with China, particularly in North Hamgyong province. This campaign aims to curb the flow of information from the outside world and restrict communication across the Chinese border. Considering the many North Koreans who rely on Chinese phones for business purposes and to stay connected with family members who have defected and live abroad, this crackdown has significant implications for the population. Meanwhile, with the introduction of 4G communications in North Korea, where users are now able to make video calls and exchange photos via local smartphone apps, authorities can more easily track and surveil communication, potentially limiting the spread of information that are not in line with state propaganda.

Earlier this year, the authorities similarly cracked down on smuggled Chinese-made smartwatches that can connect to Chinese mobile networks using USIM cards. As these devices are able to make calls, send messages and access WeChat, the regime feared that they could encourage unauthorized communication with the outside world, thus imposed severe consequences, including interrogation and potential detention of individuals caught with these smartwatches. Even those who only used the smartwatches for Bluetooth connectivity without inserting a USIM card could still be punished. Unfortunately, many North Koreans bought these smartwatches without knowing their full capabilities, as the instruction manuals were often in Chinese, which led to increased scrutiny for those possessing these devices due to a lack of understanding.

CELEBRATING AN ISOLATED CHRISTMAS

The combined effects of the escalated surveillance via the QR code payment system and harsh penalties for using Chinese phones create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among citizens. This has a profound impact on North Koreans, especially during Christmas, the time of year that is traditionally associated with exchanging gifts and connecting with loved ones, as it has become difficult for people to maintain these connections. For the Christian minority in North Korea, celebrating Christmas is already fraught with challenges due to the regime’s strict control over religious activities. The intensified monitoring during the festive season further complicates the ability of underground churches to gather and worship, thus exacerbating the isolation experienced by the Christian communities in North Korea.