China, “to Deport NKD to the North Soon”

Three North Koreans defectors, who were arrested for trying to enter Korean embassy in Beijing in order to seek refuge in Korea, would be deported to the North soon.

They were arrested by Chinese armed police, who were checking people in front of the gate of Chile embassy, which is 30 m away from Korean embassy on 29th at 11.00 A.M.

The other two who tried to enter Korean embassy along with them escaped.

Three who were arrested are known as Mr.K in mid-40s and his two children.

They were looking for proper embassy at Sanritun, Chaoyang, where embassies are located, and were arrested while approaching Korean embassy.

China authorities would deport them under `crime of illegal entry` after finishing investigation on defection from North Korea and motive of refugee.

Regarding this, Government stated, “deporting them to the North hasn`t been clarified yet and China government didn`t announce the arrest of NKD” and, “we delivered our stance to China that they shouldn`t be deported forcibly”.

Kim Hang-Gyeong, vice minister of foreign affairs called Lee bin, Chinese ambassador in Korea and delivered government`s official stance, saying, “three NKD who were arrested should be treated on humanitarian grounds”.

Young-Sik Kim spear@donga.com