In January, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for a day devoted to North Korean defectors to promote their “inclusivity and settlement support” in South Korea. The administration officially designated July 14 as North Korean Defectors’ Day.
Seoul is currently gearing up for this inaugural celebration. "In commemoration of the first North Korean Defectors' Day, we hope that both South and North Korean citizens will appreciate the importance of freedom and human rights, and foster mutual understanding and consideration," said Lee Dong-ryul, head of the Administration Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government.
Starting on Sunday, July 14, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will host events throughout the week, with a goal of combating prejudice against North Korean defectors and encouraging and fostering a sense of unity and belonging among all Seoul citizens, South and North Koreans alike. From talks given by government officials and subject matter experts throughout the week to movie screenings and cultural experiences, there is a concerted effort to raise awareness and encourage change in South Korea.
Problems North Koreans Face
A Lack of Community
A majority of North Koreans who arrive in South Korea do not have family and struggle to find a community. According to the Hana Foundation's survey of North Korean refugees in South Korea, “living away from family (family in North Korea or a third country)” is the top reason for dissatisfaction of living in South Korea (29.1 percent of respondents in 2022). In 2021, only 18.4 percent of respondents said they engaged in any type of social group activities.
Physical Health
Only a third of North Koreans living in South Korea rated their health status as “good.” Most defectors received what is called “Tier 1” Medical Benefits of the Basic Livelihood Security Program as a part of their resettlement services. From our experience in helping North Koreans through Elim House, this poor self assessment is not from a lack of access to medical benefits but a combination of a somatization of the trauma they carry with them and a desire to not draw negative attention to themselves.
Suicidal Impulses
The rate of suicidal impulses felt by North Koreans living in South Korea continue to be more than double that of their South Korean neighbors, which points to the hopelessness many feel. The top four reasons for feeling this impulse were “physical-mental illness or disorder,” “economic hardship,” and “loneliness, solitude,” and “family troubles,” which totaled 79 percent.
Discrimination
South Korea is a homogenous country made up of 95 percent Koreans. Many of the 4.9 percent foreign residents are ethnically Korean with citizenship in other countries, which makes South Korea even more homogenous. It is difficult to be a foreigner in such a homogenous setting. Our conversation with both refugees and those who work in the field of helping North Koreans affirm that most North Koreans in South Korea experience some form of racial discrimination.
The Ways It Can Have Impact
North Korean refugees we encounter through Elim House are often lonely, in poor health and fleeing from destructive relationships. Creating nation-wide awareness that open dialogue is a good and promising step towards helping people who continue to struggle to find their place. Korea has already established resettlement services through the Hana Foundation, its own nonprofit arm that assists North Koreans. However, help is needed beyond services, training and financial support. Most North Koreans carry with them a great deal of trauma from the oppression in North Korea, human trafficking, and the threat of repatriation in China, and the inability to be accepted in South Korea.
We believe that their ultimate sense of hope and belonging can only come from Jesus. Until they have an encounter with this living hope, a recurring reminder like North Korean Defector’s Day will cause the 51 million living in South Korea to pause and consider the people who suffer quietly in their midst.
