Park Neung-hoo: "Unable to Identify North Korean Defectors Who Crossed the Border... Confirmation Expected Around Tomorrow"

Once identity is confirmed,
COVID-19 test results can be quickly verified

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki Ha-young] Regarding the North Korean report that a defector suspected of being infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has defected back to North Korea, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters stated that the identity has not yet been confirmed.

Park Neung-hoo, the first deputy head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a regular briefing held at the Government Seoul Office Building on the 26th, in response to a question about the rumor that a defector suspected of being infected with COVID-19 defected back to North Korea, "We have not yet identified the exact identity of this defector," adding, "Once the identity is confirmed, the confirmation of infection and contacts will be quickly determined."

He continued, "Usually, when a defection incident occurs, the military or government agencies gather to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the case, but the quarantine authorities have not yet been informed of this person's identity," and explained, "If we are given just the person's name and ID (identity), we have a system that can immediately verify the infection status at any time, so I think we will be able to provide an answer soon."

Son Young-rae, head of the Strategic Planning Division of the Central Accident Response Headquarters, also added, "Regarding the defector, consultations are currently underway among related agencies, and more detailed information is being gathered," and said, "Once the information is confirmed, we will cross-check it with the patient information system and provide a re-announcement around tomorrow (the 27th)."

Although the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters responded that they have not received information about the defector from government agencies, it is known that the military authorities and the Gimpo Police Station in Gyeonggi Province have already somewhat identified the individual as Kim Mo (24), a defector residing in Gimpo. It has been confirmed that Kim was investigated by the police last month on suspicion of sexually assaulting an acquaintance at his home.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.