Seoul: New Defection Raises Concerns about North Korea’s Border Security Measures
Thousands Flee to South Korea Every Year
Tens of thousands of North Koreans have fled to the South since the peninsula was divided by war in the 1950s. (AFP pic)
SEOUL: A suspected North Korean defector crossed the de facto western maritime border last month and is now in the South, Seoul’s military said Friday, days after Pyongyang said it would seal off the countries’ shared border.
Pyongyang’s Border Closures
The North’s army said this week it would "permanently shut off and block the southern border" by "completely cutting off roads and railways" connected to the South and building "strong defence structures."
Seoul’s Assessment
Seoul’s joint chiefs of staff chairman Kim Myung-soo told lawmakers on Thursday that the North’s latest moves could be "intended to prevent the external leakage of internal personnel" into the South.
Recent Defections
Our military secured a person suspected to be from North Korea in the West Sea in mid-September and handed him over to the relevant authorities," Seoul’s military told AFP. "There have been no unusual movements from the North Korean military, and we cannot confirm any further details."
Latest Case Details
According to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency, the incident involved a North Korean escaping aboard a wooden boat.
Recent Border Tensions
The latest case follows two recent defections: one across the heavily fortified inter-Korean land border and the other through the neutral zone of the Han River estuary, both reported by Seoul in August.
North’s Border Security Measures
South Korea said in July that Pyongyang had planted tens of thousands of new landmines and built barriers in the border area, resulting in "multiple casualties" among the North’s soldiers when mines exploded.
Motivations for Defection
Experts say defectors have likely been impacted by harsh living conditions, including food shortages and inadequate responses to natural disasters while living in the isolated North.
Conclusion
The latest defector’s journey highlights the ongoing challenges faced by those attempting to escape North Korea’s isolated and oppressive regime. The North’s insistence on sealing its borders could exacerbate the situation, leading to more attempts to cross the border illegally, which can result in tragic consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation at the Korean border?
The North Korean army has announced plans to seal off and block the southern border, but Seoul has reported recent instances of North Koreans attempting to flee.
How did the latest defector escape?
The individual is believed to have escaped aboard a wooden boat in the West Sea.
What is the current situation in North Korea?
Experts suggest that harsh living conditions, including food shortages and inadequate responses to natural disasters, have led to a desire to escape among some North Koreans.
What is the typical route taken by defectors?
Most defectors travel overland to neighboring China, then enter a third country, such as Thailand, before finally reaching South Korea.