Half of 10 North Korean Defectors in Difficult Situations Complain of Emotional and Psychological Difficulties

The view of the Gwan-san Peninsula area in Gaepung County, Hwanghaebuk-do, North Korea, as seen from the Odusan Unification Observatory in Paju, Gyeonggi-do. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung, Paju.

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Among North Korean defectors (NK defectors) facing difficult circumstances, 5 out of 10 were found to have emotional and psychological difficulties such as livelihood and mental health issues.

The Ministry of Unification announced on the 6th that from November 26 to December 27 last year, it conducted a "Vulnerable North Korean Defectors Survey" targeting 1,532 defectors and established 1,418 customized support plans for 1,226 individuals.

This survey was conducted as part of follow-up measures to the "Comprehensive Measures for the Stabilization of North Korean Defectors' Lives" established in September 2019, aiming to identify defectors experiencing or expected to experience economic and psychological difficulties and connect them with tailored support.

Among North Korean defectors residing in South Korea, a total of 1,582 were selected, and the survey was completed for 1,532 individuals excluding 50 people (3%) who required additional verification.

The main issues (multiple responses allowed) showed that 25% answered "livelihood," the highest proportion, followed by education and advancement (22%), mental health (20%), and family relationships (4%), with those reporting emotional and psychological difficulties accounting for 47% of the total. Additionally, 71% of respondents reported having two or more complex problems.

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