Kwon Young-se "Significant Overhaul of Support System for North Korean Defectors' Settlement"

Early Detection of Crisis Signs through Information Analysis and Collection
Economic Support Including Increased Initial Settlement Funds and Emergency Living Expenses
Strengthening Psychological Support for North Korean Defectors Suffering from Social Isolation

Minister of Unification Kwon Young-se attended the Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary meeting held at the National Assembly on the 5th. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification, announced plans to significantly overhaul the settlement support system in response to the recent deaths among North Korean defectors. A new reform plan is expected to be unveiled as early as this year.

On the afternoon of the 5th, during a briefing at the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee plenary session, Minister Kwon stated, "We will analyze and consolidate information that has been managed in a fragmented manner to proactively detect signs of crisis and transform the system into one that can immediately provide comprehensive services."

The Ministry of Unification will first strengthen 'economic support' by increasing initial settlement funds and emergency living expenses. Plans are underway to link defectors with high-quality jobs. Additionally, 'psychological support' will be enhanced for defectors suffering from mental distress due to social isolation.

The issues faced by defectors during settlement can be broadly summarized into two categories: 'economic poverty' and 'social isolation.' Regarding poverty, as of last year, the average monthly wage of defectors was 2,277,000 KRW, approximately 1 million KRW less than the average monthly income of domestic wage workers, which was 3,271,000 KRW.

Status of North Korean Defectors and Average Monthly Wages

Regarding employment, nearly half of the jobs held by defectors were relatively unstable positions such as simple laborers and service workers. Given this situation, the average length of employment for defectors was 31 months, less than half of the 70 months for the general population, with the proportion of those employed for less than four months exceeding two out of ten.

To establish these plans, the Ministry of Unification recently conducted interviews with representatives of defector organizations and workers at Hana Centers. For regional Hana Centers in Seoul, Gangwon, Gyeongnam, Jeonbuk, and Daegu, on-site visits were conducted to inspect crisis response practices and gather opinions. Currently, the reform plan is being developed through outsourcing, expert consultations, and coordination with related ministries. Recognizing the importance of the issue, the ministry aims to complete the reform plan as soon as possible, with the disclosure expected as early as this year.

Meanwhile, in the briefing, Minister Kwon explained the future direction of unification and inter-Korean policies, stating, "We will firmly respond to North Korean provocations while continuing efforts to promote dialogue." The ministry plans to consistently pursue improvements in humanitarian issues without political or military considerations. The 4th Basic Plan for Promoting Separated Families Exchanges and the 3rd Basic Plan for Improving North Korean Human Rights are scheduled to be established within this month.