North Korean Defector Crosses to South Korea

SEOUL, Aug. 8 (UPI) -- A North Korean defector successfully crossed into South Korea through neutral waters, as confirmed by Seoul's military and local media on Thursday. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported that an unidentified individual, presumed to be from North Korea, was secured and handed over to the appropriate authorities. The JCS is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the defection and the individual's journey southward. According to reports from Yonhap news agency, the defector crossed the Han River estuary and reached Gyodong Island early Thursday morning. The crossing occurred during low tide, allowing the individual to arrive on foot. Sources indicate that the defector expressed a desire to defect upon arrival. Notably, there have been no unusual movements detected from the North Korean military in the aftermath of this incident. This recent defection follows a previous event in October, when four North Korean defectors made their way across the eastern maritime border in a small wooden boat. Such maritime defections are uncommon, as most North Koreans typically escape overland through China. Upon arrival in South Korea, defectors are granted citizenship and receive financial assistance and training after undergoing vetting by South Korean intelligence. Over 34,000 North Koreans have defected to the South, largely due to severe economic hardships and the oppressive regime in their home country. However, the number of defectors has significantly decreased since Pyongyang tightened border security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.