Efforts to stop the forced repatriation of a number of identified defectors from China back to North Korea have attracted the public support of a number of South Korean stars.
Drama actor Cha In Pyo and comedian Lee Seong Mi are among a group of entertainers set to join more than 30 students and others at a protest calling on the Chinese authorities to stop repatriating defectors, to be held in front of the Chinese embassy in Jongro, Seoul at 4:50PM today.
Cha In Pyo’s manager told Daily NK by phone this morning, “Following consultations last night, Mr. Cha In Pyo has decided to recite a letter of appeal calling for the forced repatriation of defectors to stop in front of the Chinese embassy today.”
Both Cha and Lee are committed supporters of North Korean human rights issues, with Cha playing a leading role in the 2008 film ‘Crossing’ and Lee taking the mic at a rally on February 18th to tell attendees, “After thinking of the pain of repatriated defectors, it was impossible for me not to appear here,” adding of the defectors currently in Chinese custody, “I hope for an immediate halt to the forced repatriations and their rescue.”
