Yoon: “We will not send back any North Korean compatriots who seek South Korea”

2024-07-14 06:43:04

Commemorative speech for the ‘1st North Korean Defectors’ Day’ ceremony

President Yoon Seok-yeol is giving a commemorative speech at the ‘1st North Korean Defectors’ Day Commemoration Ceremony’ held at the Blue House Guest House on the 14th. Provided by the Office of the President, July 14, 2024

President Yoon Seok-yeol stated, “No matter what happens, we will not turn back even a single North Korean compatriot who comes to South Korea,” and “We will make every diplomatic effort to ensure that our compatriots who escaped North Korea and are living overseas are not forcibly repatriated and are safely embraced by South Korea.” This is interpreted as a direct attempt to bring up the issue of North Korean defectors, to which North Korea is sensitive, and send a message of pressure to the North.

In his commemorative speech at the 1st North Korean Defectors’ Day ceremony on the 14th, President Yoon emphasized, “Our government will ensure that your steps toward freedom will not be in vain,” and “We will never turn away from our fellow North Koreans suffering under the North Korean regime.”

President Yoon also criticized, “The North Korean regime is building walls and electric fences in border areas to prevent defections, and even planting landmines.” He also promised, “We will establish a comprehensive protection and support system for the stable settlement of defectors,” and “We will significantly improve the initial settlement support fund, which is at the 2005 level, and provide incentives such as tax deductions for companies that hire defectors.”

The Youth and North Korean Defectors Youth Choir is singing at the ‘1st North Korean Defectors’ Day Commemoration Ceremony’ held at the Blue House Guest House on the 14th. Provided by the Office of the President, July 14, 2024

‘North Korean Defectors’ Day’ was established by President Yoon at the January State Council meeting to embrace North Korean defectors and encourage their successful settlement. The first government-level commemorative ceremony was held on this day.

President Yoon personally awarded the Dongbaek Medal of Civil Merit to Kim Seong-min, head of Free North Korea Radio, in recognition of his contributions to supporting North Korean defectors, and honored those who have contributed. He also attended the send-off ceremony held by the Challengers, the first youth baseball team comprised of North Korean defectors, ahead of their visit to the United States, and presented them with a large baseball with the words “Home Run to Freedom” and his autograph.

Reporter Shin Na-ri [email protected]

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2024-07-14 06:43:04