Special Appointment Path Opened for North Korean Defector Public Officials... Dong-eop Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly Member Proposes Ordinance

Lee Dong-eop, a member of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly (People Power Party, Pohang), announced on the 16th that he has proposed the "Partial Amendment to the Ordinance on Support for the Settlement of North Korean Defectors in Gyeongsangbuk-do" at the 2nd regular session of the 351st Gyeongbuk Provincial Assembly.

The main content of this amendment is to promote the purchase of products from exemplary business owners by giving priority to purchasing products from businesses that employ North Korean defectors, thereby supporting market expansion, enhancing corporate competitiveness, and fostering employment creation for North Korean defectors.

Gyeongbuk Provincial Council Member Dong-eop Lee

Additionally, a provision has been newly established to allow the special appointment of North Korean defectors as public officials to assist their entry into the public sector. Furthermore, Gyeongsangbuk-do’s public property will be leased or made available for use and profit to schools that provide education to North Korean defectors or their children, thereby laying the foundation for them to receive education in a quality educational environment.

Assemblyman Lee Dong-eop stated, “Many North Korean defectors face difficulties in finding jobs, which often leads to economically unstable lives,” and emphasized, “Supporting North Korean defectors to settle stably in Korean society is not merely about helping an individual’s life but is an important task for the integration and peace of society as a whole.”

He continued, “I hope that the amendment to the ordinance will provide North Korean defectors with more quality jobs and serve as an opportunity for them to lead more stable and happy lives,” adding, “We will continue to strive to establish effective support and policies so that North Korean defectors can live independent lives.”

As of the end of November, there are 31,393 North Korean defectors in South Korea, of whom 1,120 reside in Gyeongsangbuk-do. This ordinance amendment is expected to greatly contribute to the livelihood stability and successful settlement of North Korean defectors living in the province.

This ordinance has already passed the review of the Administrative Health and Welfare Committee and is scheduled for final approval at the plenary session on the 20th.