[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Lee In-young, Minister of Unification, stated that employment indicators for North Korean defectors are showing some improvement, and that related systems will be supplemented to support their self-reliance.
On the morning of the 20th, Minister Lee attended the 'Special Exhibition of Products by North Korean Defectors' held at the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, and said, "According to recent settlement status surveys of North Korean defectors, some employment-related indicators, such as the gap in average wages and length of service, are showing signs of improvement."
Minister Lee added, "Although there is still a long way to go, this is a valuable and meaningful achievement," and stated, "We will continue to devote our efforts and capabilities to ensuring that North Korean defectors firmly take root as good colleagues and good neighbors by our side."
He further said, "While the government's policies for North Korean defectors have so far focused on initial settlement support, recently the emphasis has expanded beyond settlement to self-reliance within local communities," and added, "Starting next year, we aim to further expand in a direction that can overcome prejudice and disparities within our society and move toward a higher and more mature inclusive society."
He continued, "The government also intends to continuously improve related systems so that North Korean defectors can not only settle stably in our society but also nurture hope and challenges and successfully achieve self-reliance."
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