President Lee: "Bukhyangmin, an Asset for a Shared South-North Future"... "Bukhyangmin" Now Official Designation

Jeong Dong-young: "Not 'Defector,' but 'Bukhyangmin'... Names Reflect Identity"

The 3rd Day of North Korean Defectors Commemorated

On the occasion of the 3rd Day of North Korean Defectors, the government officially introduced the term "Bukhyangmin" to replace "defector," emphasizing an agenda of inclusivity and social integration. President Lee Jaemyung described Bukhyangmin as "precious assets preparing for a future where North and South will one day live together," while Jeong Dongyoung, Minister of Unification, reiterated the significance of changing the official designation, noting that "the term 'defector' contains hidden discrimination and exclusion."

At the 3rd Day of North Korean Defectors Commemoration Ceremony held on the 14th at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province, attendees including Jeong Dong-young, Minister of Unification, are flying paper airplanes sent to the North. Photo by Yonhap News

At the 3rd Day of North Korean Defectors Commemoration Ceremony held on July 14 at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, President Lee, through a congratulatory address delivered by Im Woongsun, the Second Deputy Director of the National Security Office, stated, "The government will be even more attentive so that, as confident citizens of the Republic of Korea, you do not bear the burdens of life alone."

He added, "I promise that the central government, local governments, and the private sector will join forces to create an environment where you can fully realize your potential. I have considered how much thought and courage must have been required for you to leave behind your beloved families and cherished hometowns to choose a new life."

President Lee also asserted, "We will unwaveringly continue on the path to establish lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and shared prosperity for both North and South, doing our utmost to open a future of coexistence and cooperation beyond conflict and confrontation."

Minister Jeong, in his encouragement speech, reiterated that starting this year, the government would use "Bukhyangmin" as the official term instead of "defector."

Minister Jeong said, "In the first and second Bukhyangmin Days last year and the year before, the day was commemorated as Defectors' Day, but this year, for the first time, we are commemorating this day under the name Bukhyangmin. The term 'defector' harbors discrimination and exclusion. The moment one hears 'defector,' it evokes memories of painful past experiences."

He further explained, "Three years ago, priests from the Catholic National Reconciliation Committee suggested the term, and a campaign was launched to replace 'defector' with 'Bukhyangmin' as a gesture to respect human dignity and warmly embrace and integrate neighbors whose hometowns are in the North."

Minister Jeong also said, "Everyone has a hometown. There are 34,600 Bukhyangmin living diligently while longing for their hometowns," mentioning the names of individuals featured as successful settlement cases.

The four exemplary Bukhyangmin featured include: Jo Kyungok, who obtained a social worker certification after defecting and now works as a public officer at the Chuncheon Waterworks Headquarters; Lee Hyorim, who studied at an alternative school after leaving Hanawon (the Settlement Support Center for North Korean Defectors) and joined a major corporation; Park Geumsung, born to a North Korean mother and Chinese father, who came to South Korea with his mother and is currently studying biopharmaceuticals at Dong-Eui University; and Kim Seonghee, who established the North Korean traditional liquor company "Hanadoga."

Meanwhile, the 'Day of North Korean Defectors (Bukhyangmin)' was established as a national commemoration day in 2024 to mark the enforcement date of the 'Act on the Protection and Settlement Support of North Korean Defectors.' The ceremony was attended by more than 1,000 participants, including Bukhyangmin and settlement support personnel.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.