South Korean President Lee Jae-myung Promises To Increase Support For North Korean Defenders

Deputy Minister of Unification Kim Nam-jung while reading President Lee Jae-myung's speech at Defectors' Day in Seoul. (Source: Ministry of Unification)

JAKARTA - President Lee Jae-myung said on Monday the South Korean government would step up efforts to support the independence and social integration of North Korean defectors.

This was conveyed by President Lee at the commemoration ceremony of North Korean Defenders' Day in a speech delivered by Deputy Minister of Unification Kim Nam-jung.

"In addition to providing support and protection for basic settlements, the government will work to ensure the independence and social integration of North Korean defectors by helping them engage with their communities, grow and develop together," President Lee said in a speech. July 14th.

President Lee described defectors as individuals setting foot in South Korea as seeking a new life, expressing his hopes that they could overcome past difficulties and achieve stability.

"We will take care of all of you when you adapt to your community and take root in your new life," said President Lee.

Although President Lee was not present at this event, unlike his predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol last year, North Korean defectors are not worried.

"He was likely busy at the beginning of his term," defector Kim Il-hyeok told NK News, adding he had "high expectations" of Lee's presidency.

Monday's event aims to highlight Seoul's policy of improving defectors' welfare, such as the government's efforts to expand tuition support, as well as feature fugitives sharing their experiences in South Korea.

The Unification Ministry explained that the event aims to raise public awareness and empathy for North Korean defectors and their family members, which number around 60,000 people across the country, as well as highlight the lives of the fugitives as members of the ordinary community.