A total of 96 North Korean defectors entered South Korea in the first half of 2025, most after spending a significant period in China or other third countries before arriving.
Seoul’s unification ministry told NK News on Monday that 88 were women and only 8 were men. The number is similar to the 105 defectors recorded in the first half of 2024 but marks a 27% decrease from 131 defectors in the second half of last year.
A total of 96 North Korean defectors entered South Korea in the first half of 2025, most after spending a significant period in China or other third countries before arriving.
Seoul’s unification ministry told NK News on Monday that 88 were women and only 8 were men. The number is similar to the 105 defectors recorded in the first half of 2024 but marks a 27% decrease from 131 defectors in the second half of last year.
