Vice unification minister highlights role of N. Korean defectors for unification

Vice Unification Minister Moon Seoung-hyun speaks in a meeting of ministries and provincial governments at the government complex in Seoul, Feb. 2. Yonhap

Vice Unification Minister Moon Seoung-hyun on Friday emphasized the importance of North Korean defectors, calling them "precious assets" who can serve as South Korea's link to the North Korean people.

Moon made the remarks as South Korea has been putting an emphasis on supporting the settlement of North Korean defectors and improving the dire human rights situation in the North.

In a Cabinet meeting last month, President Yoon Suk Yeol called for embracing the North Korean people, saying they have the "same rights as us to enjoy freedom, human rights and prosperity." Yoon also instructed the ministry to designate a day for North Korean defectors.

"North Korean defectors, for us, are a link to the North Korean people and very precious assets for unification as they have experienced both South and North Korea," Moon said at a meeting of 20 government ministries and three provincial governments to discuss support measures for defectors.

"Every citizen should be aware that North Korean defectors are contributing to the country's capabilities for preparing for unification, as well as national development," he said.

The vice minister vowed to swiftly designate a day for the defectors as instructed by Yoon and draw up more effective measures to support them.

The total number of North Korean defectors in South Korea had reached 34,078 as of the end of last year, according to ministry data. (Yonhap)