NIS: "Defectors' Families Could Not Endure COVID-19 Controls and Defected"

Around 10 people from two families... Identified as 'in-law' relations
"Usually watch South Korean broadcasts and admire Korean society"

Earlier this month, a group of North Korean defectors crossed the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea by fishing boat, reportedly deciding to defect due to increased control by North Korean authorities following the COVID-19 pandemic.

A National Intelligence Service (NIS) official told Asia Economy on the 19th, "The defectors stated during the joint interrogation that the strengthened social control in North Korea due to the COVID-19 situation increased their discontent with the regime, leading them to decide to defect," adding, "They described their relationship as incheok (姻戚, relatives by marriage)."

Uninhabited Island Hambakdo near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea (unrelated to the content of this article)

The NIS, military, Ministry of Unification, and other related agencies are conducting a joint interrogation of the group of North Korean residents who defected by crossing the West Sea NLL by fishing boat on the night of the 6th. The group, consisting of about 10 people including young children, is presumed to be members of two families related by marriage. This is the first case of a 'family unit' defecting by fishing boat in six years since July 2017.

An NIS official explained, "The defectors reportedly often watched South Korean broadcasts and longed for our society," adding, "Specific personal information including their place of origin cannot be disclosed as it could expose their identities or affect the safety of family members remaining in the North."

Since the intelligence authorities have classified their defection as 'defection' (gwiseun), the joint interrogation is expected to conclude soon. After the interrogation, they will be transferred to the North Korean Defectors Protection Center to receive 12 weeks of adaptation education for South Korean society, and then move to the North Korean Defectors Settlement Support Office (Hanawon).

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