"Received 10 Million Won Immediately After Defection, Must Manage on Their Own"…Rapid Increase in Solitary Deaths Among Defectors [AK Radio]

14 Solitary Deaths in the First Half of This Year
Also High Among Economically Active Population Aged 30-50

Recently, a series of solitary death incidents among North Korean defectors have occurred, drawing renewed attention to the support system for defectors in our society. It has been revealed that 14 defectors died alone in the first half of this year alone, and according to government statistics, about 21% of all defectors are classified as high-risk groups due to economic difficulties. This article provides an in-depth analysis and sheds light on the reality of support for North Korean defectors.

Solitary Deaths of North Korean Defectors Revealed Through the National Assembly Audit

The Job Fair for North Korean Defectors was held on the 1st at COEX in Seoul. North Korean defectors are lined up waiting to enter the event venue. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

The settlement issues of North Korean defectors have long been an important social issue in Korean society. Defectors undergo a long journey from North Korea to settle in South Korea, often facing economic and psychological hardships during this process. However, in recent years, the increase in solitary death incidents among defectors has once again highlighted how socially isolated they are.

According to data submitted by the Ministry of Unification to Jeong Ae Han, a member of the National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, 83 defectors without known relatives have died over the past 10 years, with 14 of them dying alone in the first half of this year alone. Notably, a significant number of these solitary deaths occurred among people in their 30s to 50s, an age group that should be economically active, which is shocking. Generally, solitary deaths are mostly associated with elderly people aged 70 and above, but in the case of defectors, it is noteworthy that younger age groups are affected.

21% of Defectors Are High-Risk... The Pain of Economic Hardship

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Among the problems faced by defectors after settling in South Korea, economic hardship is the most significant. According to government data, about 21% of the approximately 34,000 defectors are in an economic crisis, having overdue payments for health insurance premiums, housing rent, and communication fees for more than three months. In this situation, defectors desperately need management from the government or local authorities, but their economic difficulties are often not properly reflected, and support systems are insufficient, making the problem more serious.

Especially for defectors who left North Korea alone and settled in South Korea, the likelihood of deepening economic and social isolation is high. Without family or relatives, they have no one to rely on, and government support is limited. This situation leads to economic crises, and many end their lives in solitary death due to hardship.

Government Support and Its Limitations

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The government’s system to support defectors’ settlement is relatively systematic in the early stages. After defectors enter South Korea, they undergo a joint interrogation by the National Intelligence Service to verify their defection background, followed by education and support for settlement. They complete a 12-week adaptation program at an educational institution called Hanwha-won to adjust to Korean society, and then receive a settlement support fund of about 10 million KRW. Starting next year, this amount is scheduled to increase to 15 million KRW, with additional support such as housing subsidies and employment incentives also provided.

However, after this initial support, defectors often find themselves having to fend for themselves once they enter society. The government-provided support fund is given as a one-time payment, and if they fail to find employment or become self-reliant afterward, they suffer from financial hardship. While some defectors have succeeded in settling and become asset owners, many face economic and social maladjustment issues.

In 2022, a case where a woman in her 40s, a defector, was found in a skeletal state in a rental apartment in Yangcheon-gu, Seoul, starkly illustrates the solitary death of defectors. This woman escaped from North Korea over 20 years ago and was known to have adapted well to society, even appearing on broadcasts, but it is presumed she ultimately died alone due to financial hardship. This incident highlighted the social isolation of defectors and the limitations of government support more clearly.

Solitary Death and Death Without Relatives... The Isolated Lives of Defectors

The difference between solitary death and death without relatives lies in whether the deceased’s family took custody of the body. Solitary death refers to cases where family or acquaintances take custody of the body, while death without relatives means there is no family or acquaintances to claim the body. Most defectors escaped North Korea alone, so there are many cases of death without relatives. According to National Assembly data, cases of death without relatives among defectors have been concentrated in the past three years, reflecting the characteristics of defectors who face economic difficulties and have weak social networks.

The recent resurgence of the solitary death issue among defectors is also related to the government’s strengthened monitoring of high-risk groups. After the skeletal body incident in 2022, the Ministry of Unification launched a 'Safety Support Team' to focus on managing defectors’ financial hardship issues. They continuously monitor about 7,200 defectors classified as high-risk by linking with 39 types of crisis information managed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. However, despite the government’s active monitoring, cases of death without relatives have not decreased.

The Roles of Government and Civil Society

The government implements various support policies for defectors, but more fundamental measures are needed to solve the solitary death problem. Policies that provide more practical employment support and housing stability must back defectors’ economic independence. Moreover, for defectors to fully adapt to Korean society, psychological and social support is needed in addition to economic assistance.

Meanwhile, the role of civil society is also important. Since the isolation problem of defectors cannot be solved by government policies alone, local communities and citizens must take active interest. Various programs and support should be prepared to help defectors build social networks and achieve economic independence.

The solitary death issue of defectors is not simply an individual problem but a social one. They have arrived in South Korea after a long journey from North Korea but still live isolated lives amid economic and social difficulties. The government should help defectors fully settle in Korean society through more systematic and practical support policies, and civil society should continue to show sustained interest and support for them.

Editor's NoteThis content is also available on Asia Economy’s economic podcast 'AK Radio.' AK Radio is a platform that provides investors with essential information on politics, economy, international affairs, technology, bio, and digital trends. Clicking the video play button within the article allows you to hear the reporter’s actual voice. This article is a reorganization of the broadcast content on AK Radio through ChatGPT.