SEOUL, January 18, 2026 – More than 33,000 North Korean citizens had migrated to South Korea as of 2019, a testament to teh lengths people will go to escape one of the worldS most isolated regimes. But this isn’t a story of equal numbers; a striking gender imbalance defines the flow of refugees, with women making up roughly 70 percent of those who successfully defect.
A Disproportionate Journey: Why So Many Women?
The significant disparity in the number of North Korean women seeking refuge in the South is rooted in the country’s deeply patriarchal social structure and conscription policies.
Life in North Korea is brutally tough for everyone, especially following the devastating famine that gripped the nation from 1994 until around the turn of the millennium. However, the state’s control over its citizens isn’t applied equally.women are often subject to less stringent surveillance than men, creating a window of chance for escape. adding to this, young men are routinely conscripted into the military for extended periods, often during thier most mobile years, making defection significantly more challenging.
The transition to South Korea isn’t easy.North Korean refugees arrive in a vibrant capitalist democracy after living under a harsh communist system steeped in customary patriarchal values. Many face discrimination and struggle to adapt to their newfound freedom, finding that liberation doesn’t automatically equate to a better life. Yet, the very hardships endured in North Korea and during the journey south often forge a remarkable resilience.
This resilience is powerfully portrayed in the documentary North South Man Woman, directed by Sun Kim and Morten Traavik.The film follows two couples – one comprised of a South Korean man and a North Korean woman, and the other a South Korean woman and a North Korean man – exploring the complexities of cross-border relationships and the challenges of cultural integration. the documentary doesn’t shy away from the power dynamics inherent in these unions.
Eugene’s ambition and Jurok’s perceived laziness is especially stark, with Eugene financially supporting him while he pursues YouTube content creation.
While the documentary focuses on just two couples, directors sun Kim and Morten Traivik likely chose their subjects to highlight a common dynamic. A woman who has overcome immense hardship may find herself exceeding her partner’s capabilities, especially if he has grown up in relative comfort. Eugene herself notes that her parents didn’t instill a saving mentality in her husband, who tends to spend money freely.
Eugene explains. She also observes that south Korean men often seek North Korean wives with the expectation of finding someone more traditionally obedient and subservient.
The film’s release comes at a time of heightened gender tensions in South Korea, fueled by the rise of radical feminism – including the 4B Movement,which advocates for women rejecting romantic relationships with men – and a strong backlash against it,particularly among young men who were instrumental in the 2022 election of Jun szogjol. These divisions exacerbate the country’s already challenging demographic situation.
Given these circumstances, it’s not surprising that some South Korean men turn to matchmaking services to find partners who embrace more traditional gender roles. However, as North-South man-woman suggests, a man seeking an obedient wife may well find himself with a partner who is far more resilient and determined than he anticipates.
North South Man Woman (North South Man Woman). Directed by sun Kim and Morten Traavik. The film can be seen as part of the Budapest International Documentary Film Festival (BIDF) at Cinema City Mammut on January 25, 26 and 29. More information and exact screening times are found on the BIDF website.
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