Jeonnam Province to Foster Unity with North Korean Defectors

The 2nd Day of North Korean Defectors Commemoration Event
A Variety of Programs Including a Unification Talk Concert

Main poster commemorating the Day of North Korean Defectors. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced that on July 12, it will hold a cultural event at the Honam Unification Plus Center in Mokpo to commemorate the 2nd Day of North Korean Defectors, creating a space for understanding differences and fostering unity.

This event is being organized in celebration of the Day of North Korean Defectors (July 14), which was designated a national memorial day last year. The aim is to encourage the courage of North Korean defectors living in Jeonnam to lead independent lives, and to provide an opportunity for local residents and defectors to better understand and embrace one another.

The main programs include: an awards ceremony for the "Jeonnam Settlement Photo Contest for North Korean Defectors," performances by North Korean defector artists, and a "Glimpse into Life in North and South Korea" unification talk concert. There will also be various hands-on booths, such as making Korean Peninsula soap, unification pocket perfumes, and personalized unification cups.

In particular, the photo contest will feature around 40 works that capture the changes and emotions experienced by North Korean defectors as they settle in Jeonnam. The winning entries will be unveiled at a terrace exhibition on the day of the event.

Ko Mikyung, Director of Autonomous Administration at Jeonnam Province, stated, "We hope this event will broaden understanding of North Korean defectors who have settled in Jeonnam, foster a sense of unity for peace on the Korean Peninsula, and help expand consensus on unification. Jeonnam Province will continue to support North Korean defectors so they are recognized as members and neighbors of the local community and can achieve stable independence in society."

The Day of North Korean Defectors event is open to all North Korean defectors, their families, and any residents of the province who wish to participate.