Message Delivered on North Korean Defectors' Day
"Overcoming the Reality of Division... Living Proof of Inter-Korean Harmony"
On July 14, Kim Youngrok, Governor of Jeonnam Province, pledged to take the lead in creating an inclusive society where everyone is united without discrimination, thereby laying the foundation for peaceful reunification of the Korean Peninsula, in commemoration of the second annual North Korean Defectors' Day, a national memorial day.
In his message released on this day, Governor Kim expressed his deep respect and encouragement to the 679 North Korean defectors who have courageously chosen to build new lives in Jeonnam, reaffirming his commitment to inclusion.
He further stated, "North Korean defectors are individuals who have personally overcome the reality of 80 years of division. Their presence in communities throughout Jeonnam, sharing bonds with their neighbors, serves as living proof that the two Koreas can become one again, and as a valuable stepping stone to advancing the era of peaceful reunification."
He continued, "The new administration is prioritizing peace, having halted loudspeaker broadcasts toward North Korea and proposed the restoration of dialogue channels with the North. I sincerely hope that these developments will continue and become a new starting point for a peaceful Korean Peninsula."
Jeonnam Province is actively promoting a variety of tailored support programs to help North Korean defectors, who are seeds of peaceful reunification, settle and become self-reliant in the region. These initiatives are centered around the Honam Region Unification Plus Center and include employment and job support grants, academy tuition for children of defector families, and support for home appliances for new residents in Jeonnam. In particular, the province is actively fostering emotional stability and psychological recovery through the "Mind Care Program" in partnership with professional psychological counselors.
Governor Kim emphasized, "Above all, it is most important that all residents of the province accept North Korean defectors as true neighbors," and urged, "I hope everyone will reach out first with warmth, understanding, and consideration."
Meanwhile, North Korean Defectors' Day was designated as a national memorial day in 2024 and is being observed for the second time this year. To commemorate the occasion, Jeonnam Province held a cultural event on July 12 at the Honam Region Unification Plus Center, featuring a photo contest awards ceremony, a performance by North Korean defector artists, and a unification experience booth, among other activities.
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