“The government of the Republic of Korea will never turn its back on our suffering compatriots in North Korea.”
“No matter what happens, we will not turn away even a single North Korean compatriot who comes to South Korea.”
These are the words of President Yoon Seok-yeol at the ceremony commemorating the 1st North Korean Defectors’ Day held at the Blue House guest house in Jongno-gu, Seoul on the 14th.
President Yoon instructed the establishment of North Korean Defectors’ Day at the Cabinet meeting in January of this year. After gathering opinions, the government designated July 14 as ‘North Korean Defectors’ Day’ to commemorate the day the ‘Act on the Protection and Settlement Support of North Korean Defectors’ went into effect (July 14, 1997).
President Yoon attended a ceremony to mark the first North Korean Defectors’ Day and criticized the regime, saying, “In order to prevent defections, the North Korean regime is building walls and electric fences along the border, and even planting landmines,” adding, “This is an inhumane act that blocks the cry for a humane life.”
He emphasized, “No matter how much we suppress, we cannot stop the hope for freedom and the steps toward freedom,” and “Our government will make sure that your steps toward freedom are not in vain.”
Did the North Korean people hear President Yoon’s commemorative speech? If so, how did they react?
Daily NK conducted interviews with ordinary workers in the border region of North Hamgyong Province and officials in Pyongyang to understand what kind of impact President Yoon’s commemorative speech had on North Korean residents. While the workers felt hope and relief from President Yoon’s message, the officials seemed to perceive it as a direct threat and an anti-republican plot. This interview clearly revealed the difference in perspective between ordinary North Korean residents and officials.
The following is a Q&A interview between Mr. A, a resident of the border of North Hamgyong Province, and Mr. B, a cadre in Pyongyang.
-What did you think of President Yoon Seok-yeol’s speech commemorating North Korean Defectors’ Day?
Border resident A (hereinafter A): “I was really choked up. The president’s words are like the leader’s policy. I can’t tell you how much strength they give me. It gives me hope that I have a place to go whenever I’m having a hard time.”
Pyongyang City official B (hereinafter B): “This is a strategy by the enemies to destroy us internally. It seems like they are trying to cause discord and interference from the outside. The number of people attempting to defect will increase and border security will become stricter.”
-President Yoon said, ‘I will not send back even a single North Korean compatriot who visits South Korea.’
A: “It is the greatest hope in the world, deeper than the sea and higher than the sky. I think people who are struggling to live here (in North Korea) and are considering defecting will feel reassured. They will have the confidence that they will live well if they arrive safely. More people will cross the border.”
B: “It is a conspiracy to encourage defection of residents. If such rumors spread here, control of border areas and control of movement of residents will inevitably be strengthened.”
– President Yoon announced that he would establish a comprehensive protection and support system to help North Korean defectors settle down in South Korea stably. This includes improving initial settlement support funds, providing incentives for companies that hire North Korean defectors, and providing customized mentoring.
A: “I don’t know exactly what you’re talking about. But I’m very grateful that you’re establishing a protection and support system. Some people living along the border know that even if you defect and live in South Korea, there are many difficulties. In any case, wouldn’t national support be a great help to the defectors living there?”
B: “I repeat, such words are ultimately provocations that increase instability within our society and are dangerous and toxic acts.”
– President Yoon also said, “I will make every diplomatic effort to prevent our compatriots who escaped North Korea and are living abroad from being forcibly repatriated.” He also declared that he would work on the issue of forced repatriation.
A: “The residents should accept it with hope. Not only the people living here, but even more so those who illegally crossed the border and live in hiding in China without any status, they will feel like they want to live like human beings even for a day. That’s why they want to go to Korea, but if they are caught and taken to Joseon, won’t their lives be even more miserable?”
B: “I view the puppet intervention in any of our country’s problems very negatively. I think we need to make it clear to the people that this is an infringement on their national sovereignty, so that there is no confusion.”
-Lastly, is there anything you would like to say to the South Korean government that established ‘North Korean Defectors’ Day’?
A: “Thank you so much. I hope that this day will be a great strength to the North Korean defectors there, just as it was to our people here. I think many people here will hear this news and have hope.”
B: “The establishment of such a day is clearly intended to sow discord and confusion in the unity of our society. The puppet government should stop tempting people with empty talk.”
Source: www.dailynk.com
