Three of a group of six South Koreans repatriated to the South by the North Korean authorities on October 25th have been prosecuted under the National Security Law, Seoul Central Prosecutor’s Office announced yesterday.
It is anticipated that the other three will face prosecution pending further investigation.
The six men entered North Korea via China to escape failed businesses, divorce and other family problems, or after participating in pro-North Korean activities online and falling for the North Korean system, it was revealed.
For example, Kim (43) started to criticize South Korean society in Internet forums after his business failed in 2009. Following a reprint of some of his comments in the daily publication of the Chosun Workers’ Party, Rodong Sinmun, he anticipated a warm welcome should he cross over to the North, and entered the country in January 2011 via Dandong, China.
Jang (42) was dispatched to China on a job placement in 2008, where he became interested in North Korea’s internet presence. He subscribed to websites like Uriminzokkiri, and adopted a mindset critical of capitalism.
After he failed in business, Jang headed for Onsung in North Hamkyung Province in October 2011 via Yanji. He then complimentary things about Kim Jong Il.
Hwang (55) was once a regional sub-manager with the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. However, at the time of his retirement he was burdened by alimony, child support and mortgage payments. He was also having problems with his second marriage.
Hwang, who had been engaging with Chosun Central News Agency (KCNA) on the Internet since 2009, believed that North Korea could be the solution to his difficulties and visited China in March last year to investigate ways to enter the country. While there, he met an agent from the North Korean National Security Agency who promised, “You’ll only need $5000 to support yourself in North Korea for 20 years.” It was after these assurances that he crossed the border.
During their stay in North Korea, all six men found themselves confined to prison camps in Sinuiju, North Pyongan Province, and Wonsan in Gangwon Province. They have since admitted feeling betrayed and disappointed by the North.
