10 defectors from North to arrive in Seoul today
Ten North Korean defectors who sought asylum in the Japanese embassy in Thailand will arrive in Seoul today, apparently having abandoned their earlier plan to go to Japan.The defectors, including two children, entered the Japanese mission in Bangkok on July 31 and requested refugee status in Japan.
Their success suggested a possible shift in targets for would-be North Korean asylum-seekers, who find that Chinese authorities are tightening security at embassies in Beijing.
The North Koreans’ decision to go to Seoul may have been prompted by an attempt by Japan to avoid complicating an already difficult relationship with Pyeongyang as the two countries prepare to meet in Beijing for six-nation talks on North Korea’s suspected nuclear program.
by Kim Young-sae
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)