How North Korean women and children face hardships after defecting to South Korea

In their pursuit of freedom and a better life, North Korean women often cross the border into China. Unfortunately, their hopes are shattered as they encounter even less freedom and live in constant fear of deportation. Without legal identification, these women are unable to work and become vulnerable to human trafficking, sexual violence, and other crimes. Many end up marrying Chinese citizens out of necessity or coercion by marriage brokers.

Defectors spend time in China before finally arriving in South Korea. Women are told by their brokers that marrying a Chinese man was crucial for survival, so they comply. Eventually, the opportunity arise for them to leave for South Korea, their ultimate destination.

However, many defectors who were born in North Korea and then escaped to South Korea are not eligible for benefits designated for North Koreans, such as special college admissions and vocational training.

Hardships for children

Children, who now constitute nearly 70 percent of all North Korean defector children enrolled in South Korean schools, struggle with language barriers and social inclusion due to inadequate government support.

Education poses a significant obstacle for these children. While legally recognized North Korean escapees can enter reputable schools without having to excel in the college entrance exam, third-country-born children must compete with their South Korean peers, who have not received special treatment.

Mandatory military service is another issue. According to the Military Service Act, individuals who immigrated from north of the Military Demarcation Line are exempt from serving in the military. However, this exemption does not extend to their children born in third countries.

Kim Duck-soo, deputy director of Citizens' Alliance for North Korean Human Rights, emphasized the unique struggles faced by these children, including difficulties in securing a university degree and the subsequent challenges in finding employment and escaping poverty. Kim argues that the issue is not solely the children's problem but affects entire families, as approximately 70 percent of North Korean defector households in South Korea have children.

Attempts to reform the system and protect this marginalized group through proposed bills have been largely disregarded or neglected in the National Assembly. Concerns about potential diplomatic issues with China, where there are approximately 200,000 such children, have hindered progress. Lawmakers fear that an influx of individuals seeking South Korean citizenship may strain diplomatic relations.

However, Kim contends that the focus should be on the human rights aspect rather than potential diplomatic complications. He believes that a resolution must be found to ensure the inclusion and empowerment of those who arrived in South Korea with their children, allowing them to live with dignity and security.