North Korean Refugees and Aid Workers Arrested in China

Chinese authorities foiled an attempt to send about 80 North Korean asylum-seekers to South Korea and Japan, which has long been organized by non-government organizations helping North Korean refugees in China.

Seoul-based Durihana Mission Foundation said that about 50 North Korean refugees were arrested by Chinese authorities during an attempt to seek asylum in South Korea and Japan by sea at a Chinese port.

˝Some 10 North Korean refugees, including freelancer photographer Seok and NGO activist Choi, managed to run away,˝ an official at Durihana explained. “But the whereabouts of the remaining 20 defectors had yet to be confirmed.”

The Associated Press reported quoting Shin Dong-cheol, Korean American minister that Chinese police, posing as helpers, approached about 60 North Koreans, who were about to board on two boats with three South Korean aid workers to seek asylum in Korea and Japan.

Dong-Ki Sung esprit@donga.com