Kang Byung-sup Repatriated to North Korea, Possibility of Punishment

North Korea escapee Kang Byung-sup (58), who claimed that North Korea is using political offenders as subjects for biochemical human experimentation, has been repatriated to North Korea by Chinese authorities. There have been suggestions of Mr. Kim possibly being subjected to torture or punishment.

According to a BBC report on March 31, a human rights organization asserted, “Despite being fully aware of this possibility, Chinese authorities have forcefully repatriated Mr. Kang to North Korea.”

Advisor of Kidnap Victims and Defectors Human Rights Solidarity Kim Sang-hun who sent letters to governments in different countries in an attempt to stop Mr. Kim’s repatriation stated, “It is a relief just to confirm that he is even alive.”

Mr. Lee is the individual who sent “evidence materials” to the documentary of North Korea’s human experimentation (aired in February) on BBC. Soon after, he was captured by the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs during his attempt to escape to Laos with two of his family members.

Jung-Ahn Kim credo@donga.com