Ministry looking into reported arrest of N.K. defectors in China
SEOUL, May 20 (Yonhap) -- South Korea is trying to confirm media reports that a series of North Koreans were recently arrested in China after having fled their impoverished country, the unification ministry said Friday.
Cha Duck-chul, the ministry's deputy spokesperson made the remarks, citing a local law calling for diplomatic efforts to protect and support North Korean refugees based overseas.
Two North Korean defectors were arrested in the Chinese city of Dandong after they crossed the border from the North on Wednesday, according to sources. Three others were also captured earlier this week after they and two other fellows sought to cross the border into China, the sources said.
"We are working with the related agencies to find out the details (of the reports)," Cha told a regular press briefing. "We will make diplomatic efforts based on our position that North Korean defectors living abroad can go to any place they desire of their own free will."
The reported border crossings have spawned speculation that North Koreans are struggling with shortages of everyday necessities amid COVID-19 outbreaks and persistent economic difficulties caused by sanctions and other factors.
People stand in line to receive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test certificates at Dandong Station in China's northeastern border city of Dandong, Liaoning Province, on Jan. 9, 2022, as all passengers using train stations and airports in the city are required to take the test at the scene under toughened social distancing rules. (Yonhap)
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
Nuclear envoys of S. Korea, U.S., Japan condemn N. Korea's stipulation of nuclear policy -
Unification minister to visit Britain, Germany -
Army chief to visit India for Indo-Pacific conference with counterparts -
Defense minister nominee vows to 'firmly punish' N. Korea in event of provocation -
(URGENT) N. Korea decides to expel U.S. soldier Travis King
-
(LEAD) Court rejects arrest warrant for opposition leader Lee over corruption charges -
Defense minister nominee vows to 'firmly punish' N. Korea in event of provocation -
(LEAD) Opposition leader Lee attends arrest warrant hearing at Seoul court -
Unification minister to visit Britain, Germany -
Army chief to visit India for Indo-Pacific conference with counterparts
-
(Asiad) S. Korea blank China to reach men's football semifinals -
N. Korea slams IAEA's adoption of resolution on Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program -
(LEAD) (Asiad) S. Korea takes 2 silvers in roller skating relays -
(Asiad) Distraught roller skater apologizes for costly premature celebration -
National Assembly speeds up efforts to outlaw dog meat consumption in S. Korea
